Adult Sailing Programs

The WaterFront Center's Basic Keelboat Certification Package is a comprehensive 4-day introduction to sailing. Designed to build a strong foundation in sailing skills, this course is appropriate for beginner and intermediate sailors. A combination of classroom and on-the-water sessions focuses on practical sailing skills, safety, basic navigation and sail theory. After successful completion of the course, including an on-the-water practical and written test, students receive US SAILING certification which enables the holder to operate a small tiller-steered keelboat in light to moderate breeze in familiar waters.

US SAILING programs provide a national standard of instruction and learning outcomes. Instructors receive specific training intended to accelerate the learning process for students through a comprehensive building block approach. Within the four-day course, students will build both sailing knowledge and practical skills. Topics covered include: terminology, boat preparation and rigging, knots, wind awareness, boathandling and sail trim, navigation, weather, and important safety procedures and maneuvers. Students will complete a written test as well as on-the-water practical for certification.

Cruising offers sailors the freedom to enjoy extended stays afloat. This course prepares you for destination sailing during daylight hours within the sight of land in moderate wind and sea conditions. With emphasis on handling an auxiliary engine, docking, anchoring, boat systems, plotting a course and navigation, completion of the course certifies students to skipper and crew an auxiliary powered sailboat up to 32' in length.

The US SAILING Keelboat Certification system provides a nationally standard building block approach to learning and mastering the various components of sailing. Building upon fundamental sailing skills learned in Basic Keelboat, Basic Cruising grants students the knowledge for destination sailing, a popular recreational activity that allows freedom to further enjoy the scope of the marine environment. Topics covered not only boost sailing skills, but also focus on operating under auxiliary power and understanding power, electrical, bilge, head and fresh water systems. Students will complete a written test as well as on-the-water practical for certification.

Set sail with an experienced instructor and discover if sailing is for you. This relaxed 2-hour adventure provides the opportunity to steer and participate in basic sailing maneuvers. A perfect first taste of what sailing is all about! Your instructor will guide you through rigging the boat, basic terminology and help you set your course for an exciting sail. Learn to take the helm and trim the sails while enjoying the waters of Oyster Bay aboard a safe and stable 23 foot Sonar. Great for families or individuals looking to get out on the water and discover the excitement of sailing.

Looking for comprehensive instruction but uncertain about a full certification course? Sailing 101 provides two half days of instruction on reading the wind, rigging the boat, basic sailing maneuvers and safety protocol. An instructor will guide you through the basics as you experience the thrill of learning to sail aboard a 23 foot Sonar. Learn step by step how to prepare to set sail, knots, wind awareness and points of sail. This class will provide a solid foundation and get you on the right track for learning to sail. This course may be extended to a full Basic Keelboat certification course for an additional fee.

Designed for those with some sailing experience or intermediate sailors looking to brush up on their skills, this class prepares you for renting a 23’ Sonar and sailing without an instructor in West Harbor. Rigging procedures, leaving from and returning to a mooring, anchoring, reefing, and proper stowing of the boat will be covered. This course may be extended to a full Basic Keelboat certification course for an additional fee.

Are you eager to rent but not ready to go it alone? Sailing 102 will review the fundamentals and focus on the specific skills needed for Sonar sailing in local waters. Designed to review the basics and build confidence to rent safely and perfect for those looking to build self-reliance, bring their skills up to speed or for those who may be a little rusty.

Single-handed sailing provides an engaging and challenging experience. Sunfish dinghies heighten your senses and awareness of what makes a boat work. Swim check required on first day of class. The Sunfish dinghy is a popular choice for enjoying time on the water. An instructor will guide you through rigging, basic knots, capsize recovery, sail trim and boat handling as you learn to skipper on your own in this very hands on class. Sunfish recommended manufacturer weight limit is 190 lbs.

Ladies, join us for evening sailing aboard our Sonars in a comfortable and fun environment. Appropriate for all skill levels, this program and is designed to boost confidence and skills tailored to meet individualized needs. Learn to sail, improve your skills, even race while sharing good times with other women on the water! Whether you are looking for a new activity or have been sailing for years, Ladies Sailing provides an excellent and unique opportunity to enjoy evenings on the water. Instructors will help you learn and improve your skills while you take pleasure in sharing the experience with new friends.

Increase your speed downwind by learning the basics of spinnaker handling. Successful completion of this course certifies you to sail our 23' Sonars with spinnaker in light to moderate breeze. Learn how to set, gybe and take down a spinnaker while maintaining control and speed. With the wind at your back you’ll reach and run farther and faster while learning more about sail shape and design and the physics of downwind sailing.

Take your sailing experience to the next level and put your skills to the test on the racecourse! The perfect program for those new to racing as well as intermediate racers, with emphasis on basic performance sailing and understanding racing formats and technique. Sailboat racing is an excellent way to improve all of your sailing skills. Whether you are a recent Basic Keelboat graduate or are looking for a social way to enjoy time on the water, Tuesday Night Racing is the perfect choice. Learn from fellow sailors while instructors provide coaching in a friendly atmosphere with emphasis on learning. Join us in a friendly, fostering environment with on-the-water coaching and a BBQ afterwards.

Time to take it to the competition: Upwind beats and downwind runs with spinnaker in hand, call the puffs and find the favored side of the course, jibe on the lifts and tack on the headers! Our all new Thursday Night Racing program is designed and geared towards those who have previous racing experience. Enjoy friendly competitive racing with series scoring in our one design fleet of Sonars with spinnakers and relax afterwards with a BBQ. Join together with friends to form a team and race for awards given at the end of the season!

This class focuses on refining your spinnaker technique for racing. Learn advanced spinnaker handling, mark-roundings and efficient sets and take downs to improve your downwind racing. Sailing under spinnaker is an exciting component of racing. Efficient sets, gybes and takedowns can make all the difference on a racecourse. Spinnaker Racing will help you hone your spinnaker technique and downwind strategy.

Private Lessons allow for tailored instruction in any area of your choosing. Whether you are looking for comprehensive instruction or want to work on specific skills, Private Lessons are the perfect choice to meet your individual goals.