Sailing Programs
Instructional Courses, Adult Sailing, Community Programs & More
The WaterFront Center offers a safety boating course and sailing instruction to all ability levels, from the total beginner, who may have never set foot on a boat before, to the advanced racer interested in refining their skills.
As a U.S. Sailing Accredited School and Community Sailing Center, we are committed to achieving greater diversity throughout the sport and fostering an environment that is more inclusive.
Instructional Courses
Book Your Course Now!
From “first experiences” to certifications and instructor seminars, The WaterFront Center has everything you need to become a confident sailor. Learn parts of the boat, points of sail, tacking/jibing, and more.
Discover Sailing: First Experiences
Explore all of what Oyster Bay Harbor has to offer with a Discover Sail! This program takes a maximum of four guests on a two-hour sail with a certified sailing instructor. This is the perfect experience for inexperienced sailors who want to see if sailing is right for them or simply a relaxing cruise for the whole family!
Please note: Under 18 needs an adult present; younger than five is not recommended. Four passengers per boat.
• $195 for two hours, includes boat reservation and up to 4 passengers. Children under 5-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
*Booking required, no walk-ins
U.S. Basic KeelBoat Certification
This US Sailing certification course teaches you the skills required to receive US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification. If you complete the course and pass the practical and written tests, the certification documents the skills that you successfully completed, the type of boat you learned on, and the area you sailed in. Upon successful completion, you will receive a log book and certification card. In the logbook, you make an entry each time you sail, noting the conditions, area, and boat. This records the sailing experience you can show if you want to rent a sailboat somewhere other than the WFC. The course is broken up into segments totaling 16 hours, with added time in the end for the practical and written tests. Practicing at Community Sailing classes between your Keelboat classes is highly recommended. This course can also teach you the skills needed to rent a Sonar at the WFC if you want to avoid going the full certification route. Those with little sailing experience will participate in the whole program. With instructor recommendations (from Learn to Sail, Community Sailing, or Private Lessons), you may be able to start the program mid-course.
Please Note: These classes run with a minimum of two participants.
$740, includes boat reservation and one sailor for the entire course,
Includes: Log Book, Basic Keelboat textbook, U.S. Basic Certification Test, one credit to a WFC Community Sailing class,1-year membership to US Sailing contingent upon passing the course.
16 hours total instructional time = 4hr sessions spread over 4 days. Consult the instructor before booking follow-up classes
*Booking required, no walk-ins;
*You MUST finish the previous session in order to register for the next session!
Are you a Parent? Looking for Programs for your Children?
Visit our Youth & Family Programs page to find activities, programs, and resources more suited for individual families.
Community Sailing Classes
Can’t get enough of Community Sailing? Save money with a a Season Pass!
Community Open Sail
Sail, Learn & Connect!
Brush up on your sailing skills, meet fellow sailors, or simply enjoy a beautiful day on the water in Oyster Bay Harbor! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sailor, our on-water instructor will be there to answer questions and help you refine your technique.
📅 Class Schedule & Options:
⏳ 2-hour & 3-hour sail options available!
🗓 Wednesdays: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
🗓 Saturdays: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
🗓 Sundays: 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
For adults 18+
Reservations only – no walk-ins
Women on the Water (WOW)
Sail, Connect & Unwind!
Women in our community are invited to enjoy an evening of sailing in a fun, safe, and supportive environment! Whether you want to learn the basics of sailing, meet new friends, or simply relax on the water, this is the perfect opportunity to cruise Oyster Bay stress-free aboard our Sonars.
📅 Class Schedule & Options:
🗓 Thursdays | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
For women 18+
Reservations only – no walk-ins
Please Note: If WOW is fully booked, Community Open Sail is always available!
Open Community Sailing Season Pass:
Full Season Pass: (Unlimited classes, Memorial Day weekend to end of the season)
Woman On The Water Community Sailing Season Pass:
Full Season Pass: (Unlimited classes, Memorial Day weekend to end of the season)
Adult Private Lessons
-
$250
Includes a 2hr boat reservation and one sailor, $100 per additional participant, up to 4 sailors total.
-
$225
Includes a 2hr boat reservation and one sailor, $80 per additional sailor, up to 4 sailors total.
-
$225
Includes a 2hr boat reservation and one sailor, $80 per additional participant, up to 4 sailors total.
-
For children under 18, private lessons are available on Optimists and C420’s
Request A Private Lesson
Learn how to sail or brush up on your skills with a Private Lesson. This two-hour lesson can be tailored to your needs, whether you want to learn how to trim the sail better, perfect your gybes, or even start learning to sail! Private Lessons are available in Optimists and C420s for children, and Sonars, Hobie Waves, or Hobie Getaways for adults.