Sailing & Boating Programs
Instructional Courses, Youth 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 For 2024!
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 four 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, 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 session 1 in order to register for session 2
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.
USCG Limited Master (Launch Tender), 2024
April 27th - 28th, 9 am - 6 pm
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This 2-day, hands-on course is designed for anyone who wants to work as a launch driver at marinas, yacht clubs, waterfront centers and camps. As part of this course you will earn a certificate in lieu of an exam at the United States Coast Guard so that you may apply for a US Coast Guard License for Limited Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels or Master of Self Propelled Vessels engaged in launch tender service upon inland waters (not more than ½ nautical mile from shore). In addition you will earn a US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certification and a New York State equivalent Boating Safety Certificate.
TOPICS COVERED: Classroom topics: Registration & legal requirements; safety equipment & procedures; safe boat operation; rules of the road & basic navigation; emergency procedures & rendering assistance; weather & the marine environment; and more! Dockside & on-the-water skills: Operations checklists; engine troubleshooting; leaving & returning to a dock or slip; slow and high speed boat handling and close-quarters maneuvering; towing; person in the water recovery; anchoring; and more!
CERTIFICATIONS GRANTED: This is a NY State, USCG and NASBLA approved course. Upon successful completion of the course, on the water skills, and four multiple choice tests, you will receive US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certification, which also meets the NY State Safe Boating Certificate requirements, and a SUNY Maritime College Launch Tender license, which exempts you from the USCG exam when applying for a Limited Masters or Limited OUPV License. You have 12 months upon completion of the course to submit your complete application to the USCG. You do not need to complete any requirements prior to taking the course.
PREREQUISITE: There are no prerequisites to take the course, but you will need to meet requirements for your USCG license application, including: Sea Time, TWIC Card, Physical exam, including eye exam; drug test.
SKILL LEVEL: All skill levels
**If you do not need the USCG Launch Tender License, we recommend the Safe Powerboat Handling Course.**
AGES: 17 and up to take the class; 18 to apply for the license
SCHEDULE: 2-day, 16-hr course, 9 am-6 pm (once you register for the first day, you will automatically be registered for the second day.)
COURSE MATERIALS PROVIDED: US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling textbook, review questions and logbook.
*Launch boat not shown*
Join A Class!
Can’t get enough of Community Sailing? Save money with a a Season Pass!
Community Open Sail
Brush up on your sailing skills, meet fellow sailors, or spend a beautiful night sailing in Oyster Bay Harbor. All community sails will be supervised by an on-water instructor who will answer any questions or help you tweak your sailing skills for perfection.
2 - hour classes: $60
3 - hour classes: $80
Class Schedule: Classes start Memorial Day weekend (Subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances)
Wednesdays: 6 pm - 8 pm
Saturdays: 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Sundays 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
Reservations only, no walk-ins; 18+ only, Thank you!
Women on the Water (WOW)
Women from our community can experience an evening of sailing in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. These evenings, on our Sonars, can be used to learn the basics of sailing, meet new women in our community, or release stress by cruising around the bay!
2 - hour classes: $60
3 - hour classes: $80
Class Schedule: Classes start Memorial Day weekend (Subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances)
Thursdays: 6 pm - 8 pm
Reservations only, no walk-ins; 18+ only, Thank you!
Please Note* If there are no more spots in WOW, Community Open Sail is always open!
Open Community Sailing Season Pass:
Full Season Pass: $750 (Unlimited classes, Memorial Day weekend to end of the season)
Woman On The Water Community Sailing Season Pass:
Full Season Pass: $550 (Unlimited classes, Memorial Day weekend to end of the season)
Adult Private Lessons
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$350
Includes a 2hr boat reservation and one sailor, $100 per additional participant, up to 4 sailors total.
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$225
Includes a 2hr boat reservation and one sailor, $80 per additional sailor, up to 4 sailors total.
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$225
Includes a 2hr boat reservation and one sailor, $80 per additional participant, up to 4 sailors total.
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For children under 18, private lessons are available on Optimists and C420’s
Request A Private Lesson
PRIVATE LESSONS WILL START BACK UP IN June 2024
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.
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.
Giving Back
Through Sailing
All Courses will start back up in June 2024
The Waterfront Center aims to get everyone out on the water regardless of age, skill level, or ability. Through our Veterans on Water (VOW) and ZigZag: Adaptive Sailing programs, the WFC provides access to Oyster Bay Harbor and the chance to develop personal growth and empowerment.
Getting veterans and people with disabilities out on the water can provide physical, mental, and emotional therapy as well as advanced leadership skills, increased self-confidence, and the camaraderie of teamwork. The WFC has improved countless people’s lives through therapeutic sailing.
These programs run June through Labor Day weekend every 1st, 3rd, and occasionally 5th Sunday of the month.
Offered to qualifying attendees at no charge.
Veterans on Water (VOW)
The WaterFront Center honors veterans who have bravely served our country by providing them with the experience of sailing at no cost. Sailing is often recommended as a therapeutic outlet that combines the challenge of seamanship with the serenity of being on the water.
Sunday’s
ZigZag Adaptive Sailing
ZigZag program offers instruction and equipment that caters specifically to the needs of people with disabilities. We are proud to provide our ZigZag program at no cost to these sailors.
Sunday’s
