Frequently Asked Questions
Cancellation Policy
Please review our General Cancellation & Attendance Policy before booking any program.
Exceptions may apply; please reference the terms & conditions for the specific program in question.
If you have any questions, please contact info@thewaterfrontcenter.org or call (516) 922-SAIL [7245]
General Cancellation & Attendance
Cancellation Or Reschedule by The WFC
The WaterFront Center Reserves the right to cancel or reschedule an appointment due to weather conditions, staff issues, technical issues on the organization's side, etc.
If the WFC cancels an appointment, arrangements will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
If an appointment is rescheduled to a later date and the participant cannot attend, arrangements for store credit, refund, or additional rescheduling will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Exceptions may apply; please reference the terms & conditions for the specific program in question.
Cancellation By the Participant
Cancellations outside two weeks of the scheduled appointment date will receive a refund (not including the processing fee). Exceptions may apply; please reference the terms & conditions for the specific program in question.
Cancellations within two weeks of the scheduled appointment date will not get a refund and need to contact the organization. Arrangements for store credit or rescheduled based on instructor availability, will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Cancellations will not be accepted, and refunds will not be issued once a multi-day course has begun.
Attendance Policy
Participants are expected to arrive at the facility before (recommended 15 minutes) the start of their scheduled appointment and be ready for departure at the scheduled start time.
Delayed departure will not result in an extension beyond the scheduled end time for the appointment.
Refunds will not be issued for time lost due to late arrival/delayed departure not caused by the organization.
Absent participants will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.
Inclement Weather Cancellation & Attendance Policy
The WaterFront Center Reserves the right to cancel or reschedule due to the threat of imminent and potentially dangerous weather up to, and at any time during, any class, appointment, activity, charter, tour, cruise, or program.
If a class, appointment, activity, charter, tour, cruise, or program is canceled by the WFC, arrangements will be made to issue a credit or refund to the customer.
If a class, appointment, activity, charter, tour, cruise, or program is rescheduled to a later date and the participant cannot attend, arrangements for store credit, refund, or additional rescheduling will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Delayed departure due to inclement weather may not result in an extension beyond the scheduled end time for the appointment.
Time lost due to delayed departure or early closure due to weather may be considered for an arrangement for store credit, refund, or additional rescheduling and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Absent participants without official notice of cancellation or rescheduling by the organization will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.
Exceptions may apply; please reference the terms & conditions for the specific program in question.
Cancellation & Attendance Policy
for Youth Programs & Multi-Day Programs
Cancellation Or Reschedule by The WFC
The WaterFront Center Reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the entirety or portions of a youth/multi-day program due to weather conditions, staff issues, technical issues on the organization's side, etc.
If the entirety or portions of a youth/multi-day program is canceled by the WFC due to weather etc., the program will not be refunded or rescheduled, other-wise refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If the entirety or portions of a youth/multi-day program is rescheduled to a later date and the participant cannot attend, the program will not be refunded or rescheduled.
Exceptions may apply; please reference the terms & conditions for the specific program in question.
Cancellation By the Participant
Cancellations outside 15 days of the start date of a scheduled youth/multi-day program will receive a refund (not including the processing fee). Exceptions may apply; please reference the terms & conditions for the specific program in question.
Cancellations inside 15 days of the start date of a scheduled youth/multi-day program will not be refunded, rescheduled, etc. These situations may be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Cancellations will not be accepted, and refunds will not be issued once a multi-day course has begun.
Cancellations within 15 days due to medical emergencies which prevent participation in a Youth Program, and only when corroborated by a doctor's note will be considered for a refund, store credit, refund, or additional rescheduling on a case-by-case basis.
Attendance Policy
Participants are expected to arrive at the facility before the start of their scheduled program and be ready for departure at the scheduled start time.
Delayed departure will not result in an extension beyond the scheduled end time for the appointment.
Refunds will not be issued for time lost due to late arrival/delayed departure not caused by the organization.
Absent participants will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.
Cancellation, Payment, & Attendance Policy
for Private Charters aboard CHRISTEEN and IDA MAY
Cancellation Or Reschedule by The WFC
Cancellations due to imminent and potentially dangerous weather are at the sole discretion of The WaterFront Center.
The WaterFront Center reserves the right to cancel any reservation due to the threat of imminent and potentially dangerous weather up to, and at any time during, any scheduled sail or rental time.
In the event of a weather cancellation by The WaterFront Center, you may choose a refund (not including the processing fee) or reschedule your appointment. The WaterFront Center will first issue a gift card credit to expedite the rescheduling process. If you wish for a refund (not including the processing fee) please contact our booking staff with your booking and gift card information.
In the event of a 30 minute or more weather delay by The WaterFront Center, you may choose a refund (not including the processing fee) or reschedule your appointment. Delays less than 30 minutes may only choose to reschedule your appointment.
No-shows will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.
Cancellation By the Participant
Cancellations outside two weeks of the scheduled date will receive a refund (not including the processing fee).
Cancellations within two weeks, but not within five days, of the scheduled date, may reschedule but will not be refunded.
Cancellations within five days of the scheduled date, will not receive a refund or the opportunity to reschedule.
Payment & Attendance Policy
All Private Charters scheduled before May 1st must put down a 50% deposit to save the spot. All Private Charters scheduled after May 31st will be expected to be paid in full.
All charters scheduled before the last day of April must pay their full deposit by May 1st to keep that time slot. All deposits that are not paid by May 31st will be forfeited and their spot lost.
Full payment is required upon booking from May 1st on; unrequested deposits or partial payments will not be accepted/processed nor guaranteed a reservation.
All passengers are expected to arrive at the facility before the start of their scheduled appointment (recommended 15 minutes) and be ready for departure at the scheduled start time.
Delayed departure will not result in an extension beyond the scheduled end time for the appointment.
Refunds will not be issued for time lost due to late arrival/delayed departure not caused by the organization.
Absent participants will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.
Cancellation & Attendance Policy
for Harbor Tours/Sunset Cruises aboard CHRISTEEN and IDA MAY
Cancellation Or Reschedule by The WFC
The WaterFront Center Reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a Harbor Tour or Sunset Cruise due to weather conditions, staff issues, technical issues on the organization's side, etc.
The WaterFront Center reserves the right to cancel any reservation due to the threat of imminent and potentially dangerous weather up to, and at any time during, any scheduled sail or rental time.
In the event of a weather cancellation by The WaterFront Center, you may choose a refund (not including the processing fee) or reschedule your appointment. The WaterFront Center will first issue a gift card credit to expedite the rescheduling process. If you wish for a refund (not including the processing fee) please contact our booking staff with your booking and gift card information.
In the event of a 30 minute or more weather delay by The WaterFront Center, you may choose a refund (not including the processing fee) or reschedule your appointment. Delays less than 30 minutes may only choose to reschedule your appointment.
No-shows will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.
Exceptions may apply; please reference the terms & conditions for the specific program in question.
Cancellation By the Participant
Cancellations outside two weeks of the scheduled harbor tour or sunset cruise date will receive a refund (not including the processing fee). Exceptions may apply; please reference the terms & conditions for the specific program in question.
Cancellations within two weeks of the scheduled harbor tour or sunset cruise date will need to contact the organization, and arrangements for store credit, refund, or additional rescheduling will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
If you book within 72 hours of a CHRISTEEN or Ida May Cruise or tour, you waive your right to a refund.
Attendance Policy
All passengers are expected to arrive at the facility before the start of their scheduled appointment (Recommended 15 before) and be ready for departure at the scheduled start time. Late passengers may be left ashore to ensure the CHRISTEEN and IDA MAY remains on schedule.
Delayed departure will not result in an extension beyond the scheduled end time for the appointment.
Refunds will not be issued for time lost due to late arrival or delayed departure that was not caused by the organization.
Late passengers left ashore due to late arrival will not be issued a refund, and arrangements for store credit or additional rescheduling are not guaranteed and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Absent participants will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.
Cancellation & Attendance Policy
for Adult Sailing Classes
Cancellation Or Reschedule by The WFC
The WaterFront Center Reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any lesson due to weather conditions, staff issues, technical issues on the organization's side, etc.
Cancellations due to imminent and potentially dangerous weather are at the sole discretion of The WaterFront Center.
The WaterFront Center reserves the right to cancel any reservation due to the threat of imminent and potentially dangerous weather up to, and at any time during, any scheduled sail or rental time.
In the event of a weather cancellation by The WaterFront Center, you may choose a refund (not including the processing fee) or reschedule your appointment. The WaterFront Center will first issue a gift card credit to expedite the rescheduling process. If you wish for a refund (not including the processing fee) please contact our booking staff with your booking and gift card information.
In the event of a 30 minute or more weather delay by The WaterFront Center, you may choose a refund (not including the processing fee) or reschedule your appointment. Delays less than 30 minutes may only choose to reschedule your appointment.
Cancellation By the Participant
Cancellations outside five days of the scheduled date will receive a refund (not including the processing fee).
Cancellations within five days but not within three days (72 hours), of the scheduled date, may reschedule but will not be refunded.
Cancellations within three days (72 hours) of the scheduled date, will not receive a refund or the opportunity to reschedule.
No shows will forefit their ability to reschedule or recieve a refund
Cancellations will not be accepted, and refunds will not be issued once a multi-day course has begun.
Attendance Policy
Participants are expected to arrive at the facility before the start of their scheduled program (recommended 15 minutes) and be ready for departure at the scheduled start time.
Delayed departure will not result in an extension beyond the scheduled end time for the appointment.
Refunds will not be issued for time lost due to late arrival/delayed departure not caused by the organization.
Absent participants will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.
Cancellation & Attendance Policy
for Rentals
Cancellation Or Reschedule by The WFC
The WaterFront Center Reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the rental due to weather conditions, staff issues, technical issues on the organization's side, etc.
Cancellations due to imminent and potentially dangerous weather are at the sole discretion of The WaterFront Center. Reservation can be cancelled due to the threat of imminent and potentially dangerous weather up to, and at any time during, any scheduled sail or rental time.
In the event of a weather cancellation by The WaterFront Center, you may choose a refund (not including the processing fee) or reschedule your appointment. The WaterFront Center will first issue a gift card credit to expedite the rescheduling process. If you wish for a refund (not including the processing fee) please contact our booking staff with your booking and gift card information.
In the event of a 30 minute or more weather delay by The WaterFront Center, you may choose a refund (not including the processing fee) or reschedule your appointment. Delays less than 30 minutes may only choose to reschedule your appointment.
No-shows will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.
Cancellation By the Participant
Cancellations outside seven days of the scheduled date will receive a refund (not including the processing fee).
Cancellations within seven days, but not within three days (72 hours), of the scheduled date, may reschedule but will not be refunded.
Cancellations within three days (72 hours) of the scheduled date, will not receive a refund or the opportunity to reschedule.
Attendance Policy
Participants are expected to arrive at the facility before the start of their scheduled program (recommended 15 mins) and be ready for departure at the scheduled start time.
Delayed departure will not result in an extension beyond the scheduled end time for the appointment.
Refunds will not be issued for time lost due to late arrival/delayed departure not caused by the organization.
Absent participants will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.
Before you Arrive:
Tips & Advice
We appreciate you choosing to participate in one of our programs! To ensure your appointment goes smoothly, please review the following tips & suggestions:
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. If you arrive late, your program's time will not be extended and may be subject to cancellation.
Bring layers of clothing appropriate for the weather forecast and apply sunblock before leaving the land, and reapply as necessary while on the water. A bottle of water is a good idea as well.
Do I need a life jacket?
If you do not know how to swim, you must wear a life jacket while on the dock or any boat.
All renters and program participants must wear a life jacket while on any boat.
All children, twelve years (12) of age and younger, are required to wear a life jacket at all times while on the dock or any boat.
Life jackets are not required for persons over the age of twelve (12) aboard Oyster Sloop CHRSITEEN, all other vessels require a life jacket.
All JSP Participants must wear a life jacket on the beach, pier, dock and around water.
If a life jacket is required for your program, The WFC will provide one
Harbor Tour FAQs
What if my Harbor Tour or Sunset Cruise doesn’t have enough attendees to meet the Minimum Booking Requirement?
8 passengers are needed to be booked and paid in full, at least 48 hours before the scheduled booking, otherwise, the cruise will be canceled and refunds will be issued. Passengers can also opt to rebook a different tour/cruise.
Do I need a life jacket?
If you do not know how to swim, you must wear a life jacket while on the dock or any boat.
All children, twelve years (12) of age and younger, are required to wear a life jacket at all times while on the dock or any boat.
Life jackets are not required for persons over the age of twelve (12).
Life Jackets will be provided by The WFC
What is the minimum age of a child who may come aboard Christeen/ Ida May?
Children must be at least three (3) years of age.
What should I wear?
We would suggest, at a minimum, that participants wear a pair of well fitting boat shoes or sneakers, a hat, and comfortable loose fitting clothing that is appropriate for the weather forecast. Keep in mind that conditions can change suddenly while on the water, and so a day that started sunny and hot might turn cool when the afternoon prevailing Southerly breeze comes in around 3:30 or 4:00. Depending on the forecast, a light wind breaker or sweater may be appropriate as well.
What else should I bring?
We suggest that participants bring layers of clothing appropriate for the weather forecast and apply sunblock before leaving land, and reapply as necessary while on the water. A phone is a great idea to take pictures, and perhaps a pair of binoculars to more closely observe the many natural wonders there are to behold in Oyster Bay harbor. A bottle of water is a good idea as well.
Can I bring food and drinks onboard Christeen/ Ida May?
Yes! We simply ask that you be mindful of any garbage generated so as not to allow it to end up in the water or be left behind on board. Please avoid bringing “glassware” or fragile plates/utensils aboard CHRISTEEN other than wine/alcohol bottles. The WFC is not responsible for any damaged or lost personal items.
Is there a bathroom onboard Christeen/ Ida May?
Yes, but it is strongly encouraged to use the facilities on land prior to the start of your sail.
Private Charter FAQs
Do my passengers need to have to sign a waiver?
Yes. The primary booking contact and every attendee must sign our electronic waiver. We prefer that all attendees sign the waiver before your charter appointment. The link to sign your waiver will be included in your confirmation email.
Can we be picked up and/or dropped off at our dock?
Yes! Christeen can travel to you if arranged in advance. Your sail and cost will include the time it takes for Christeen to travel to and from your preferred location. Please note: Christeen's max motoring speed is roughly 5-6 knots.
Is there a good place for guests to gather before or after their time on the water?
Yes! People may gather at the building before the sail. Once your entire group is here, we will walk you down to our dock to bring you to our launch.
Is Christeen/ Ida May available for private charters?
Yes. Christeen and Ida May is available for private charter on a first-come, first-served basis. If you know the date and time you would like call right away!
Standard Private Charters:
Depart from The WaterFront Center, 1 West End Avenue, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
What if it rains?
Christeen/ Ida May goes out in a light drizzle; only the WFC may cancel a scheduled sail.
Will Christeen fit at another dock?
Christeen has a draft of 3 feet and a length overall of 40 feet.
Can Christeen or Ida May accommodate wheelchairs?
No. Unfortunately, Christeen nor Ida May cannot accommodate wheelchairs.
Sailing FAQs
What types of sailboats does The WaterFront Center have?
Sonar: The Sonar is our 23-foot long keelboat. Sonars are the boat we use for most of our sailing programs including Learn To Sail courses, Community Sailing, US Sailing Certifications and various education programs. Additionally, we offer private lessons and rentals on Sonars, after completion of a Check Out Sail with one of our certified instructors, experienced sailors may rent their own.
Hobie Getaway: Take the party on the water with the 17-foot long Hobie Getaway. When the agenda involves sailing with friends and family, the Hobie Getaway is a sure-fire ticket to multi-hull fun. Between the symmetrically shaped hulls, it's efficient, mainsail-driven sailplan and its roller-furling jib, you won't want to get off the boat! The Hobie Getaway is used during clinics and junior summer programs. In addition, we offer private lessons and rentals after completing a Check Out Sail with one of our certified instructors.
Hobie Wave: This 13-foot long easy-to-sail, easy-to-rig speedster will have everyone smiling. Fun for the family and exciting for the juniors while forgiving enough for the newly initiated, the Hobie Wave is the ideal must-go-sailing-now catamaran. This fun speedster is used during both clinics and junior summer programs in addition to private lessons and rentals.
Optimist: The Optimist, also know as the "Opti", is a small, 7.7-foot long, single-handed sailing dinghy intended for use by children up to the age of 15 years old or about 110 pounds. It is one of the most popular sailing dinghies in the world that is sailed in over 120 countries. Optimists are one of the smallest sailing dinghies. Sailors can learn to sail and race them up to 15 years old both locally and internationally. Optimists are utilized for our youngest group of sailors, OptiTots, to our most advanced Opti sailors on our WaterFront Opti Race Team (WORT), in addition to, private lessons.
420: The 420 is a sailing dinghy that measures 420-centimeters long or 13-feet 9-inches. This double-handed dinghy has two sails and is one of the fastest growing double-handed fleets in the United States. It is commonly used for college and high school sailing, but was originally designed to be a youth trainer for the larger Olympic class International 470. The 420 has a simple, adjustable rig, which provides the capability for advanced sailing techniques for top racing sailors, while still remaining accessible to beginners. At The WaterFront Center the 420 is primarily used for our High School Sailing program, but is also used for our 420 Race Team, junior summer programs, and private lessons.
How can I schedule a private lesson or a check-out sail?
Private lessons and Check Out Sails are usually scheduled at least two weeks in advance with our Program Manager via phone or email.
Please fill out our Private Sailing Lesson form or email sailing@thewaterfrontcenter.org and provide us with the dates and times you are looking to plan your lesson and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
What should I bring for an adult sailing program?
All sailors must wear closed-toe shoes with a captive heel that can get wet (no flip-flops).
Dress for the weather that is forecast for the day - sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, windbreaker, rain jacket, light sweater, etc.
For your upcoming sailing program, we suggest that you bring a reusable water bottle, and a quick and easy snack (i.e. granola bar).
If you are participating in a full-day program, bring a packed lunch.
Participants in our Hobie programs will get wet, so it's a good idea to wear a bathing suit.
When should I arrive and where do I park for an adult sailing program?
Arrive about fifteen to twenty minutes before your class time, so you have time to check-in with the front desk staff, get a life jacket, and meet your instructor.
Parking is available on a first come first served basis either right in front of our building, across the street, or just west of our building in the Beekman Beach parking lot.
What is a Check-out Sail?
Check Out Sails are $50 and take about an hour to an hour and a half and should be booked via email at least two weeks in advance. Instructors evaluate you on basic sailing skills such as tacking, heave-to, mooring pick up, man overboard recovery, and reefing. Hobie Getway, Hobie Wave, and Sonar Check Out Sails are good for two years after the original Check Out Sail.
If you complete a Check Out Sail but do not pass, you may retake the check-out sail (possible fees included). Your instructor will also provide you with an improvement plan to help you reach your goal!
Youth Programs FAQs
Where can I find the blank copies of medical forms I need to submit?
There is no specific form from our office that must be filled out, rather a general copy of a physical as well as immunization records or any notice that your child is medically cleared to participate will work.
We do require these forms at the latest, the day before your child's selected session begins.
What does a swim check entail?
All programs have a Swim Check that includes the following:
Swim checks are performed in deep water, alongside the dock with staff nearby to render assistance as needed. For most programs, participants must enter the water without a life jacket and in sailing clothes (including shoes), swim unassisted for 25 yards, and tread water for one (1) minute.
Ultimately: Participants must demonstrate comfort in deep water, in their sailing clothes. Other than during the Swim Check, they will have their life jacket on while in, on or near the water.
Do your staff have the proper training?
Your child’s safety is our number one priority. Our instructors have received the region’s best training, including Basic Life Support (BLS) First Responder Certification, CPR /AED Certifications, and HEADS UP Concussion Training.
Our naturalists have all received the American Red Cross Small Craft Safety-Canoeing and Kayaking certification.
All our sailing instructors have earned the SafeSport Trained certification, US Safe Powerboat Handling Certificate, and US Sailing Level 1 or higher.
What do I need to bring for Junior Summer Programs?
Buff/gaitor
Sunscreen must be applied before camp. A sunscreen stick for the backpack to reapply later.
Hat
Sunglasses
Reusable water bottle with name on it
Bathing suit
Closed-toe, captive-heeled shoes (no flip-flops)
Towel
Bag to put all items in, bag must be labeled.
Packed lunch and snack for full day programs
Are you a swimming program?
While we are not a swimming program, participants have the option to wade in the water at lunch, during marine exploration activities, paddling, and sailing.
This is contingent upon water quality
Paddle FAQs
Are kayaks charged hourly?
We have a 1.5 hour minimum rate. After the first hour, we charge by 30 minute intervals.
Are we able to get out of the kayak or off of the paddle board? Are we able to beach them?
We do not allow boats or paddle boards to be beached unless in the case of an emergency. We strongly encourage our renters to paddle near the shoreline to look for wildlife and to stay on their boats at all times.
Does a rental include a guide?
You will not get a formal lesson when taking out the kayak, but you can ask the dock staff who launch you out for some quick tips before your rental. Dock staff will help you on and off your kayak/SUP and get you started, but they will not go out on the water with you. If you are looking to learn more, please feel free to contact our Front Desk team at (516) 922-7245.
What are the age requirements for paddle rentals?
Children as young as five are allowed in double kayaks. However, they must be accompanied by an adult (18 years or older).
Nine and older are allowed in single kayaks and SUPs, but an adult must be on the water with them.
Sixteen and seventeen year olds may rent a kayak or SUP without being accompanied by an adult as long as a parent or legal guardian signs the waiver.
What should I bring with me when kayaking/paddling:
Bathing suit
Light layers
Hat, sunglasses
Reusable water bottle
Sunscreen
Bag for loose items
Towel
Will you watch my items at the front desk while I am out on the water?
We will hold on to keys but ask that you leave mobile devices and other personal items in your vehicle.
Special Offers
Veterans Discount
The WaterFront Center honors veterans, who have bravely served our country, by providing them a 35% discount on Sailboat and Kayak Rentals, Mon-Friday only.
To avail this discount, please show ID at our checkout desk or email us at info@thewaterfrontcenter.org.
For Veterans looking to learn how to sail, we offer our Veterans On Water (V.O.W.) program to get everyone out on the water regardless of age, skill level, or ability. Through our Veterans on Water (VOW) programs the WFC provides access to Oyster Bay Harbor and the chance to develop personal growth and empowerment by being on the water.
First Responder Discount
The WaterFront Center honors first responders for their bravery and their sacrifices by providing them a 35% discount on Sailboat and Kayak Rentals, Mon-Friday only.
To avail this discount, please show ID at our checkout desk or email us at info@thewaterfrontcenter.org. (eligible for firefighters and police officers)