Adult & Family Sailing Programs

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

The US SAILING Keelboat Certification system provides the national standard 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 must successfully complete a written test as well as on-the-water practical for certification.

Schedule: see program schedule for dates
Fee: $645 (includes: course materials, testing, half-off first charter of Sleepy Head)
Ages: 18 and older
Prerequisite: US SAILNG Basic Keelboat Certification plus a minimum of 20hrs sea time as a skipper
Register: click here

The WaterFront Center’s Basic Keelboat Certification Package is a comprehensive introduction to sailing. Designed to build strong foundational sailing skills, this course is appropriate for beginner and intermediate sailors. Combinations of classroom and on-the-water sessions focus 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. Students will build both sailing knowledge and practical skills. Topics covered include: terminology, boat preparation and rigging, knots, wind awareness, boat handling and sail trim, navigation, weather, and important safety procedures and maneuvers. Students must successfully complete a written test as well as on-the-water practical for certification.

Schedule: see program schedule for dates
Fee: $695 (Includes: course materials, testing, one-year US SAILING membership, one free Beyond Basic Keelboat session, one free WFC Racing session, half-off first rental)
Ages: 18 and older
Register: click here

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 guides you through rigging the boat, basic terminology and helps you set 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. This program is specifically designed for families or individuals looking to get out on the water and discover the excitement of sailing.

Schedule: 2 hours; Memorial Day – Labor Day: Fridays 6-8pm, Saturdays 10-12, Sundays 2-4pm; or scheduled at your convenience with a 2-person minimum
Fee: $60 pp. Free for children 18 and under when accompanied by an adult
Ages: 5 and older. An accompanying adult must be on board with children under 16

Uncertain about a full certification course? Sailing 101 provides a solid introduction to fundamental sailing skills. Learn how to read the wind, rig the boat, basic sailing maneuvers and safety. Great for families and friends!

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, tie basic knots, wind awareness and points of sail. This class will provide a strong foundation and get you on the right track for learning to sail.

Schedule: Saturdays and Sundays 1-5pm; Memorial Day – Labor Day; scheduled at your convenience with a 2-person minimum
Fee: $99 pp. Free for children 18 and under when accompanied by an adult
Ages: 9 and older. An accompanying adult must be on board with children under 16

The ideal way to build your sailing skills and find other people who share your passion! Designed for intermediate sailors and those who have recently taken Basic Keelboat, this program utilizes informal instruction to build your confidence and hone your skills.

Beyond Basic Keelboat provides the opportunity for you to sail with new and familiar friends as you continue to build your sailing skills. An instructor will coach from outside the boat and assist as needed to offer informal instruction as you gain confidence and competence.

Schedule:Memorial Day – Labor Day: Thursdays 6-8pm
Fee: $45 per night or $35 for WFC BK students
Ages: 18 and older
Register: coming soon

Ladies, join us for evening sailing aboard our Sonars in a comfortable and fun environment. Appropriate for all skill levels, this program is designed to boost confidence and skills tailored to meet individualized needs. Learn to sail, improve your skills and 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 help you learn and improve your skills while you take pleasure in sharing the experience with new friends.

Schedule:Memorial Day – Labor Day: Thursdays 6-8pm
Fee: $45 per night or $450 seasonal (approximately 14 weeks)
Ages: 18 and older
Register: coming soon

Eager to rent on your own? This class is designed for intermediate and advanced sailors looking to brush up on their skills in preparation for renting a 23’Sonar or Rhodes 19. Review rigging procedures, leaving from and returning to a mooring, anchoring, reefing and how to properly stow the boat.

Ready to Rent 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 with procedures and maneuvers to prepare you to rent safely on your own. Perfect for those looking to build self-reliance, bring their skills up to speed or for those who may be a little rusty.

Schedule:Memorial Day – Labor Day: Saturdays 9am-5pm; or scheduled at your convenience with 2-person minimum
Fee: $195
Ages: 18 and older

Increase your speed downwind by learning the basics of spinnaker handling. Learn how to set, gybe and douse a spinnaker while maintaining control and speed. Successful completion of this course certifies you to sail our Sonars with spinnaker in light to moderate breeze.

With the wind at your back you’ll reach farther and run faster while learning more about sail shape and design as well as the advantages of sailing downwind with a spinnaker.

Schedule:Memorial Day – Labor Day: Saturdays 9am-4pm
Fee: $175
Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat or equivalent experience
Register: coming soon

Looking to jump in and get your feet wet? Try our all-new Sunfish Clinic! An instructor will guide you through rigging, capsize recovery, sail trim and basic boat handling as you learn to skipper a Sunfish. Continue to attend clinic sessions until an instructor certifies you to rent on your own!

The Sunfish dinghy is a popular sailboat providing a wonderful sailing experience for all skill levels. Easy to rig and straightforward to sail, Sunfish sailing heightens your senses and helps develop an awareness of what makes a boat work. Our course teaches you the basics and allows you to practice under the supervision of an instructor. If you’re eager to get out and explore the bay on your own, this is the course for you. Once you’ve mastered the basics, an instructor will certify you to rent.

Schedule:Memorial Day – Labor Day: Saturdays 10am-12pm
Fee: $60
Ages: 16 and older
Weight Suggestion:130-200lbs
Register: coming soon

Enjoy the fun and excitement of buoy racing on our J105, Andiamo in the Sagamore YC racing series! Races are held in Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor. Enjoy racing with an instructor and new friends or charter the boat with your own team for a night or the entire season!

Racing on Andiamo is fast and fun. A 35 foot sport boat rigged with asymmetrical spinnaker and tiller, she is comfortably crewed by three to six people. Come together with fellow WFC sailors under the guidance of an instructor and join in the excitement of local racing where you’ll meet (and beat?!) sailors from neighboring clubs and organizations.

Interested in chartering the boat for the night or the entire series? Give us a call!

Schedule: May - September; Wednesdays 6pm-sunset
Fee: $35/individual per night. Ask us about chartering the whole boat!
Prerequisite: Racing experience

Take your sailing experience to the next level and put your skills to the test on the racecourse! The perfect option for all abilities, WFC racing places an emphasis on basic performance sailing, racing format and technique. Join us in a friendly, fostering environment with on-the-water coaching and a BBQ afterwards.

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, WFC Racing is the perfect choice. Learn from fellow sailors while instructors provide coaching in a friendly atmosphere with emphasis on learning.

Schedule: Memorial Day – Labor Day: Tuesdays 6-8pm
May 6 – Memorial Day & Sept 8 – Columbus Day: Saturdays 1-4pm
Alumni Regatta: September 29
Fee: $45 per night or $500 seasonal (approximately 23 weeks)
Prerequisite: Basic Keelboat or equivalent experience
Register: coming soon

Enjoy the beauty and breezes of the fall season while you sail with new and familiar friends. For intermediate-advanced sailors, an instructor will supervise from a powerboat and assist as needed. A great way to extend the sailing season after Ladies Sailing and Beyond BK! Enjoy an on-shore BBQ afterwards.

One-on-one instruction is the ideal choice for individualized learning. Customized to meet your interests and goals, ranging from introductory to performance sailing in Sunfish, Sonar, Pixel, Optimist, one of our cruising boats or our J/105. Certifications and Spinnaker Training are also available through Private Lessons to allow for greater flexibility in scheduling.

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.

Schedule: Arranged at your convenience
Fee: $120 per person for 2 hours, $50 each additional hour, $30/hr for each additional person
Ages: All