Frequently Asked Questions

The WaterFront Center is located at 1 West End Avenue, Oyster Bay, NY 11771.

There are limited spaces available in front of the building on weekends and after 5 PM on weekdays.

Additional parking can be found across from The WaterFront Center.

Please note that the Beekman Beach parking lot is a Town of Oyster Bay lot and locks at dusk. Parking is at your own risk.

Guests should arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time unless otherwise noted in the program details.

Please leave additional time if you need to sign your waiver, use the restroom, check in with front desk staff, or need assistance getting to the dock.

Late arrival may result in missed program time, missed departure, or forfeiture of the reservation without refund.

Yes. The primary booking contact and every attendee must sign our waiver.

We prefer that all attendees sign the electronic waiver before the start of their program. The link to sign your waiver will be included in your confirmation email, and this link can be forwarded to all guests in your party.

Minors must have a parent or guardian sign their waiver.

The waiver includes a photo release. If you do not wish to sign the photo release, please let our front desk staff know before your activity begins.

Photos are used for promotional content for The WaterFront Center and our affiliates.

Please contact info@thewaterfrontcenter.org or call (516) 922 SAIL.

If a private charter is scheduled during your selected Public Harbor Sail time, the public sail may be moved to the other vessel or canceled.

Notice of any vessel change will be sent prior to the sail. Refunds will not be given within 48 hours of departure unless The WaterFront Center cancels the sail.

A minimum of 8 passengers must be booked and paid in full at least 24 hours before departure.

If the booking minimum is not met 24 hours before departure, the sail may be canceled and new bookings will not be accepted after that point.

If The WaterFront Center cancels the sail, guests may choose to rebook for another available Public Harbor Sail or receive a refund.

• If you do not know how to swim, you must wear a life jacket while on the dock or onboard any vessel.
• Children 12 years old and younger are required to wear a life jacket at all times while on the dock or onboard, per U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
• Life jackets are not required for guests over 12 years old, but they are available and provided by The WaterFront Center. Please ask the front desk staff if you would like one.

Children must be at least 3 years old to come aboard.

We recommend well fitting boat shoes or sneakers, a hat, and comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather.

Conditions can change quickly on the water. Even warm days can become cooler with the afternoon breeze, so bringing a light jacket, sweater, or windbreaker is encouraged.

Vessels depart promptly on time. Guests must check in at The WaterFront Center, 1 West End Avenue, Oyster Bay, at least 15 minutes before departure.

Please leave additional time if you need to sign your waiver or use the restroom before departure.

Late arrivals may be left ashore and will forfeit their reservation without refund.

We suggest bringing layers, sunblock, a water bottle, a phone or camera for photos, and binoculars if you would like to view wildlife around Oyster Bay Harbor.

Yes. Food and drinks are welcome. Please be mindful of trash and do not leave anything behind onboard or allow anything to enter the water.

Please avoid glassware or fragile plates and utensils aboard CHRISTEEN and IDA MAY, with the exception of wine or alcohol bottles.

Crew are responsible for vessel duties and are unable to set up or serve food or beverages.

The WaterFront Center is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.

Yes, but guests are strongly encouraged to use the facilities on land before departure.

Private charters may be available aboard CHRISTEEN or IDA MAY depending on schedule, weather, staffing, and vessel availability.

Standard private charters depart from The WaterFront Center, 1 West End Avenue, Oyster Bay, NY 11771.

Yes. The primary booking contact and every attendee must sign our waiver.

We prefer that all attendees sign the electronic waiver before the start of their program. The link to sign your waiver will be included in your confirmation email, and this link can be forwarded to all guests in your party.

Minors must have a parent or guardian sign their waiver.

The waiver includes a photo release. If you do not wish to sign the photo release, please let our front desk staff know before your activity begins.

Photos are used for promotional content for The WaterFront Center and our affiliates.

Yes, if arranged in advance. CHRISTEEN or IDA MAY may be able to travel to your preferred location depending on schedule, vessel access, depth, conditions, and approval by The WaterFront Center.

Your sail and cost will include the time it takes for the vessel to travel to and from your preferred location.

CHRISTEEN'S maximum motoring speed is roughly 5 to 6 knots. CHRISTEEN has a draft of approximately 3 feet and a length overall of 40 feet.

IDA MAY has a draft of approximately 4 feet and a length overall of 50 feet.

Please contact The WaterFront Center in advance to discuss whether CHRISTEEN or IDA MAY can safely access your location.

Yes. Guests may gather at The WaterFront Center building before the sail. Once your entire group has arrived, our team will walk you down to the dock and bring you to the launch.

Yes. Food and drinks are welcome. Please be mindful of trash and do not leave anything behind onboard or allow anything to enter the water.

Please avoid glassware or fragile plates and utensils aboard CHRISTEEN and IDA MAY, with the exception of wine or alcohol bottles.

Crew are responsible for vessel duties and are unable to set up or serve food or beverages.

The WaterFront Center is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.

CHRISTEEN and IDA MAY may go out in a light drizzle. Only The WaterFront Center may cancel a scheduled sail due to weather or safety concerns.

Yes. Children must be at least 3 years old, and all children must be accompanied by an adult over 18.

All children 12 and under must wear a life jacket, per U.S. Coast Guard regulations.

No animals are permitted onboard, with the exception of service animals as required by law.

Start with a Discover Sail to understand your interests and comfort level.

Then, book Basic Keelboat or a private lesson to begin building more sailing skills and knowledge.

Community Sailing is a great next step to practice skills and meet new people.

When you are ready, ask us to schedule your program or Check Out Sail to rent our Sonars.

Scheduling & Availability

Adult sailing experiences are scheduled based on instructor availability, which is often confirmed on short notice.

Booking Note

You may see a message that says: “This experience is fully booked. Add your guest and contact information to join the waitlist.”

Please still complete the waitlist form. This is how we are collecting lesson requests for the season.

You may join the waitlist for as many dates and times as you are interested in. When a program date and instructor become available, our team will contact sailors in the order requests are received.

Once contacted, sailors will have 24 hours to reply, confirm, and pay before the spot is forfeited and offered to the next person.

All sailors must wear closed toe shoes with a captive heel that can get wet. No flip flops.

Dress for the weather forecast. Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, windbreaker, rain jacket, and light sweater are all recommended depending on the day.

• Closed toe shoes with a captive heel that can get wet. No flip flops.
• Weather appropriate clothing and layers.
• Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, windbreaker, rain jacket, or light sweater as needed.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Quick and easy snack, such as a granola bar.
• Packed lunch if you are participating in a full day program.
• Bathing suit if you are participating in a Hobie program, since participants will get wet.

Check Out Sails are $50 and take about 1 to 1.5 hours. They should be booked by email at least two weeks in advance.

Instructors evaluate basic sailing skills such as tacking, heave to, mooring pick up, man overboard recovery, and reefing.

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. Additional fees may apply. Your instructor will also provide an improvement plan to help you reach your goal.

Sonar: The Sonar is our 23 foot keelboat. Sonars are used for most sailing programs, including Learn to Sail courses, Community Sailing, US Sailing certifications, and education programs. We also offer private lessons and rentals on Sonars after completion of a Check Out Sail with one of our certified instructors.

Hobie Getaway: The 17 foot Hobie Getaway is a fun multi hull sailboat used during clinics and junior summer programs. We also offer private lessons and rentals after completing a Check Out Sail with one of our certified instructors.

Hobie Wave: The 13 foot Hobie Wave is an easy to sail, easy to rig catamaran used during clinics, junior summer programs, private lessons, and rentals.

Optimist: The Optimist, also known as the Opti, is a small 7.7 foot single handed sailing dinghy intended for children up to age 15 or about 110 pounds. Optimists are used from OptiTots through advanced Opti sailing and the WaterFront Opti Race Team, as well as private lessons.

420: The 420 is a 13 foot 9 inch double handed sailing dinghy. At The WaterFront Center, the 420 is primarily used for High School Sailing, the 420 Race Team, junior summer programs, and private lessons.

Required paperwork may include:

• New York State School Health Examination form.
• Code of conduct waiver.
• Acknowledgment of the parent handbook.

If you are not from New York State, please email us for guidance.

We are not a dedicated swimming program. However, all programs include a Water Safety Check, and participants may have opportunities to get in the water during optional wading at lunch, marine exploration activities, paddling, and sailing when appropriate.

Water Safety 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 minute.

Participants must demonstrate comfort in deep water while wearing their sailing clothes. Other than during the Water Safety Check, participants will wear a life jacket while in, on, or near the water.

All water activities are supervised, and water entry is always contingent upon safe water quality conditions.

Your child’s safety is our number one priority.

• Our instructors have received training including Basic Life Support First Responder Certification, CPR and AED certifications, and HEADS UP Concussion Training.
• Our naturalists have received American Red Cross Small Craft Safety, Canoeing, and Kayaking certification.
• All sailing instructors have earned SafeSport Trained certification, US Safe Powerboat Handling Certificate, and US Sailing Level 1 or higher.

Yes. We offer a limited number of need based scholarships to help make our programs accessible to more families.

Scholarship applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and awarded based on financial need and availability of funds. Visit the scholarship application page to apply.

Payment installments are also available for most full day and multi week programs. When registering, you will have the option to select a payment plan.

• The payment plan requires 40% of the total program fee upfront at the time of registration.
• The remaining 60% is divided into three equal additional payments, which will be automatically charged on specified dates.
• Full payment of the program fee is due 15 days before the start of the program.

All balances must be paid in full by the deadline to confirm your child’s enrollment. Failure to complete payment by the deadline may result in the spot being forfeited and offered to the next family on the waitlist.

Please contact our office if you have questions about eligibility, the application process, exact payment due dates for your chosen program, or other payment options.

We sail and spend time outdoors whenever it is safe and appropriate, but safety is always our top priority.

• Light rain or cool weather: Camp typically runs as scheduled. Campers may still sail and participate in outdoor activities.
• Cold or windy conditions: Activities may be adjusted to ensure comfort and safety.
• Heavy rain, thunderstorms, or unsafe conditions: Campers will participate in indoor or sheltered activities, including marine science lessons, games, and waterfront education.

Families should plan for changing weather and send campers with appropriate clothing each day.

Participants should bring the following items each day. All items should be clearly labeled with the child’s name.

• Buff or gaiter for sun and wind protection.
• Sunscreen applied before camp. We recommend bringing a sunscreen stick for reapplication.
• Hat.
• Sunglasses.
• Reusable water bottle clearly labeled with name.
• Bathing suit.
• Closed toe, captive heeled shoes. No flip flops or sandals. Water shoes or sneakers that can get wet are ideal.
• Towel.
• Bag to carry all items, labeled with the child’s name.
• Packed lunch and snack for full day programs.

We recommend packing everything in a small backpack or duffel bag that is easy for your child to carry.

You can purchase WaterFront Center apparel here: The WaterFront Center Store.

If the program or class you wanted to sign up for is full, you will be instructed to join the waitlist.

If you are accepted off the waitlist, we will contact you by email. Once an email is sent about coming off the waitlist, you will have 48 hours to accept the spot.

After 48 hours with no response, we will move on to the next participant on the waitlist.

We encourage you to keep your contact information up to date and check your email, including spam and junk folders, regularly if you are on a waitlist.

Session dates vary by program and are listed on the Summer Program Schedule and individual registration pages. Programs are offered in weekly or two week sessions, depending on the program type.

You can view program dates on the Junior Summer Programs registration page.

If you have questions about a specific session or need help choosing dates, please contact our team and we will be happy to assist.

Sailing and fishing programs are based on age, while all other programs are based on grade.

Age and grade guidelines are designed to ensure campers are placed in programs that best match their developmental readiness and safety needs.

If your child will meet the age requirement but is entering a different grade than listed, this does not automatically exclude them. We encourage families to reach out directly so we can discuss your child’s individual situation and help determine the best program fit.

All summer programs are based on your child’s incoming fall grade unless otherwise noted.

Reservations are strongly recommended. Walk ins are welcome, but we cannot guarantee availability. Availability may vary based on weather, staffing, demand, and harbor conditions.

Life jackets are required and must be worn for the duration of the rental. Life jackets will be provided by The WaterFront Center upon check in.

No. Rentals must launch from and return to The WaterFront Center unless otherwise arranged through an approved program.

We do not allow kayaks or paddleboards to be beached unless there is an emergency.

We strongly encourage renters to paddle near the shoreline to look for wildlife and to stay on their boats at all times.

No. Kayak and paddleboard rentals do not include a formal lesson or guide.

You may ask the dock staff who launch you for quick tips before your rental. Dock staff will help you get on and off your kayak or paddleboard and get started, but they will not go out on the water with you.

If you are looking for a guide or to learn more, please contact our Front Desk team at (516) 922 SAIL or explore our Paddle Tours.

• Children as young as 5 are allowed in double kayaks, but they must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
• Children 9 and older are allowed in single kayaks and stand up paddleboards, but an adult must be on the water with them.
• Guests ages 16 and 17 may rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard without being accompanied by an adult as long as a parent or legal guardian signs the waiver.
• Single kayaks can hold up to 250 pounds.
• Stand up paddleboards can hold up to 285 pounds.
• Double kayaks can hold up to 425 pounds.

• Bathing suit.
• Light layers.
• Hat and sunglasses.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Sunscreen.
• Bag for loose items.
• Towel.

We will hold on to keys, but ask that you leave mobile devices and other personal items in your vehicle.

The distance from The WaterFront Center entrance to the dock is approximately 800 feet.

Guests should expect a step up from the dock to the launch, which transports guests to the vessels, and then a step again from the launch onto CHRISTEEN or IDA MAY.

The launch will take guests from the dock to the vessels. If you feel you need different accommodations, such as having a vessel brought to the dock, please let us know in advance.

There is limited seating aboard CHRISTEEN, and seating is not available while the sails are being raised or lowered.

Seating availability may vary by vessel, program, and weather conditions.

Unfortunately, CHRISTEEN and IDA MAY cannot accommodate wheelchairs.

Many programs, sails, and rentals may continue in light rain or light drizzle when conditions are safe.

CHRISTEEN and IDA MAY may go out in a light drizzle. Only The WaterFront Center may cancel a scheduled sail due to weather or safety concerns.

The WaterFront Center makes all weather related cancellation decisions. Cancellations due to imminent or potentially dangerous weather are at the sole discretion of The WaterFront Center.

Please do not assume your activity is canceled unless you receive official notice from The WaterFront Center.

We recommend dressing in layers and bringing weather appropriate items such as a light jacket, windbreaker, rain jacket, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Conditions can change quickly on Oyster Bay Harbor, especially in the afternoon.

Cancellation policies vary based on the type of activity you booked.

• Public Harbor Sails: Review the Public Harbor Sails policy below.
• Private Charters: Review the Private Charters policy below.
• Youth and multi day programs: Review the Youth Programs & Multi Day Programs policy below.
• Adult Sailing Classes: Review the Adult Sailing Classes policy below.
• Rentals: Review the Rentals policy below.

If you have any questions, please contact info@thewaterfrontcenter.org or call (516) 922 SAIL.

Cancellation or Reschedule by The WaterFront Center

The WaterFront Center reserves the right to cancel or reschedule an appointment due to weather conditions, staffing issues, technical issues, safety concerns, or other circumstances.

If The WaterFront Center 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.

Cancellation by the Participant

Cancellations outside two weeks of the scheduled appointment date will receive a refund, not including the processing fee.

Cancellations within two weeks of the scheduled appointment date will not receive a refund. Arrangements for store credit or rescheduling, based on instructor availability, 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.

Attendance Policy

Participants are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before 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.

Refunds will not be issued for time lost due to late arrival or delayed departure not caused by The WaterFront Center.

Absent participants will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.

The WaterFront Center reserves the right to cancel or reschedule due to the threat of imminent or potentially dangerous weather before or during any class, appointment, activity, charter, sail, rental, or program.

If a class, appointment, activity, charter, sail, rental, or program is canceled by The WaterFront Center, arrangements will be made to issue a credit or refund to the customer.

If the activity 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.

If departure is delayed due to weather, staff will make every effort to provide the safest and best possible experience within the remaining scheduled time.

Absent participants without official notice of cancellation or rescheduling by The WaterFront Center will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.

Cancellation or Reschedule by The WaterFront Center

The WaterFront Center reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the entirety or portions of a youth or multi day program due to weather conditions, staffing issues, technical issues, safety concerns, or other circumstances.

If the entirety or portions of a youth or multi day program are canceled by The WaterFront Center due to weather or similar circumstances, the program will not be refunded or rescheduled. Other situations may be considered on a case by case basis.

If the entirety or portions of a youth or multi day program are rescheduled to a later date and the participant cannot attend, the program will not be refunded or rescheduled.

Cancellation by the Participant

Cancellations outside 15 days of the start date of a scheduled youth or multi day program will receive a refund, not including the processing fee.

Cancellations inside 15 days of the start date will not be refunded or rescheduled. 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 or after the start of a program due to medical emergencies that prevent participation, and are supported by a doctor's note, may be considered for a refund, store credit, or additional rescheduling on a case by case basis.

Attendance Policy

Participants are expected to arrive before the start of their scheduled program and be ready for departure at the scheduled start time.

It is especially important that students arrive on time on the first day of the program so they can participate in required Water Safety Checks, swim checks, capsize drills, and other safety instructions.

Delayed arrival may impact a participant's ability to safely join program activities.

Delayed departure will not result in an extension beyond the scheduled end time.

Refunds will not be issued for time lost due to late arrival or delayed departure not caused by The WaterFront Center.

Absent participants will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.

Cancellation or Reschedule by The WaterFront Center

Cancellations due to imminent or 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 or potentially dangerous weather before or during any scheduled sail or rental time.

In the event of a weather cancellation by The WaterFront Center, guests may choose a refund, not including the processing fee, or reschedule their appointment.

In the event of a weather delay of 30 minutes or more by The WaterFront Center, guests may choose a refund, not including the processing fee, or reschedule their appointment.

Weather delays under 30 minutes may only be eligible for rescheduling.

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 1 must put down a 50% deposit to save the reservation.

All private charters scheduled after May 31 are expected to be paid in full.

All charters scheduled before the last day of April must pay their full deposit by May 1 to keep that time slot.

All deposits that are not paid by May 31 will be forfeited and the reservation will be lost.

Full payment is required upon booking from May 1 on. Partial payments will not be accepted unless approved in advance by The WaterFront Center.

All passengers are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of their scheduled appointment and be ready for departure at the scheduled start time.

Delayed departure due to guests filling out waivers, using the restroom, or arriving late will not result in an extension beyond the scheduled end time.

Refunds will not be issued for time lost due to late arrival or delayed departure not caused by The WaterFront Center.

Cancellation or Reschedule by The WaterFront Center

The WaterFront Center reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a Public Harbor Sail due to weather conditions, staffing issues, technical issues, safety concerns, vessel availability, or other circumstances.

The WaterFront Center reserves the right to cancel any reservation due to the threat of imminent or potentially dangerous weather before or during any scheduled sail time.

In the event of a weather cancellation by The WaterFront Center, guests may choose a refund, not including the processing fee, or reschedule their appointment.

The WaterFront Center may first issue a gift card credit to expedite the rescheduling process. To request a refund, please contact our booking staff with your booking and gift card information.

In the event of a weather delay of 30 minutes or more by The WaterFront Center, guests may choose a refund, not including the processing fee, or reschedule their appointment.

Weather delays under 30 minutes may only be eligible for rescheduling.

No shows will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.

Cancellation by the Participant

Cancellations outside five days of the scheduled Public Harbor Sail date will receive a refund, not including the processing fee.

Cancellations within two days of the scheduled date may reschedule but will not be refunded.

Cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled date will not be rescheduled or refunded.

If you book within 72 hours of a CHRISTEEN or IDA MAY Public Harbor Sail, you waive your right to a refund.

Attendance Policy

All passengers are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of their scheduled appointment and be ready for departure at the scheduled start time.

Late passengers may be left ashore to ensure CHRISTEEN and IDA MAY remain on schedule.

Delayed departure will not result in an extension beyond the scheduled end time.

Refunds will not be issued for time lost due to late arrival or delayed departure not caused by The WaterFront Center.

Late passengers left ashore due to late arrival will not be issued a refund. 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 or Reschedule by The WaterFront Center

The WaterFront Center reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any lesson due to weather conditions, staffing issues, technical issues, safety concerns, or other circumstances.

Cancellations due to imminent or potentially dangerous weather are at the sole discretion of The WaterFront Center.

In the event of a weather cancellation by The WaterFront Center, guests may choose a refund, not including the processing fee, or reschedule their appointment.

If a Community Sailing or Women on the Water class is canceled, The WaterFront Center may first issue a gift card credit to expedite the rescheduling process. To request a refund, please contact our booking staff with your booking and gift card information.

In the event of a weather delay of 30 minutes or more by The WaterFront Center, guests may choose a refund, not including the processing fee, or reschedule their appointment.

Weather delays under 30 minutes may only be eligible for rescheduling.

Season passes will not be refunded due to missed classes or cancellations caused by inclement weather.

Cancellation by the Participant: Private Lessons

Cancellations outside five days of the scheduled private lesson date will receive a refund, not including the processing fee.

Cancellations within five days, but not within three days, of the scheduled private lesson date may reschedule but will not be refunded.

Cancellations within three days, or 72 hours, of the scheduled private lesson date will not receive a refund or the opportunity to reschedule.

No shows will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.

Cancellations will not be accepted, and refunds will not be issued, once a multi day course has begun.

Cancellation by the Participant: Community Sailing and Women on the Water

Cancellations outside five days of the scheduled class date will receive a refund, not including the processing fee.

Cancellations within two days of the scheduled class date may reschedule but will not be refunded.

Cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled class date will not be rescheduled or refunded.

If you book within 72 hours of a Community Sailing or Women on the Water class, you waive your right to a refund.

Attendance Policy

Participants are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes 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.

Refunds will not be issued for time lost due to late arrival or delayed departure not caused by The WaterFront Center.

Absent participants will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.

Cancellation or Reschedule by The WaterFront Center

The WaterFront Center reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a rental due to weather conditions, staffing issues, technical issues, safety concerns, or other circumstances.

Cancellations due to imminent or potentially dangerous weather are at the sole discretion of The WaterFront Center. Reservations may be canceled due to the threat of imminent or potentially dangerous weather before or during any scheduled sail or rental time.

In the event of a weather cancellation by The WaterFront Center, guests may choose a refund, not including the processing fee, or reschedule their appointment.

The WaterFront Center may first issue a gift card credit to expedite the rescheduling process. To request a refund, please contact our booking staff with your booking and gift card information.

In the event of a weather delay of 30 minutes or more by The WaterFront Center, guests may choose a refund, not including the processing fee, or reschedule their appointment.

Weather delays under 30 minutes may only be eligible for rescheduling.

No shows will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.

Season and monthly passes will not be refunded due to missed rental opportunities or cancellations caused by inclement weather.

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, or 72 hours, of the scheduled date may reschedule but will not be refunded.

Cancellations within three days, or 72 hours, of the scheduled date will not receive a refund or the opportunity to reschedule.

If you book within 24 hours of the scheduled rental, you waive your right to a refund.

Attendance Policy

Participants are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes 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.

Refunds will not be issued for time lost due to late arrival or delayed departure not caused by The WaterFront Center.

Absent participants will forfeit their ability to reschedule or receive a refund.

The WaterFront Center honors veterans who have bravely served our country by providing a 10% discount on sailboat and kayak rentals, Monday through Friday only.

To receive this discount, please show ID at our checkout desk or email us at sailing@thewaterfrontcenter.org.

For veterans looking to learn how to sail, we offer our Veterans On Water, or V.O.W., program to get everyone out on the water regardless of age, skill level, or ability.

Through our Veterans On Water program, The WaterFront Center provides access to Oyster Bay Harbor and the chance to develop personal growth and empowerment by being on the water.

Learn more about our Veterans On Water program.

The WaterFront Center honors first responders for their bravery and sacrifices by providing a 10% discount on sailboat and kayak rentals, Monday through Friday only.

This discount is available to firefighters and police officers.

To receive this discount, please show ID at our checkout desk or email us at info@thewaterfrontcenter.org.