Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

If the sail is canceled, guests will have the option to rebook or receive a full refund.

A minimum of 8 passengers must be booked and paid in full at least 48 hours before departure.

If this minimum is not met, the sail will be canceled. Guests may choose to rebook for another available 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.
• Life jackets are not required for guests over 12 years old, but they are available.
• Life jackets are provided by The WaterFront Center.

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 Ave, Oyster Bay, at least 15 minutes 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, with the exception of wine or alcohol bottles. 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.

All private charters are operated by a licensed captain and crew. Guests do not operate the vessel.

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

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

Experience requirements vary by program. Beginner programs are available, while rentals, racing, and advanced programs may require prior sailing experience.

Wear comfortable clothing that can get wet, closed toe shoes or secure water shoes, and layers appropriate for the weather. Avoid flip flops.

Yes. Life jackets are provided by The WaterFront Center and must be worn as required by the program or activity.

Participants should bring a reusable water bottle, lunch or snacks if required for the program, sunscreen, a towel, a change of clothes, and weather appropriate layers.

Swimming requirements may vary by program. Please review the program details before registering. Life jackets are used for on water activities as required.

Check in takes place at The WaterFront Center unless otherwise noted in your confirmation email.

Reservations are strongly recommended. Availability may vary based on weather, staffing, demand, and harbor conditions.

Yes. Life jackets are required and are provided by The WaterFront Center.

You may bring personal items, but The WaterFront Center is not responsible for lost, wet, or damaged belongings. We recommend leaving valuables on land.

The WaterFront Center reserves the right to cancel or reschedule an appointment, class, charter, rental, sail, or program due to weather, staffing, technical issues, safety concerns, or other circumstances.

If The WaterFront Center cancels an appointment, arrangements for a credit, refund, or reschedule will be handled on a case by case basis.

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

Cancellations within two weeks of the scheduled appointment date are not guaranteed a refund. Store credit or rescheduling may be handled on a case by case basis and based on availability.

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

Participants are expected to arrive before the scheduled start time and be ready to begin on 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, during, or at any time related to a class, appointment, activity, charter, sail, rental, or program.

If The WaterFront Center cancels due to weather, arrangements may be made to issue a credit, refund, or reschedule.

Delayed departure due to inclement weather may not result in an extension beyond the scheduled end time.

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

Cancellations inside 15 days of the start date are not guaranteed a refund, reschedule, or credit. 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.

Medical emergencies may be considered on a case by case basis when supported by a doctor's note.

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

If The WaterFront Center cancels a private charter due to weather, guests may choose to reschedule or request a refund, not including processing fees.

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

A minimum of 8 passengers must be booked and paid in full at least 48 hours before departure. If the minimum is not met, the Harbor Sail will be canceled.

If a private charter is scheduled for the date or time of a public Harbor Sail, the public sail may be switched to the IDA MAY or canceled.

If canceled, guests may rebook for another available Harbor Sail or receive a refund.

Discounts may vary by program, season, and availability. Please review the specific program page or contact The WaterFront Center for current discount information.

Discounts generally cannot be combined unless otherwise stated.