The WaterFront Center Announces Sailing Leadership Team for the 2026 Season
The WaterFront Center is preparing for an exciting 2026 sailing season on Oyster Bay Harbor with a strengthened leadership team guiding its youth, adult, and competitive sailing programs. Sailing Director Jonathan Zaskorski, Race and High School Sailing Coach Zach Runci, and Assistant Sailing Director Naadira Gafar will lead a full season of instruction, racing opportunities, and community sailing designed to welcome both new and experienced sailors to the water.
Jonathan Zaskorski, Director, Sailing & Waterfront Operations
Jonathan Zaskorski leads The WaterFront Center’s sailing programs after previously serving as Director of Waterfront Operations. With a strong background in competitive sailing and program management, he is focused on strengthening instruction, expanding access to the sport, and continuing The WaterFront Center’s tradition of inclusive, high-quality programming.
Zach Runci, Race & High School Sailing Coach
Zach Runci brings more than a decade of collegiate and youth coaching experience to The WaterFront Center’s High School Sailing and racing programs. He previously served as Head Sailing Coach at SUNY Maritime College and Fordham University, leading nationally competitive teams and developing student-athletes who excelled both on and off the water.
In addition to his collegiate coaching career, Runci has coached youth sailors for more than a decade with the Bellport Bay Sailing Foundation, where he now serves as Head Race Coach. His teams have achieved consistent success in the Great South Bay Yacht Racing Association (GSBYRA), including a sweep of the podium in the 2025 Grand Prix Championship Series.
Naadira Gafar, Assistant Director, Sailing
Naadira Gafar supports sailing instruction and program coordination across The WaterFront Center’s offerings. Growing up in Douglaston, she spent her summers sailing and developed a lifelong connection to the water.
A U.S. Sailing Level 3 Certified Instructor, Naadira has been coaching since 2019 and is known for helping sailors build confidence and strong foundational skills. She was honored with the 2023 JSA Susie Trotman Award in recognition of her excellence in sailing instruction.
Expanding Access to Sailing
Together, the sailing leadership team is preparing for a full season of youth sailing instruction, adult classes, community sailing opportunities, and competitive racing programs.
The WaterFront Center’s High School Sailing program provides opportunities for students from schools without sailing teams to compete, while also helping schools establish new teams and grow participation in the sport.
Learn more about High School Sailing →Ready to Get on the Water?
Spring programs are beginning soon and summer sessions are already filling. Join us for youth sailing, adult instruction, community sailing, and racing opportunities on Oyster Bay Harbor.
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