Welcome to Spring Youth Sailing 2025! Some of our classes have changed, while others have stayed the same. We’re here to walk you through those changes so you understand what is going on and can pick the best sailing classes for your child sailor to have a successful and fun spring sailing experience!

Learn how The WaterFront Center and The Youth and Family Counseling Agency weave a powerful narrative of community support. Here, children laugh and explore as they engage with nature through sailing, kayaking, and marine education at The WaterFront Center. Every adventure fosters friendships and builds confidence, creating a safe and supportive environment. Your support can help continue this vital work. Join us in empowering families and shaping bright futures—every donation makes a meaningful impact in our community’s story.

Hear from Mary and her parents as they share their heartfelt experiences and express gratitude to the donors who make these opportunities possible. Join us in continuing to support young sailors by donating to The Waterfront Center today. Together, we can inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.

Last weekend, on October 26 and 27 2024, The WaterFront Center in Oyster Bay, NY hosted the New York State Optimist Championship for the 2024 season, with 50 boats competing for a chance to win! Check out photos from the event and the winners!

The week of 17th of September, Jericho High School's AP Environmental Science classes embarked on a unique educational journey to The Waterfront Center (WFC), where the classroom was not confined to four walls but expanded to Oyster Bay Harbor and Beekman Beach! With over 70 students participating across four days, the experience was both enlightening and unforgettable

Sign up for a two-hour cruise on July 26 on the WaterFront Center’s replica oyster dredge Ida May to hear historian, author, and former Newsday reporter Bill Bleyer recount the maritime history of Oyster Bay.

On the 3 p.m. trip, learn about historic Jakobsen Shipyard, how the Lester Wolff National Wildlife Refuge saved the bay from being destroyed by the Oyster Bay-Rye Bridge, Theodore Roosevelt’s connection to the harbor, the history of shellfishing, the brick industry on Centre Island, the Cold Spring Harbor Lighthouse, Fort Hill and Billy Joel’s ties to the bay among other topics.

On June 14th, the women of CIFC enjoyed a day of bonding and learning called "Women On The Water," where they were divided into groups to learn sailing from certified instructors. They were taught about keelboats, how to rig them, and practiced skipper and crew roles. The day concluded with a friendly race between three boats.

Thursday, October 26th, marked our High School Sailing's Annual Halloween Regatta!

Saturday, October 28th, The WaterFront Center teamed up with Deanna Arecco of Salty Soul Yoga to host a witches paddle tour! In the spirit of Halloween, we asked everyone to dress up as a witch or wizard for the paddle tour with Deanna. The morning was beautiful, with no wind, blue skies, and a magical 80 degrees at the end of October!

Sunday, October 22, The WaterFront Center hosted New York State’s 2023 Optimist Championship. Sunday brought heavy wind averaging 15 - 20 knots out of the northwest. With thick clouds covering the bright blue sky above, each child knew this championship day would test them as an optimist sailor.

This September, The WaterFront Center hosted their 2023 Benefit Regatta at The WaterFront Center with an awards celebration at Cooper Bluff! Check out photos, winners, and a short video from the event. Thank you to all of our sponsors and everyone who attended!

October is a great month to take advantage of the weather right before winter. Join us for a CHRISTEEN Harbor Tour, Witches Paddle, New York State Optimist Championship, and Oyster Festival!

Join The WaterFront Center on October 14th and 15th for the Oyster Festival! Participate in activities like a Harbor Tour on CHRISTEEN, a Paddle Tour around Oyster Bay Harbor, sailboat rental, our massive touch tank, kayak rentals, and more!

Register for the 2023 NYS Optimist Championship today!

See photos from your child's adventure this summer, as they make unforgettable childhood memories and discover the Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge! See them enjoy the great outdoors, the beach, and the bay. Activities include kayaking, sailing, science experiments, research projects, robotics, STEM, and more!

Our first Kayak Conservation Cruise in partner with Friends of the Bay went off without a hitch! Saturday morning was a beautiful day for a paddle. It was a great tour on the water. This tour shows off the beauty of Oyster Bay Harbor and sheds light on the significance of the rich history and wildlife important to its ecology.

Oyster Bay, NY: Wednesday, May 3rd at 10 am in Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park Boat Ramps, join The WaterFront Center, IDA MAY Project, and our maritime community to celebrate and witness the launching of the Oyster Dredge IDA MAY. This historic vessel was the first powered oyster dredge built and operated by Frank M. Flowers Oyster Company from 1925 until 2003. 

Connect your family to nature this spring and summer by getting out on the water with WFC! From kayaking through the marsh to seining on the beach or raising the sail on the Oyster Sloop CHRISTEEN, we have plenty to keep you and your family busy this year! Our programs will launch on the dates listed below. See you in May!