Center for Marine Education & Recreation at Oyster Bay, Inc.

In 10 years, people from all walks of life will have access to a clean and healthy Bay, and many families and friends will be sailing together in boats rented from or built at the WaterFront Center. Maximizing use of the unique public facilities on the Western Waterfront developed under the leadership of Senator Carl Marcellino by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Town of Oyster Bay, the Center will be providing skills and equipment for anyone to get out on the water for learning and enjoyment. The Center will have reached and engaged students from Pre-K through High School, college and late adulthood in marine environmental science and building, maintaining and handling boats. Their stewardship will ensure the Bay’s continued health.

We believe that everyone should have access to the waters of Oyster Bay.
We believe in protecting and preserving the estuary environment.
We believe that learning is shaped and made permanent through enthusiasm, active engagement, discovery and enjoyment.
We believe that stewardship stems from knowledge, appreciation and personal connection.
We believe in encouraging environmentally sound recreation on the Bay that uses renewable energy such as sailing and kayaking.
We believe that shared pleasurable experiences create lasting multigenerational bonds and build community.
We believe it is necessary to have an expert teaching staff and a wide range of quality programs.
We believe safety is essential in everything we do.
We believe in fun.

Prime access to a unique area of Long Island's north shore. Next to a fresh water stream, estuary, bay, harbor and the Oyster Bay National Wildlife refuge. Our location is the ideal setting for children and adults to learn about and recreate in and around the water and natural environment. Our location and staff enables use to hosts hundreds of people simultaneously whether they want to sail, paddle, or learn about the marine environment.

Since the WaterFront Center was founded in 2000 it has expanded it's reach through many avenues, including: adult racing, high school sailing, junior sailing and race teams, school partnerships, STEAM, paddling, powerboat training. Some interesting facts and stats about The WaterFront Center from the 2022 season:
• 9,632 children and adults participated in Marine Education Programs.
• 3,302 people sailed on Christeen, enjoying public harbor tours, educational cruises, and private charters.
• 919 youths attended summer programs learning how to sail, fish, kayak, seine, sniggle, and discover the wonders of the local marine environment.
• 108 sailors participated in Optimist Dinghy Class and 420 programs in the spring and fall.
• 508 adults participated in our learn-to-sail programs, racing programs, US Sailing Certification Courses, and sailboat rentals.
• 1146 Adults and children kayaked and stand up paddled (SUP) for close to 2000 hours in West Harbor.
• Close to 10,000 people visited during the annual Oyster Festival held in Oyster Bay.
• Over 48 volunteers helped prepare boats, crew on Christeen, serve on the Board of Directors, organize mailings, raise funds, and many other valuable tasks.