Father's Day a Family Affair

The WFC hosted a Father’s Day sail on the Christeen, which drew a large crowd of families. The Christeen sail was just one of the many activities popular on Father’s Day this year!

A passion for sailing, like many other sports and hobbies, often begins when it is passed from a father to his children. My own sailing experience began with a beat-up old Sunfish that my dad insisted on buying. However old or beat-up it may have been, several years later it landed me on a college sailing team, where I have the opportunity to do what I love every day. Needless to say, it was my dad’s passion for sailing that helped me get there. The Waterfront Center continues to uphold this seemingly timeless tradition through programs that allow families to share the joy of sailing together, and by providing opportunities for parents and their children to get out on the water and get active, while being friendly to the waters of the bay.

This father’s day, the WFC was as busy as ever with families eager to get their feet wet for the day. The Roller family opted for a true Father’s Day treat: a Discover Sailing lesson with instructor Taylor. The course is designed for those who want to get a feel for the sport, and begin their sailing adventure with an experienced instructor who can help them get acquainted with the ins-and-outs of rigging, terminology, and basic maneuvers.

The Roller family gets ready to sail!

“My husband has always said [that] one day we’ll buy a boat,” said Alison, whose two sons joined their parents for the two-hour lesson. She said that since they have yet to fulfill their ambition of buying a boat, she figured a private lesson aboard one of the WFC’s many Sonars would be the next best thing. It was a first time for everyone in the party, but they were eager to learn and fearlessly headed down to the dock to get started. Though there wasn’t much wind (and plenty of sun), the group seemed to be having a great time together on the Sonar, taking advantage of the quality family time on the water. Their adventurous attitude made for a great day out on the bay, and it seemed that the sailing bug had been passed on successfully!

Enjoying the day, even without wind.

The Thayer family, from Hicksville, opted instead for kayaking as a fun Father’s Day activity (and a way to cool off!). “We come here all the time,” Lisa said, who looked on from the dock as her three sons spent some quality time with their dad. Steven (18), Paul (13), and Matt (10) had a blast hanging out with their dad Rob, whose idea it was to spend the day at the WFC. After all, said Lisa, “It’s his day!” Matt, their youngest son, was hesitant about the activity, and Lisa said that he is often tentative about water sports. However, with his two big brothers and dad by his side, Matt got out on the water with no problem, and seemed to be having a great time!

The Thayer boys enjoyed a day of kayaking with their dad.

Whether learning the basics of sailing or conquering a fear, it’s always good to have dad by your side - as the Roller and Thayer families proved, there’s nothing better than some quality family time, especially when it involves getting in a boat and enjoying the beautiful day!