For anyone who's ever wanted to learn how to sail or kayak, or dreamed of stepping aboard a tall ship, now you have the opportunity. On Saturday, June 7, The Waterfront Center (WFC) will host the admission free 3rd Annual Bay Day on the shores of Oyster Bay at Beekman Beach.

The event, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will bring together individuals, schools, community groups, the United States Coast Guard and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), with the main goals of increasing awareness about marine ecosystems and encouraging safe and fun water recreation.

Bay Day will feature free kayak lessons from Bridge Marina and sailing lessons courtesy of the Oyster Bay Sailing School. Two popular races will be held: the 6th Annual Row Around the Bay at 11 a.m., and the Anything-That-Floats-Race at 3 p.m.

The first race asks that anyone with a "self-powered boat" come out and race. It even offers rental boats for rowers to take the challenge to "fill the bay with boats."

The second boat race challenges students, families, businesses and organizations to build an environmentally friendly boat (styrofoam, metal, rubber and motors are strictly prohibited) and compete for prizes in different categories. Schools represented in this year's race include Oyster Bay High School, Locust Valley High School, East Woods School and Friends Academy, as well as the Oyster Bay-East Norwich and Grenville Baker (Locust Valley) Boys and Girls Club.

"This annual event highlights the fun and rewarding aspects of the work we do all year long," said Rob Crafa, executive director of The Waterfront Center. "Thanks to our community partners, sponsors and volunteers, we're able to hold a free event and offer the public a range of educational and recreational activities that they may not find anywhere else. Hopefully, this will instill a greater appreciation for the beautiful coastal waters of Oyster Bay and Cold Spring Harbor."

New this year is the "I Fish New York," a program that teaches people how to fish. Sponsored by the NY State DEC, representatives will loan fishing poles and give instruction on how to properly cast a line, hook bait, etc. Those who sign up may even be lucky enough to catch a flounder or two.

Throughout the day, individuals and families may sign up for a free sail on the 40-foot, Christeen, the oldest remaining oyster sloop in North America. Built in 1883 and restored, the ship is registered as a National Historic Landmark. Also available will be free dockside tours of the 85-foot Mystic Whaler Tall Ship from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

At noon, the 16th Annual Blessing of the Fleet will take place. Clergy will gather and give a non-denominational blessing to all boats (big and small), which comes from the tradition of blessing fishing vessels before they set sail praying for a safe return.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the U.S. Coast Guard will hold a Boating Safety Expo. Anyone who wishes to have his or her boat inspected will be able to do so free-of-charge. Weather permitting, the Coast Guard will simulate a helicopter water rescue of a small boat.

For the first time at Bay Day, a marine flea market will be held. The market is expected to attract numerous vendors and new and used boating and fishing equipment will be sold. Vendors pay a fee for tables and those fees are donated to the WFC.

Major corporate sponsors of Bay Day 2003 include Frank M. Flower and Sons Oyster Company, Mill-Max Manufacturing, Anton Community Newspapers, Island Properties, HSBC Bank, John DeLillo, CPA and Alex Gallego. Throughout the day, the bluegrass band, Buddy Meriam and the Backroads will perform. If you wish, you can pack a picnic or buy lunch and refreshments from food vendors. The event is expected to draw several thousand people.

Bay Day will be held rain or shine. For more information, please call The Waterfront Center at (516) 922-SAIL (7245) or visit its website at www.thewaterfrontcenter.org.