Date: Thursday, March 20 to Sunday, March 23

Location: 147 Sunrise Highway, West of Robert Moses Causeway, West Islip, NY

Hours: Thursday, March 20, 6-9 p.m., Cruising for a Cause; Saturday, March 22, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Meet Nick Mavar of Deadliest Catch; Sunday, March 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Meet Captain Ralph of Wicked Tuna

Fee: Grand Opening Weekend, FREE; “Cruising for a Cause” charity event is $10

Highlights: Get ready for summer and enjoy fishing seminars, barbeque demos & fun at the Grand Opening of the new West Marine West Islip Flagship store. The new flagship has 24,800 square feet of nautical necessities and access to experts who can help boaters, anglers and paddlesports enthusiasts make the most of their time on the water.

The events start Thursday, March 20 at “Cruising with a Cause” with live music, Blue Island Oyster Farm oyster bar and other local specialties, plus an auction to raise funds for local marine-based organizations. Tickets for “Cruising for a Cause” are available at West Marine West Islip store. Appearances by Nick Mavar of Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch and Captain Ralph Wilkins from National Geographic’s hot series Wicked Tuna.

Partners include Whitewater Outfitters (Sat, 10-11 am), Captain John Capuano of the Shinnecock Star (Sat, 12-1 pm), Capt. Tom Mikoleski of Montauk’s boat “Grand Slam” (Sat, 2-3 pm), and Kevin Falvey, Editor-in-Chief of Boating Magazine & author of Falvey’s Guide to Fishing Long Island (Sun, 1-2 pm). Plus, deals on waterlife gear and accessories, giveaways and more.

Contact: 631.669.8585