FIND YOUR WAY
TO A SAILING LIFESTYLE
Sailing is more than just a sport or hobby - It's a journey toward personal growth and freedom.
ABOUT US
WELCOME TO AKELA SAILING
When the sails open and the wind begins to push the boat forward, all the noise of the world seems to fade away. There is only the sea, the breeze, and the indescribable sense of peace.
For sailors, every wave is a melody, every wind direction a challenge, every voyage a story. No matter how far you sail, the sea always teaches the same lessons - balance, patience, and freedom.
Akela Sailing is here to get you out on the water and sailing quickly and safely. From small boat sailing to ocean voyaging. We've got you covered.
We are proud partners with US Sailing and offer the complete US Sailing certification curriculum. Including both the Small Keelboat and the Cruising Sailboat Tracks.
Sailing on a J22 at The Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia
Sailing on Sonrisa - X-Yachts XP44
OUR PHILOSOPHY
SAILING AS A LIFESTYLE
Sailing is a lifetime pursuit. From 10 year old kids to 90-year old salts, everyone can participate and everyone can always learn how to improve their boat handling and safety skills.
Learn New Skills
Improve teamwork and leadership
Adapt a safety culture
Thrive in whatever conditions mother nature throws at you
Develop deep connections with friends new and old
SAILING EDUCATION
CHOOSE YOUR LEVEL AND AREA OF FOCUS
Safety For Cruising Couples
Build confidence, safety, and trust — this CCA developed hands-on course helps cruising couples turn anxiety into assurance and become a true team on the water.
US Sailing Offshore Safety At Sea Certification
Gain the skills and confidence to handle real emergencies — this US Sailing Offshore Safety At Sea Certification class is a full-day, hands-on course (including in-the-water training) that meets the offshore safety requirements for all major ocean races.
MOB/PIW PRACTICE ON YOUR OWN BOAT
Turn knowledge into readiness — this CCA developed full-day, on-your-own-boat course uses a life-like dummy to help full crews, shorthanded crews and cruising couples master real man-overboard recovery.
FIRST SAIL EXPERIENCE
Go sailing with a certified instructor — this free two-hour experience lets you take the helm and see what makes life under sail so unforgettable.
INTRODUCTION TO KEELBOAT SAILING
Learn the fundamentals of sailing in this 12-hour, hands-on keelboat course — build confidence at the helm as you master basic boat handling and points of sail.
US Sailing Keelboat Certification
Earn your US Sailing Keelboat Certification in this intensive four-day, 30-hour course — master boat handling, navigation, and seamanship skills to safely and confidently skipper a keelboat.
Performance Sailing Certification
Take your sailing to the next level — this US Sailing Performance Sailing certification course teaches how to fine-tune sail shape, adjust rig tension, and optimize trim for maximum performance on the water.
Basic Cruising Certificate
Build on your keelboat skills and earn your US Sailing Basic Cruising Certification — learn to confidently skipper and crew an auxiliary-powered cruising sailboat in daylight, near-shore conditions.
Bareboat Cruising Certificate
Build on your Basic Cruising skills and earn your US Sailing Bareboat Cruising Certification — learn to confidently skipper and crew a larger cruising sailboat, operate its systems, and anchor safely under power or sail.
Cruising Catamaran Certification
Expand your cruising skills and earn your US Sailing Catamaran Endorsement — learn to handle twin engines, wide-beam maneuvering, and sail trim on a modern cruising catamaran with confident command.
Coastal Navigation Certificate
Develop the skills to navigate with confidence — this US Sailing certification course teaches traditional chart work and the integration of modern electronic navigation tools for accurate coastal passage planning.
Coastal Passage Making Certificate
Advance your seamanship with this challenging US Sailing Passage making certification course — learn to confidently skipper and crew a cruising sailboat on extended coastal passages, day or night, in all weather conditions.
Chartering In European Waters
Expand your cruising horizons — earn the US Sailing International Proficiency Certificate to charter and skipper sailboats legally and confidently throughout European waters.
Offshore Passage Making Certificate
Achieve the pinnacle of US Sailing certification — this advanced course prepares you to safely and confidently skipper and crew offshore passages of 600 miles or more, anywhere in the world.
Offshore Race Training
“A fully customized offshore race training program where we work with you and crew to prepare, train, and compete in ocean races aboard 40- to 60-foot yachts.”
Private Lessons
Get one-on-one instruction tailored to your goals — private sailing lessons designed around your experience, boat, and schedule to accelerate your skills and confidence on the water.
Executive & Team Building Program
Bring your team together on the water — this one-day sailing experience combines challenge, communication, and fun as crews learn to sail and compete under expert guidance.
Class Schedule
Daily Tuesday - Saturday
10:00 am to 12:00pm
FREE
2 hour experience
First Sail
Philadelphia PA at The Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia.
Saturday January 17, 2026
9:00 am to 4:00pm
$300 per couple
7 hour course
Safety for Cruising Couples
Philadelphia PA at The Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia.
Saturday January 24, 2026
9:00 am to 4:00pm
$300 per couple
7 hour course
Safety for Cruising Couples
Annapolis MD at the Annapolis Yacht Club.
Saturday January 31, 2026
8:30 am to 4:30pm
$400 per person
8 hour course
Offshore Safety At Sea - Hands On Only
Bristol RI at Rodger Williams University.
Saturday February 21, 2026
9:00 am to 4:00pm
$300 per couple
7 hour course
Safety for Cruising Couples
Baltimore MD at the Annapolis Yacht Club.
Saturday March 14, 2026
8:30 am to 4:30pm
$400 per person
8 hour course
Offshore Safety At Sea - Hands On Only
Bristol RI at Rodger Williams University.
Saturday April 18 -
Sunday April 19, 2026
09:00 am to 05:00pm
$600 per person
12 hour course
Introduction to Keelboat Sailing
Philadelphia PA at The Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia.
Thursday April 30 -
Sunday May 3, 2026
12:00 PM to 6:00 PM Thu
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sat & Sun
$900 per person
22 hour course
US Sailing Basic Keelboat Certification
Philadelphia PA at The Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia.
MEET THE COACH
Roel Hoekstra
Roel is committed to building the sport of sailing by focusing on getting adults out on boats. Whether to learn a new skill and meet some new friends or to prepare a yacht to sail across the oceans or compete in the world's to races.
Roel is a passionate sailor with a lifetime of experience on big and small sailboats. He is a US Sailing certified instructor, current Commodore of The Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia and a member of the Cruising Club of America (CCA).
Certifications Include:
US Sailing certified Keelboat and Performance Sailing Instructor
US Sailing certified Offshore Safety at Sea Program Leader
CCA certified Safety For Cruising Couples Program Instructor
CCA certified Person Overboard - Train On Your Own Boat Instructor
US Coast Guard 50 Ton Master with Sailing Endorsement
Roel skippering Sonrisa in 2024 Newport to Bermuda Race
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dba Akela Sailing.
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Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Address
Akela Sailing
Office: 300 W. 2nd St
Essington, PA 19029
Phone Number:
866-576-1204
