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 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 - Newport Harbor
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
OUR TEAM
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
Arturo Quinones
Arturo is a professional yacht captain and sailing instructor. Arturo lives in Puerto Rico and is on the water practically every day. Running cruising yachts, delivering yachts globally, or leading instructional programs around the world.
Roel skippering Sonrisa in 2024 Newport to Bermuda Race
OUR FLEET
J22s in Philadelphia
We use J22s for our keelboat training programs.
The boats are located at The Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia on the Delaware River.
The J22 is a wonderful training boat with a big cockpit, well balanced helm, simple and easy to trim sail plan. Can be sailed comfortably with 2 to 5 people onboard.
J22s racing on the Delaware River
Nautor Swan 43 on the Chesapeake Bay
For cruising instruction, we train on a state of the art Swan 43.
Swan's are known world wide as one of the finest production yachts ever produced. Akela III has sailed throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and up and down the East Coast.
She has competed in 14 Annapolis to Newport Races (winning her class twice) and in 4 Newport to Bermuda races.
She is maintained to the highest ocean going standards and includes new teak decks, new Harken jib and main tracks, and a full suite of new B&G electronics.
Akela III racing in the Annapolis to Newport Race
Copyright 2025 Akela Partners LLC
dba Akela Sailing.
All rights reserved
Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Address
Akela Sailing
Office: 300 W. 2nd St
Essington, PA 19029
Phone Number:
866-576-1204
