PRACTICE ON YOUR OWN BOAT
Turn knowledge into readiness
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.
ABOUT THE COURSE
What you will learn:
Even experienced sailors can be caught off guard by a real man-overboard emergency. This hands-on, on-your-boat program transforms theory into confidence through practical, repeatable drills.
Key Skills Include:
Executing realistic man-overboard recoveries under sail and power
Coordinating communication and roles among the crew
Understanding the differences between shorthanded and full-crew responses
Using and retrieving a life-like “dummy” for true-to-life practice
Assessing your boat’s unique recovery characteristics (freeboard, prop wash, etc.)
Post-recovery evaluation and improvement checklist
Quick course facts:
Class duration
One full day, conducted aboard your own vessel.
Location
At your home port or mooring location.
Prerequisites
None required; prior completion of the Safety for Cruising Couples course or the Offshore Safety at Sea course is recommended.
Vessel Requirements
Your boat, in safe and seaworthy condition, with standard safety gear (we will send you a list of standard safety gear you should have onboard).
Crew Size
Typically 2–6 participants. Basically, whatever is the standard crew size for your vessel.
Cost
From $600. Pricing based on vessel location and crew size.
Discounts available for multiple vessels from the same club or marina.
Certification
CCA-endorsed participation certificate
Dates and Scheduling
Because every boat and crew are unique, this course is offered by appointment only.
Complete the short form below and we’ll contact you to arrange a date and customized training plan.
Ready to practice real recovery on your own boat?
Schedule your customized training today and build real confidence where it matters most — on the water.
Complete the short form below and we’ll contact you to arrange a date and customized training plan.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Roel Hoekstra
USCG Offshore 50-Ton Master | US Sailing Certified Instructor | CCA Instructor.
Roel Hoekstra brings decades of experience in offshore and coastal sailing, including multiple Newport to Bermuda and Annapolis to Newport races.
As a US Sailing-certified instructor and CCA Offshore Safety educator, Roel’s hands-on teaching approach helps sailors translate classroom knowledge into confident seamanship on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special equipment for this course?
No, but your boat must have a throwable flotation device, and a functioning VHF radio. We will bring our CCA-approved “dummy”. No need to through one of your crew overboard!
How many people can participate?
Two to six crew members — ideal for cruising couples, families, or race crews. But if you regularly race with more than six crew, we can accommodate that.
Can we practice with our own boat type?
Yes — this training is done on your boat and is fully customized to your vessel’s layout, rig, and propulsion system.
Will this qualify me for offshore racing?
While this course complements CCA Offshore Safety at Sea training, which is required to compete in most offshore races, it is an excellent real-world, hands on extension.
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
