SAFETY FOR CRUISING COUPLES
Sail (or power) together confidently and safely
SAFETY FOR CRUISING COUPLES
A one-day, hands-on workshop that helps couples communicate better, handle emergencies calmly, and enjoy life on the water with confidence.
Developed by the Cruising Club of America and taught by certified instructors, this course is designed for the less-experienced partner in a cruising couple (often the partner with less experience at sea).
You’ll learn essential safety, communication, and boat-handling skills that make cruising safer and more enjoyable.
ABOUT THE COURSE
What you will learn:
Skipper and Crew Partnership
Calm, confident teamwork and clear communication.
Stopping the boat & finding your position
Know how to stop the boat and exactly where you are — so the less-experienced partner can confidently step in.
Getting help (VHF & DSC)
Know, and practice, exactly how to call for help. Feel secure that either of you can manage the radio when it matters.
Dealing with Emergencies
Train for fire, flooding, MOB and more — so every partner knows their role and you react instead of panic.
Quick course facts:
Class duration
8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Tuition
$300 per couple.
Format
In-person seminar with hands on practice and interactive breakout groups.
Lunch and course materials included.
Class size
10 to 30 participants (5 to 15 couples).
Upcoming Dates and Locations
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 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.
Carolyn Folk
SV Ginger
For the first time I felt like I could handle the boat if John was incapacitated. That means I can enjoy the ride instead of worrying.
Kate Kaminski
SV Akela III
Before this course, I loved being on the boat — but I always felt like a passenger. Now I know how to handle things myself, and that confidence completely changed how we cruise together.
Maggie Rosenfeld
SV Blue Bayou
I used to worry about what I’d do if something happened to my husband while we were underway. After this class, I know exactly what to do — and more importantly, I’m not afraid anymore
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Roel Hoekstra
USCG Offshore 50-Ton Master | US Sailing Certified Instructor | CCA Instructor.
With over 40 years of one-design, coastal, and offshore experience, Roel brings a calm, practical teaching style rooted in real-world sailing.
Roel and his wife Kate took the Safety For Cruising Couples course when they started dating 15-years ago and are still cruising to this day on their boat Akela III, a 1985 Swan 43, on the Chesapeake Bay and in New England.
Roel is the current Commodore of The Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia and a member of the Cruising Club of America. He has raced in 15 Annapolis–Newport and 6 Newport–Bermuda races and has completed over 20 offshore passages to and from Bermuda and the Caribbean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course only for sailors?
No. This is for couples who cruise on sailboats or powerboats.
Will we be practicing on our own boat?
This is a classroom based workshop. So we won't be practicing on your boat. We will be practicing radio operations on real radios (but not over the air) and we will be doing practical excercises to understand how to use your navigatioin equipment to determine where you are and how to call for help.
You will get a worksheet and checklist so you can practice on your own boat and Akela Sailing does offer custom training where you can practice on your boat with a certified instructor.
What should I bring
We will be indoors so just wear comfortable clothes for a day long program. Bring a pen or pencil to take notes. We will provide all the course materials you need.
What is the refund policy?
We need at least 3 couples to register to have the seminar. If we have to cancel a seminar for any reason, you will receive a 100% refund.
You may cancel your reservation up to 3 days before the event. There is a 10% cancelation fee.
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
