SAFETY FOR CRUISING COUPLES
Turn anxiety into confidence through hands-on training designed for cruising couples
Next Session - Sunday, August 16, 2026
The Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia
9:00am to 4:00pm
Lunch and workbook included
Kate Kaminski
Philadelphia, PA
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.
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, this course is designed to help both partners build the skills and confidence needed to share responsibilities aboard.
You’ll learn essential safety, communication, and boat-handling skills that make cruising safer and more enjoyable.
The best cruising couples aren't born - they train together to become a team!
ABOUT THE COURSE
What you will learn:
Building the skipper / crew partnership
Calm, confident teamwork and clear communication.
Stopping the boat quickly and safely then find your position
Know how to stop the boat and exactly where you are — so either partner can be in control.
Calling for help using the 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 shorthanded
How to train for fire, flooding, MOB and more — so every partner knows their role and you react instead of panic.
Quick course facts:
Class duration
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Tuition
From $350 per couple.
Format
In-person seminar with hands-on practice and interactive breakout groups.
Lunch and course materials included.
Class size
10 to 40 participants (5 to 20 couples).
Handouts
Every couple receives the revised Safety For Cruising Couples workbook to use during class and take home as a practical onboard reference. ($24 value).
Who Should Attend
Cruising couples. Sail and power boaters. No prior offshore experience required.
Confidence aboard doesn't come from luck. It comes from practicing together before you need the skills.
Ellen & Seth Leonard
Big Island, HI
This course helps us to become better sailors. An essential component of risk-management at sea is to not become complacent. not to believe you know everything, but instead to always be thinking, evaluating, and learning.
Tori Willauer & Tony Fitch
Rock Harbor, ME
This course helps us to better understand each others strengths and weaknesses so that we can quickly adapt to change.
Janna & Graeme Cawrse
Seattle, WA
The average cruising boat is getting bigger, but none of are getting younger. To cruise safely we need systems and plans that work for everyone onboard.
Upcoming Dates and Locations
Sunday August 16, 2026
9:00 am to 4:00pm
$350 / couple for CYCOP members
$450 / couple for non-members
Safety for Cruising Couples
Philadelphia PA at The Corinthian Yacht Club of Philadelphia.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Roel Hoekstra
USCG Master | US Sailing Certified 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.
Experience:
40+ years sailing
50,000+ offshore miles
10 Annapolis to NEwport Races
6 Newport to Bermuda Races
USCG Master Captain
US Sailing Offshore Safety at Sea Moderator
US Sailing Keelboat Instructor
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course only for sailors?
No. This is for couples who cruise on sailboats or powerboats.
Can we attend if we own a powerboat?
Absolutely. This course is for couples who are out on the water in 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 2026 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
