Business Details
33 Years
experience
Expert Sailing Education in Philadelphia
Since 1993, Liberty Sailing School Of Philadelphia has been a premier destination for comprehensive sailing education. As an American Sailing Association (ASA) certified facility, we offer courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels, including ASA 101 through ASA 114 certifications. Our programs emphasize hands-on learning on the Delaware River Waterfront, utilizing modern J/27 and Hunter 31 sailboats. Our instructors are United States Coast Guard Licensed Captains with extensive experience in both recreational and commercial sailing. We provide flexible scheduling options, including weekend and evening classes, to accommodate diverse learner needs.Our curriculum integrates Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Safe Boating Certification, ensuring compliance with regional boating requirements. For advanced training, we offer specialized courses in catamaran sailing, coastal navigation, and bareboat chartering. Our Philadelphia-based facility serves as a launchpad for international programs, including our popular Belize sailing expedition. We maintain rigorous safety standards while fostering an environment where students develop practical skills and maritime confidence. Our commitment to quality education has made us a trusted name in sailing instruction for over three decades.
Services
ASA 101 Certification
ASA 103 Certification
Bareboat Chartering
Coastal Navigation
Private Sailing Lessons
Catamaran Training
Boat Delivery
Navigation Courses
Sailing Expeditions
Boating Safety
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of ASA-certified sailing instruction experience
- Our instructors are United States Coast Guard Licensed Captains
- We provide both local Philadelphia courses and international programs in Belize
- We include Pennsylvania Safe Boating Certification in all basic sailing courses
- We offer flexible scheduling with weekend and evening class options
Associations and certifications
- American Sailing Association
- Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Services
ASA 101 Certification
Our ASA 101 Basic Keelboat Sailing course teaches fundamental sailing skills on J/27 sailboats. Students learn points of sail, safety procedures, and boat handling techniques through hands-on water instruction. The two-day program prepares novices to skipper small boats in protected waters under normal conditions.
ASA 104 Bareboat Chartering
This three-day live-aboard course prepares sailors for independent yacht chartering. Students learn advanced docking, navigation, and onboard systems management while sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. The ASA-certified program covers trip planning, weather analysis, and emergency troubleshooting for coastal cruising.
Private Sailing Instruction
Customized three-hour sessions focus on specific skill development needs. Available on Hunter 31 or J/27 sailboats, instruction covers docking, close-quarter maneuvering, and advanced sailing techniques for up to four participants with personalized coaching from Coast Guard-licensed captains.
Belize Sailing Expedition
Eight-day program combining classroom instruction with live-aboard sailing in Belize. Students earn ASA 104/114 certifications while exploring the Caribbean's second-longest barrier reef. Includes air-conditioned catamaran accommodations, meals, and comprehensive cruising instruction in tropical conditions.
Coastal Navigation Course
Five-evening course covering essential coastal navigation skills. Students learn chart reading, position plotting, and electronic navigation tools through practical exercises. The ASA 105-certified curriculum prepares sailors for safe coastal cruising with emphasis on real-world application.
People
Captain Steven E. Mink
Owner/Instructor
US Coast Guard Licensed Master with 30+ years of sailing instruction experience. ASA Instructor Evaluator since 1992, teaching navigation at local community colleges. Owner of Liberty Sailing School and Sail & Canvas Loft since 1993.
Questions
What sailing certifications do you offer?
We offer ASA certifications from basic keelboat sailing (ASA 101) through advanced coastal cruising (ASA 106) and catamaran training (ASA 114).
Are your instructors qualified?
All instructors are United States Coast Guard Licensed Captains with American Sailing Association certification and extensive commercial sailing experience.
Do you offer courses outside Philadelphia?
Yes, we conduct our popular Belize sailing expedition annually and offer combined Philadelphia/Belize certification programs for international training.
What boats do you use for training?
We use modern J/27 and Hunter 31 sailboats for local courses, with 44-45ft Lagoon catamarans available for our Belize programs.
Can I get private sailing lessons?
Yes, we offer customized three-hour private instruction sessions on our Hunter 31 or J/27 sailboats with personalized coaching for up to four participants.
Is the Pennsylvania Safe Boating Course included?
Yes, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Safe Boating Course is included in our ASA 101 basic sailing certification program.
