Phila Sail

Set sail on the Delaware River, explore Philadelphia’s waterfront history, and support a Black-owned charter sharing overlooked stories.

OUR EXPERIENCES

Phila Sail is a Black-owned, owner-operated sailboat charter on the Delaware River, sailing First Light, a 32-foot O’Day 322, from the Penn’s Landing area for groups of up to six. Offerings include private Sunset Sails and Day Sails, custom Private Excursions, and the three-hour Historic Philadelphia Waterfront Sail, where performer Cubby Altobelli, as Calico Jack, shares the river’s history through the stories of the Black and Indigenous people who helped build the city’s wealth. Guests experience Philadelphia from the water and can take the helm or help raise sail.

ABOUT US

Phila Sail’s mission is to put Philadelphians and visitors on the Delaware River, the waterway that built the city. As a Black-owned, owner-operated charter, we sail small groups along the waterfront and tell its full history, including the Black and Indigenous labor behind Philadelphia’s wealth.

IMPACT

Phila Sail is the only sailboat charter on the Delaware River in Philadelphia and is Black-owned in an industry where about 92% of American boat owners are white (NMMA, 2022). The business offers a per-seat Sunset Sail priced to make the experience accessible without requiring guests to charter the entire boat. It has also donated charters to Drexel Law’s Public Interest Experience auction, which funds stipends for students taking pro bono summer placements, and to the Asian Arts Initiative gala.

The three-hour Historic Philadelphia Waterfront Sail features performer Cubby Altobelli as Calico Jack, sharing the river’s history between Penn’s Landing and Fort Mifflin. The experience highlights James Forten, William Still, the Underground Railroad on the Delaware, and the Black and Indigenous labor that built the region’s wealth. Phila Sail’s work has also been covered by the Philly Plain Dealer.

DETAILS

To learn more, contact: info@philasail.com

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?

Minimum 2; maximum 6.

Do you require visitors to pre-book?

Yes, pre-booking is required.

Do you have group rates?

Yes.

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?

No.

What languages do you offer your services in?

English; other languages available by request.

When are you open?

Booking calls are available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, from May 1 to November 1. Sailings are offered according to the published schedule calendar.

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?

Guests board from a floating dock by stepping onto the boat and down into the cockpit, with crew assistance available. The entire sail can be enjoyed seated in the cockpit, which has backrests and a clear view of the river and skyline. The cabin and restroom are accessed by a companionway ladder. Private charters allow the crew to adjust the pace and tailor the trip to guests’ needs. Guests are welcome to discuss accessibility requirements by phone before booking. Service animals are welcome aboard.