Phila Sail

The golden hour as seen from SV First Light. Soak in the last moments of sunlight and explore the waterfront by dusk during a sunset sail with us!

Sailing tours with Calico Jack are fun and informative for all ages. You can make it a family outing, and everyone will have a great experience learning something new while enjoying time on the water!

The city at sunset is magical, with the light dancing on the water and the serenity offered by enjoying the golden hour on a boat. We'd love to sail with you this spring - check our calendar to select a date and type of excursion!

On snowy days like today, it's nice to look ahead to warm, sunny days on First Light in a few months. Enjoy the snow, stay safe out there, and remember - spring will be here before you know it! 

Glimmering view of Chesapeake City while on a trip to and from Annapolis for the sailboat show last month. Phila Sail wishes you a safe and happy holiday tomorrow, and we look forward to having you aboard in the spring! 

Capture an amazing sunset selfie or snap some photos of the Philadelphia skyline with a view you can only get on the water! Bring your friends, bring a meal, and BYOB aboard SV First Light and have an evening to remember.

We simply can't get enough of this view of the city at sunset. No matter how much time is spent on the water, one never tires of seeing the glistening water and feeling the wind on your face. It's so refreshing and peaceful - come join us for sail and experience the tranquility for yourself!

Did everyone take a moment to enjoy the gorgeous double rainbow in the area on Saturday afternoon? We were very fortunate to be on the water, taking in the view as it appeared to streak up into the sky from the USS New Jersey.

As we bid farewell to summer, we are looking ahead to refreshing autumn sails! Watching the foliage change colors, enjoying lower temperatures, and learning about the waterfront from our guide, Calico Jack. Check out our calendar to pick a date for your fall sailing adventure!

Rainy days like this aren't ideal for sailing, but we look forward to getting on the water as soon as the weather cooperates! Consider us for a birthday celebration, an engagement toast, or a work happy hour excursion - sailing brings people together and reconnects us with the beauty we are surrounded by. Let's enjoy the waterfront together!

We colloquially call flotsam like this "Delaware torpedoes". They are typically from people up river who have cut trees and deadfall too close to streams and tributaries of the Delaware, causing them to get washed into the river during storms.

We are proud to sail the Friendly Flag and hope to connect with others when we are out sailing!

Boat maintenance is a vital part of owning a sailing company, ensuring that every part of the vessel is safe, well cared for, and ready for her guests! Some days, it means calling in assistance from your certified rigger friend to run the winch and then climbing up to replace the steaming light festoon bulb. All in a day's work of sailboat ownership!

Boating at night is such a special time. The city lights up, helping to guide us along the river as we take in the views. And SV First Light also "lights" up - here you see the cabin in night running lights, bathing the cabin in red.

It's May, and you know what that means - sunny days and the desire to spend time outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather. Consider a tour with Phila Sail to truly soak in not only the sun but also the history of the Delaware River Waterfront, courtesy of our tour guide Calico Jack. Don't miss your chance to book your sailing adventure with us this summer!

Have you ever wondered about the name "SV First Light" and its origin story? SV stands for "Sailing Vessel", which is used for many civilian sailboats. For the rest of the name, we dive into oral traditions that originated in the Pacific Northwest among the Haida and Tlingit people. A raven named Yéil is a trickster who wants to bring the "first light" into the universe. He discovers it is being hidden in a box by an old man and manages to steal the light. In some versions, the box is shaken and bits of light scatter into the sky (stars), while some fall onto water (creating the sparkle we see in sunlight), and what is left is an orb that becomes our sun. I encourage you to look up the full story, as it is very interesting and thought-provoking.