QBE yachting expeditions for teens: gaff-rig sailing, off-the-beaten-path discovery, and singular outdoor fun. Join us for a unique maritime coming-of-age adventure on our signature pilot cutters.
Cruising the charm-blessed coastlines of western France (Brittany) and the Channel Isles.
* The Paris Olympic Games are making it difficult to book flights and trains into France this summer. As a result, we are operating out of the Channel Island of Jersey, just off the French coast. (We are still sailing to many of our usual French destinations.) Jersey has an international airport, and it is easily accessible by ferry. We are happy to try to assist our crew members with travel arrangements.
QBE stands for “Qualified By Experience.” Its European Leadership School (ELS), based in Saint-Malo, France, offers small-group sailing expeditions that lever exhilarating but safe team adventure to teach young adults not only how to sail a traditionally rigged boat, but also something about collaboration, resilience, leadership, coastal ecology, and authentic European culture.
We also provide an ideal opportunity for non-native speakers to practice their English (the language of instruction) and, for those who are interested, to learn a little French.
In an age of dazzling virtual reality, addictive online games, and social media, adolescents often are robbed of opportunities to experience challenging rites of passage that formerly were seen as essential for the attainment of responsible adulthood. That, in a nutshell, is what we provide.
The Four Stages of “Coming of Age”
• Realization—growth, change, emotional availability
• Removal—separation, setting out from a familiar environment to test one’s mettle in an unfamiliar setting
• Challenge—impressive personal accomplishment and the self-confidence that flows from it
• Reintegration—”rebirth” and return to the original environment with new insights, maturity, and status
Conceived and supervised by the former sailing coach at a leading Swiss international school, QBE’s maritime expeditions are uniquely designed to help crews of high school students display their ingenuity, gain new perspectives, and ultimately develop greater self-esteem—a proven catalyst for academic and life success. And we do it on distinctive classic sailboats.
Pics taken during our summer 2023 expeditions:
Nothing fuels teen curiosity or propels young lives like a QBE sailing expedition. And few outdoor opportunities are more expansively educational or, for that matter, fun. All things considered, we doubt you’ll find another teen adventure anywhere that can replicate a life-elevating QBE experience.
Two- and three-week expeditions are available in June, July, and August. We had a waiting list last season, so act now to reserve your place(s) for summer 2024!
Our 2024 dates and fees are posted here along with the application forms for each expedition. We are always happy to answer questions, provide references, and discuss payment options. Feel free to contact us to ask questions or schedule a call.
Charting Exciting New Courses
Call it a nautical map for success. Team sailing teaches you how to contend with forces you can't control and compels you to rely on crewmates for support. It requires you constantly to adapt to changing weather, winds, and tides to achieve objectives. But it's also tremendously rewarding—there's the thrill of the wind in your hair as you cut through the water and, in our case, the satisfaction of sailing into port on beautiful traditional pilot cutters. Not only are our connoisseurs' sailboats fun to sail, but they're the perfect size for teaching self mastery and other important life lessons.
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New Life Skills and Confidence
Virtual learning simply can’t replicate the impressive results of one-on-one sailing instruction and mentoring. As a QBE crew member, you not only learn how to sail, but also how to function in all the important roles on your team. Too, the many challenges of traditional sailing, including using the stars and a compass to plot a course, help you develop a problem-solving mentality. Over 2–3 weeks, you'll gain surprising life insights and make new friends from around the world. It's a transformative experience, one that could change your life forever. You'll be amazed how much you discover about yourself.
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A Perfect European Setting
Situated on the Brittany coast in western France, an area famous for its excellent sailing and abundant wildlife, the centuries-old walled city of St-Malo once sheltered corsairs and pirates. Today its beautiful harbor, historic ramparts, and vibrant cafés attract visitors from around the world. Because of its excellent facilities and proximity to such culturally rich sites as Mont Saint-Michel, the Channel Islands, and numerous towns and ports steeped in history, it's the ideal location for a program that includes both yachting and cultural exploration. Oh, and there are no mosquitoes or ticks in our sailing area!