We like to write about the things that make QBE sailing expeditions a bit... different. We use this space to showcase some of the amazing places we visit, some of the special events we attend, and some of the summer fun we have (e.g., swimming and exploring). But here’s one example of something that undoubtedly sets us apart: our August crew members all wanted to help peel their own potatoes this past week (seriously)—a team peeling exercise! And a fine job they did. Team building and bonding are points of emphasis on QBE expeditions.
QBE July 2022 Expedition—Our Crew
Congratulations guys! The pleasure was all ours. We’re sorry that a few people were unable to join us.
QBE July 2022 Expedition Update—Océanopolis (Brest)
🇫🇷 Happy Bastille Day! 🇫🇷
Wow, the Océanopolis aquarium complex is massive! Here we are examining an orca for periodontal disease. (We can only imagine what a mouthful of implants would cost—they can have up to 50 teeth.) Orcas belong to the dolphin family; speaking of which, we’ve had pods of dolphins following us this past week. And that is an amazing sight, especially when you’re so close you can almost touch them!
QBE July 2022 Expedition Update—Brest
The crew on Marie Claude this week
Last night we were in the Aber Wrac’h, a small village and harbor on the river Wrac’h. Today we’re in Brest, the historic port city at the tip of the Breton peninsula where we’re looking forward to a visit to Océanopolis, one of Europe’s most impressive aquariums and largest oceanographic research centers. Tomorrow night, we’ll have a great view of the city’s spectacular Bastille Day fireworks display before moving on. QBE expeditions are always about a lot more than just sailing—they’re a template for what summer “worldschooling” courses can be.
Here’s a short video trailer for Océanopolis. It’s in French, but even if you can’t read the titles, you’ll get a good feel for what the aquarium has to offer. The trailer is just 80 seconds long.
QBE July 2022 Expedition—Orientation
Crew members learn sailing terminology, how to tie knots, and the basics of sailing.
Making final preparations for our July 2022 expedition!
QBE’s two mousses (apprentice deckhands), Jules and Mewen (below), tinkering with the bowsprit of one of our cutters.
Our pilot cutters: before and after
The antifouling begins on one of our pilot cutters
One of our pilot cutters as antifouling wraps up
We’re happy to report that three years of crud have been scraped from the hulls of our two pilot cutters, a process known as antifouling. A lot of hard work has gone into getting the boats ready for this season after the horrific “COVID pause.” And look at that sky! How appropriate that, as we prepare to sail again, dark winter clouds have lifted to provide us with some spectacular weather.
Going, Going...
We’re halfway through the month of May and our August expedition is just about sold out. We do still have places available on our July expedition. If you’d like to join us, book your place now.
