WHEN PARENTS THINK ABOUT SUMMER LEADERSHIP COURSES for their teens, they often imagine lectures coupled with workshops and/or simulations. But what if the best way to develop confidence, collaboration, and poise under pressure isn’t found in a traditional classroom—but outside, on the deck of a traditional yacht under sail?
At QBE, we believe sailing is the most most transformative—and natural—environment there is for instilling teenage leadership qualities. Here's why:
1. Real-World Leadership, Not Just Practice
On a small sailing yacht, there’s no such thing as a passive bystander. Every crew member plays a role—from setting sails and trimming lines to helming, cooking, and tidying up. Leadership is baked into the rhythm of every day.
Teens take on rotating leadership roles, making decisions that affect the whole crew. They learn to:
• Give clear instructions
• Stay poised under pressure
• Adjust plans based on changing circumstances
This type of experiential learning aligns with research reported in the Journal of Experiential Education, which found that teens in adventure-based programs develop a stronger leadership identity and better interpersonal skills [3].
2. Adapting to the Wind (and the Unexpected)
Leadership isn’t just about having a plan—it’s about making sound decisions when the plan suddenly changes. On the water, anything can happen: Weather rapidly deteriorates. Tides turn. Equipment fails. Sailing demands adaptability, which The Harvard Business Review names as one of the top emerging leadership skills in Gen Z [1].
At sea, teens can’t wait for someone else to solve problems—they have to react, regroup, and lead. This kind of resilience is difficult, if not really impossible, to learn in a classroom or simulation, but sailing makes it second nature.
3. Communication When It Counts
Good leaders know how to listen and speak with clarity. How to net it out! Onboard a sailboat, teens learn to communicate in high-stakes situations—whether calling sail changes, navigating tricky coastlines, or debriefing after a mistake.
These soft skills translate directly to school, university interviews, and beyond.
4. Exposure to the World, Not Just Theories
QBE expeditioners don’t spend all their time on boats—they explore historic towns, browse local markets, and hike breathtakingly beautiful islands and coastal paths. These moments spark:
• Cultural curiosity
• Confidence in unfamiliar settings
• Cross-cultural communication
Global awareness is a cornerstone of modern leadership. A McKinsey report found that cultural intelligence is now one of the top competencies in hiring future leaders [4]. Most other teen sailing options can’t compete with QBE in that department.
5. Small Teams = Big Growth
In a crew of six, no one hides. Every student is needed and accountable. We’ve found that small-group dynamics are the fastest way to unlock leadership in even the most introverted teens.
Compare this to larger camps or lecture-style courses, where teens may drift through unnoticed. Onboard a QBE vessel, every voice matters—and every leadership win is celebrated.
An Indelible Experience
We’ve had parents write to us:
• “My daughter’s three weeks with QBE in August 2023 has been the single most remarkable experience of her life. She was lucky to have this opportunity as a teenager… She came home with a new take on life and wanting more for herself.”
• “… a trip of a lifetime—one of those defining moments in life that is never forgotten. [...]We truly appreciate the phenomenal opportunity he was given, teaching [him] not only sailing but life skills along the way.“
• “The 2023 July expedition was an unforgettable and life-changing experience for our 15 year old. He greatly developed his autonomy and ability to work in a team. But, most importantly, he had great fun and made a lot of new friendships: the most exciting holiday ever!”
Many other parents echo this transformation, describing their teens as more mature, focused, and independent upon returning home.
Final Thoughts
Sailing is leadership—not in theory, but in practice. It asks teens to take charge, take risks, and take care of each other—all while exploring the world and discovering their own previously hidden strengths.
If you're looking for a teen summer experience that’s not just adventurous, but culturally revelatory and transformative, QBE Sailing may just be the option your family has been searching for.
Sources:
[1] Harvard Business Review. "The Top Leadership Traits of Gen Z," 2022.
[2] Outward Bound USA. “Leadership Through Challenge,” 2021.
[3] Journal of Experiential Education, 2019. “Sailing as a Context for Adolescent Leadership Development.”
[4] McKinsey & Company. “The Value of Cultural Intelligence in Leadership,” 2020.