Small Yachts. Epic Adventure. Discover how—when it comes to a summer experience—“different” can make “great” even better!
The QBE European Leadership School (ELS), famous for its traditional gaff-rig boats, offers teenagers an extraordinary summer camp on the move—an old-school sailing adventure along scenic French and British coastlines. Each maritime expedition emphasizes old-school sailing instruction, cultural discovery, and even some life-success mentoring (team sailing is one of the most effective outdoor leadership platforms there is).
Our boats are a delight to sail. Our frequent destinations are right out of a lavishly illustrated coffee-table book. And each cruise is largely organized by crew members who take ownership of most of the everyday tasks, including navigating, trimming the sails, and taking turns at the wheel.
After an initial orientation, our instructors are there mostly to make some suggestions, answer questions, and make sure our crews and pilot cutters are never in danger. Think of the QBE teaching approach as the Socratic method applied to yachting. In fact, it’s fair to say we don’t take our crew members sailing as much as they take us sailing.
We even allow our students the latitude to get lost!
Nothing beats the camaraderie, daily adrenaline rushes, and game-changing personal satisfaction of small-group team sailing. So, if you're looking for an epic European adventure this summer, join us in France and try something truly out of the ordinary. (All instruction is in English.)
QBE is committed to international diversity. Since 2022, we’ve welcomed expeditioners from six continents.
“—Just wanted to say a huge thank you again for providing such an amazing, unique and absolutely cool experience! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I stumbled upon this program online but decided it looked perfect for my teenage girl. [She} set off on the three-week sailing expedition, but within a week was begging to stay on for a second expedition.
She loved everything about what wound up being seven weeks at sea ... sailing, sleeping and cooking aboard, exploring the marina towns and festivals, the change-over week and especially new friends and mentors from all over the world. To say she enjoyed it and that it was life changing would be an understatement! I love hearing all the stories that just keep coming! She will definitely be back next year! I’m happy to provide references to any parent considering this program for their teenager.
Thank you again!!”
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PARENTS:
QBE (Qualified By Experience) is a singular adventure sailing initiative supported by a group of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts who taught at or attended the same Swiss international school.
Outdoor and cultural expeditions were always mandatory for us, and through the years, skiing, mountaineering, cycling, and sailing were the outdoor activities of choice. So when one of our expedition masters came across two rare pilot cutters on the market a number of years ago, he immediately started working the phone to raise funds to purchase them. His idea was to make one of the school’s most transformative outdoor experiences available to more young adults.
When it comes to boosting self-esteem, challenging outdoor adventures (like small-yacht open-water sailing) can be the secret sauce, especially when participants are given the reins to make many of their own expedition decisions. That’s why so many top schools have adopted and now swear by expeditionary learning activities.
As for QBE sailing, there’s nothing quite like the exhilaration of cutting through the water with a strong breeze in your sails, unless it’s the pride you feel when pulling into port after a challenging day on the water. And unlike, say, a wilderness trek, there are also the daily revelations that come from discovering our sailing area’s vibrant ports, cultural sites, and regional cuisine.
Participants go home feeling they’ve taken their lives to a new level.
It’s simply a fact that self-esteem is a powerful catalyst for academic and career success. Parents and educators are constantly amazed at the difference a great adventure can make in a teenager’s life trajectory. And what’s more, youngsters love it. In fact, many of our crew members ask to come back and do it again. (We’re happy to provide references.)
new skills • new perspectives • new adrenaline rushes • new self-esteem
No sailing experience necessary | Staff-to-crew ratio 1:3 | Safety Record: Impeccable