Why take a coach when you can see postcard Europe aboard fabulous vintage sailboats? European adventure can be life-elevating, spectacularly fun, and Eco-friendly!
The QBE European Leadership School, based in Saint-Malo, France, offers three-week eco-friendly adventures for high-school students in a spectacular, if under-the-radar, corner of Europe. Our uncommon, Insta-worthy traditional boats take crew members to several ports and anchorages along the magical coastlines of western France and the Channel Isles to explore the sites and soak up the local cultures. It’s a new discovery every day. And nothing beats the camaraderie, adrenaline rushes, and life-elevating personal satisfaction of small-group team sailing. If you’ve never considered a European sailing adventure as a summer enrichment option, you should. Grab your deck shoes and join us on the French Atlantic coast for a high-impact international experience. Enroll now. Thank us later.
Discover Europe the Sustainable Way
At QBE, we believe that the best journeys are those that expand horizons while limiting harm to the planet. Our expeditions let teenagers explore the coastlines of France and the Channel Isles aboard traditional sailing vessels powered (most of the time) by nothing more than wind, teamwork, and skill.
Why Sailing Is the Ultimate Green Travel
Unlike planes, buses, or cruise ships, sailing offers an authentic low-impact way to see the world. Our classic pilot cutters harness natural wind power. Every voyage is an opportunity to show young people that adventure and environmental sensitivity can go hand in hand.
Learning Through Stewardship
We weave eco-awareness into every expedition. From studying marine ecology to practicing “leave no trace” principles in port, crew members see firsthand how their choices affect the world’s oceans and coastlines. This isn’t just a sailing camp—it’s an education in sustainable living.
Beyond Tourism: True Connection
Instead of racing from city to city, our crews immerse themselves in local culture and patrimony at a natural pace—one dictated by the tides, not timetables. The rhythm of sailing fosters deeper appreciation for both nature and heritage, while minimizing the environmental costs of mass tourism.
Confidence + Conscience = Real Growth
By the time they return home, our crew members don’t just feel more confident and independent—they carry with them a new understanding of their role in protecting our shared planet. Sailing teaches teamwork, leadership, and resilience—but it also teaches care for the environment.
Join the Movement
If you’re looking for a summer program that builds leaders who care, think sailing—think QBE.
new skills • new perspectives • new adrenaline rushes • new confidence
Transportation assistance available | No sailing experience necessary | All Instruction In English