Parents: QBE (Qualified By Experience) is a top-shelf experiential-learning initiative supported by a group of outdoor enthusiasts who first met at a well-known Swiss international school. Outdoor and cultural expeditions were mandatory for us, and through the years, skiing, mountaineering, cycling, and sailing were the outdoor activities of choice. So when one of our former expeditions masters came across two remarkable pilot cutters on the market some years back, he started working the phone to raise funds to purchase them. The idea was to make our own transformative teen experiences available to a broader cohort of youngsters.

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. You’ll be amazed at the difference a great adventure can make in a young adult’s life trajectory. And what’s more, teens love it; many of our crew members ask to come back and do it again. (A 2025 crew member joined us for the fourth time!)

We’re always happy to provide references.