QBE stands for “Qualified By Experience.” Its European Leadership School (ELS), based in Saint-Malo, France, organizes and serves up small-group sailing expeditions that lever exhilarating but safe team adventure to teach young adults not only how to sail a traditionally rigged boat, but also something about collaboration, resilience, leadership, coastal ecology, and European culture.

QBE expeditions are unique in that they are not just opportunities to learn how to sail, though certainly that, but also robust personal-development and “worldschooling” courses along the magical coastlines of western France and the British Channel Islands.

We also provide an ideal opportunity for non-native speakers to practice their English (the language of instruction) and, for those who are interested, learn a little French.

Conceived and directed by a former sailing coach and expeditions master at a leading Swiss international school, QBE sailing expeditions are uniquely designed to help high school students from around the world display their ingenuity, gain new perspectives, and ultimately develop greater self-esteem—an essential catalyst for academic and life success. And we do it on fabulous classic sailboats.

Nothing shatters teenage parochialism or elevates young lives like a QBE sailing expedition. And few adventures could be more educational and fun. Apply now!

Itineraries include:
✅ historic sites
✅ museums
✅ local festivals
✅ cultural attractions
✅ artisanal workshops

Two- and three-week expeditions are available each June, July, and August. Fees are listed HERE.