One-Of-A-Kind Teen Sailing & Discovery Along French & British Coastlines
“Incredible.” “Remarkable.”
Expert gaff-rig sailing instruction, surprising cultural & ecosystem discoveries, and personalized team leadership guidance on classic yachts.
Parents of a 2023 crew member, Auckland, New Zealand:.:::”:
“...a trip of a lifetime—one of those defining moments in life that is never forgotten.”
QBE stands for “Qualified By Experience.” Its European Leadership School (ELS), based in Saint-Malo, France, offers small-group sailing expeditions that lever exhilarating but safe team adventure to teach young adults 15–18 not only how to sail a traditionally rigged boat, but also something about collaboration, resilience, leadership, coastal ecology, and authentic European culture.
Each expedition is a robust personal-development and “worldschooling” course folded into an old-school sailing experience along the postcard-worthy coastlines of western France and the 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.
In an age of dazzling virtual reality, addictive online games, and social media, adolescents often are robbed of opportunities to head out and experience challenging rites of passage that formerly were seen as essential for the attainment of responsible adulthood. That, in a nutshell, is what we provide.
…because your teen deserves the benefits of an extraordinary outdoor adventure.
The Four Stages of “Coming of Age”
• Realization—growth, change, emotional availability
• Removal—separation, setting out from a familiar environment to test one’s mettle in an unfamiliar setting
• Challenge—impressive personal accomplishment and the self-confidence that flows from it
• Reintegration—”rebirth” and return to the original environment with new insights, maturity, and status
Conceived and supervised by the former sailing coach at a leading Swiss international school, QBE’s maritime expeditions are uniquely designed to help crews of high school students display their ingenuity, gain new perspectives, and ultimately develop greater self-esteem—a proven catalyst for academic and life success. And we do it on distinctive classic sailboats.
Nothing fuels teen curiosity or propels young lives like a QBE sailing expedition. And few outdoor opportunities are more expansively educational or, for that matter, fun. All things considered, we doubt you’ll find another teen adventure anywhere that can replicate a QBE coming-of-age experience.
Our 2024 dates and fees are posted below along with links to the application forms for each expedition. We are always happy to answer questions, provide references, and discuss payment options. Feel free to contact us to ask questions or schedule a call.
Violet, Edinburgh, Scotland:
“Everything was better than I could imagine…Five Stars!”
In 2024, because of travel complications resulting from the Paris Olympics, all QBE expeditions will begin and conclude in Jersey. We’ll explore several Channel Islands, including Guernsey and Sark, before heading to France. All crews will get the opportunity to cruise the postcard Breton coastline before returning to Saint Helier.
NB. All sailing adventures are not alike. Our prices include on-board accommodations, meals, entrance fees, numerous on-shore activities in unforgettable places—just about everything, not to mention the opportunity to sail extraordinary yachts on your own with crewmates from around the world. That’s a lot! You just have to get here.
Pick Your Sailing Adventure
JUNE EXPEDITION
17th June–1st July, 2024
3,000€
JULY EXPEDITION
3rd–24th July, 2024
4,500€
AUGUST EXPEDITION
31st July–21st August, 2024
4,500€
4,500€
QBE: One of the safest, most hassle-free ways for teens to learn to sail as they explore the Channel Islands & France this summer. (Read why)
“These may be stormy times, but I can’t imagine a better place to weather them than sailing with you and the QBE flotilla! We are excited about the prospect of the coming adventure.”
—A 2023 and ‘24 parent, Shanghai
M. Brosnan, Cork, Ireland:
“As a parent I can say that my daughter’s three weeks with QBE in August 2023 has been the single most remarkable experience of her life… To say that it was a sailing trip does not do justice to her ‘growing up’ experiences.”
Two- and three-week expeditions are still available in June, July, and August. Parents looking to book airfare should check availability and fares to “JER,” not one of the Paris airports.
We had a waiting list last season, so act now to reserve your place(s) for this summer!
We are always happy to answer questions, provide references, and discuss payment options. Feel free to contact us, below, to ask questions or schedule a call.
Discover the QBE Experience
Contact Us
Ask your questions or set up a call to discuss QBE’s sailing expeditions
