On Every QBE Expedition,
Safety Is Our First Priority.
How QBE Melds Challenging Adventure With Safety
You want your teens to have an unforgettable summer. But let’s be honest—most of all, you also want them safe.
At QBE, we understand that sending a teenager abroad, especially on a small boat, can feel like a leap of faith. That’s why our expeditions are built around years of experience, expert supervision, and an impeccable safety record. We don’t just promise life-elevating adventure—we promise to use well-established yachting safety protocols to return your teen home safe and sound.
Adventure Without the Chaos
Spontaneity can lead to serendipity and surprising discovery. So it’s not surprising that many travel operators subscribe to a policy of setting some time aside to “make it up as you go along.” We agree—but with a caveat: At QBE, every expedition is planned with intention and monitored by a professional team with decades of experience in sailing, outdoor education, and youth development. Teens still get all the thrills—navigating blue water, exploring coastal towns, learning new skills—but within carefully calibrated protocols designed to keep them secure.
From checklists and constant weather monitoring to continuous supervision and pre-scouted destinations, little is left to chance. And when our crew members go out to explore a port of call, they always explore in groups.
Too, we’re typically not fighting huge crowds, and certainly not in major cities, where bad actors—often members of gangs—look to prey on unsuspecting tourists.
Small Groups Mean Lots of Personal Support
Our crews are intentionally small—typically six or seven student participants on each boat with a highly qualified adult skipper and an experienced first mate—so that every crew member is seen, heard, and supported. This small-team approach allows for:
• Personalized attention
• Close monitoring of physical and emotional well-being
• Real relationship-building between youngsters and adults
Importantly, no one gets lost in the crowd. Everyone is an integral part of the team.
Leaders Who Really Know What They’re Doing
QBE is run by one of Europe’s most experienced coaches, an expert in both traditional sailing and in life-skills development. All adult crew members are trained in first aid, maritime safety, and teen mentorship. All are bilingual. All are selected for their calm, clear judgment; expertise in gaff-rig sailing; deep knowledge of our maritime neighborhood; and genuine care for the youngsters in their charge.
Safety Isn’t Just a Policy—It’s a Mindset
We take frequent proactive steps to prevent problems before they arise. That includes:
• Regular Coast Guard boat inspections
• Pre-expedition safety briefings and gear checks
• Daily risk and weather assessments during the expedition
• Clearly defined protocols for every scenario, from sailing hazards to health concerns
• A strict no-bullying policy
And just in case: every participant is required to carry medical insurance that covers care in Europe. Parents can opt for (inexpensive) policies that include air ambulance repatriation, if desired.
A World to Discover, With a Net Below
Yes, we’re sailing some occasionally challenging coastlines. Yes, your teen will explore historic ports, taste new foods, and helm a classic yacht through open water. But none of that happens without a comprehensive net of support beneath them—a safety-first philosophy meant to protect without stifling.
So when your teen says, “Hey, I sailed an amazing 46-foot yacht in France!”, you’ll know they did it with the best-possible safety support—and came back stronger, more independent, and inspired to meet new life challenges.