Unique Concept Advantages and Unexpected Bonuses that help set QBE’s European sailing expeditions apart
There are dozens of European outdoor adventure courses available to high-school students. Several, we’re sure, are very good. But, as they say, it’s not just the big things, but also the unexpected things that can make the difference. Here are eight perks and benefits enjoyed by crew members on a QBE European Leadership School adventure sailing expedition—at no extra charge!
ONE
Nobody sits on the bench
Unlike many team sports, sailing allows everybody to be a significant, contributing participant. While sailing certainly requires some physical exertion, It doesn’t require the fitness of, say, mountaineering. So it’s a great way to get youngsters who spend much of their spare time in front of a gaming console out of their comfort zone and into nature.
two
The amazing Night SkY AT sea
Many of our crew members tell us how amazed they are by the number of stars that are visible to the naked eye when at sea. An unobstructed horizon, low haze, and lack of urban light pollution make for a spectacular show. Some have even said it’s one of the most indelible memories they take away! Suffice it to say, just about everybody lies out on the deck on clear nights to take it all in. As you can imagine, dramatic shooting stars always elicit “excited comment”!
three
everybody learns “old-school” sailing—in other words, hands-on, rope-tugging sailing
Most new sailboats practically sail themselves. For example, they have electric winches that raise and lower sails. Our boats are replicas of 19th-century, gaff-rigged French pilot cutters. If you don’t do some serious work with the ropes/lines, you don’t go anywhere, at least not very fast. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when you and a few friends get to do the sailing and navigating yourselves.
four
WE’ve got some pretty special boats
We think they are our competitive advantage. They certainly ought to be. These rare iconic yachts are hard to come by and turn heads wherever they go. Seriously. Every summer they light up European Instagram feeds. But perhaps best of all, they’re the perfect boats to teach teens how to sail—big enough to be extremely seaworthy, but small enough to allow crew members to take charge. After an initial sailing orientation, our skippers generally stand back and offer only some advice and encouragement (unless they need to step in to avoid an accident). We’re all about learning by doing.
five
We explore several magical places most people have never heard of
When you set out along the Breton and British coastlines on small boats you see all sorts of things—centuries-old castles, quaint seaside towns, and a surprising variety of wildlife. Ever heard of Dinan? Or Lorient? Or Sark? No? Well, join the club. There are thousands of frequent visitors to France and the UK who haven’t heard of them either. And precious few teens who do the Paris/London/Florence package could find our destinations on the map. Not that Paris and London and Florence aren’t amazing cities, places everybody should explore. But there’s always the opportunity to spend some time in a premier cultural capital on other trips, or even before you fly home. Little out-of-the-way discoveries give you the real flavor of authentic Europe, far from the tourist throngs.
six
Pods of dolphins occasionally provide us with an escort. But, alas, not always, so no promises
A lot of people associate dolphins with warmer water. But the English Channel is home to a large number of the gentle marine mammals. There is nothing more thrilling than looking over the side of a boat and seeing several playful dolphins providing a “security detail.” In fact, our neighborhood is home to abundant wildlife, including seals, whales, white hedgehogs (native to Alderney), and a variety of seabirds.
seven
Our director is one of Europe’s most seasoned—and successful— expedition leaders and sailing coaches
Will Sutherland founded QBE in 1992. Before that, he was a longtime expeditions master and sailing coach at one of Europe’s most prestigious international schools. His J24 sailing teams competed at Cowes Week for seven years and won their class five times, coming in second on the other two occasions. Some outfits look to hire instructors where they can find them to man their growing fleets, looking for scale and profits. In our case, a few of Will’s former students helped a gifted teacher and mentor acquire the unique collateral he needed to work his magic on a new generation. It was these former students’ way of showing their gratitude and “paying it forward.” And so, from the outset, providing youngsters with breakthrough experiences has been QBE’s first priority.
eight
You’ll discover the wondrous Breton crêpe in (what is arguably) the crêpe capital of France. And you’ll learn how to order one in French!
OK, maybe “perk” isn’t exactly the “mot juste” when talking about thin, ubiquitous French pancakes. Let’s call it a “highlight” of any visit to St-Malo. Bretons are famous for their crêpes, and they put just about anything in them; they serve up savory crêpes (called galettes), sweet crêpes, even flaming crêpes. And they are all delicious. Sitting down at a good Malouin crêperie and having a meal is always a special treat. That’s our opinion and it ought to be yours. (The seafood is excellent, as well.)
Nine
(a bonus perk!—Just in case you didn’t find one of the others terribly compelling)
no mosquitoes!
If you’ve ever been on any kind of outdoor adventure/expedition in the U.S., Caribbean, or… well, just about anyplace, you probably packed insect repellant, or wished you had. Along our routes, mosquitoes are not a problem. Our boats are “swat-free zones.”