QBE yachting expeditions for teens: gaff-rig sailing, off-the-beaten-path discovery, and singular outdoor fun. Join us for two or three weeks of spectacular adventure and wonder aboard our signature pilot cutters.
Cruising the postcard coastlines of western France (Brittany) and the Channel Isles
“As a parent l can say that my daughter’s three weeks with QBE in August 2023 [were] the single most remarkable experience of her life. She was lucky to have this opportunity as a teenager. To say that it was a sailing trip does not do justice to her ‘growing up’ experiences.
The expression ‘life changing’ can sound like a cliché, but the QBE course brings life changing memories and a whole new perspective on life that the world is indeed as big as their dreams. It was the adventure of a lifetime.””
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 not only how to sail a traditionally rigged yacht, but also something about collaboration, resilience, leadership, coastal ecology, and authentic European culture.
We also provide an ideal opportunity for non-native speakers to practice their English (the language of instruction) and, for those who are interested, to learn a little French.
In an age of dazzling virtual reality, addictive online games, and social media, adolescents often are robbed of opportunities to 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.
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.
Pics taken during recent expeditions:
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 life-elevating QBE experience. It really is an opportunity for teens to discover life’s possibilities.
Two- and three-week expeditions are available in June, July, and August.
Our 2025 dates and fees are posted here along with 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.
“ ...a trip of a lifetime—one of those defining moments in life that is never forgotten.””
QBE = Qualified By Experience
… and so, not surprisingly, we employ successful pedagogical strategies I’ve honed over a long career of teaching and coaching youngsters. Each QBE expedition is a summer enrichment experience that not only teaches teenagers a lifestyle-enhancing skill (gaff-rig sailing), but additionally confers an impressive self-confidence that flows from inspiring achievement as part of an international team of young mariners.
Even though parents have an ever-expanding menu of summer options to choose from, our alumni routinely tell me their QBE adventure ranks as one of the most rewarding experiences they’ve ever had. We certainly do all we can to earn the accolades of both students and parents.
Our website contains a considerable amount of information about our expeditions. Still, if you have additional questions, don't hesitate to get in touch.
I hope you’ll consider all that QBE has to offer and give me the opportunity to welcome your special teen into our QBE family next summer.
—William Sutherland, QBE Founder and Director
Read about Will and his unique “learning by doing” philosophy in an article that appeared recently on the Bateaux.com website, one of France’s most popular boating publications. Here is an English translation.
Charting Exciting New Courses
Call it a nautical map for success. Team sailing teaches you how to contend with forces you can't control and compels you to rely on crewmates for support. It requires you constantly to adapt to changing weather, winds, and tides to achieve objectives. But it's also tremendously rewarding—there's the thrill of the wind in your hair as you cut through the water and, in our case, the satisfaction of sailing into port on beautiful traditional pilot cutters. Not only are our connoisseurs' sailboats fun to sail, but they're the perfect size for teaching self mastery and other important life lessons.
Destinations >
New Life Skills and Confidence
Virtual learning simply can’t replicate the impressive results of one-on-one sailing instruction and mentoring. As a QBE crew member, you not only learn how to sail, but also how to function in all the important roles on your team. Too, the many challenges of traditional sailing, including using the stars and a compass to plot a course, help you develop a problem-solving mentality. Over 2–3 weeks, you'll gain surprising life insights and make new friends from around the world. It's a transformative experience, one that could change your life forever. You'll be amazed how much you discover about yourself.
Cruises >
A Perfect European Setting
Situated on the Brittany coast in western France, an area famous for its excellent sailing and abundant wildlife, the centuries-old walled city of St-Malo once sheltered corsairs and pirates. Today its beautiful harbor, historic ramparts, and vibrant cafés attract visitors from around the world. Because of its excellent facilities and proximity to such culturally rich sites as Mont Saint-Michel, the Channel Islands, and numerous towns and ports steeped in history, it's the ideal location for a program that includes both yachting and cultural exploration. Oh, and there are no mosquitoes or ticks in our sailing area!
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Expert gaff-rig sailing instruction + life-changing inspiration
Watch the trailer to get an idea of what’s in store for crew members on a QBE sailing expedition…
“I regularly hear from teachers that it’s important that children have the chance to try things out, to get a taste of the world around them, to see and do things that they wouldn’t normally do, or go to places they wouldn’t normally go. Experience is a great teacher and can equip children with valuable skills that prepare for any challenges life may throw at them. What’s on the inside—someone’s character, drive, resilience, and the ability to stick to a goal—is just as important as their academic achievements.””
