Optimal First European Exposure for Teens: A Capital City or the Provinces?

When most foreigners think of traveling to France, especially for a first-time visit, the country’s cultural capital seems the obvious place to start. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Montmartre: these are some of the greatest hits of a bucket-list city. To be sure, Paris is a beautiful, extraordinary place. The City of Light shines like no other.

But at peak season, it can be a bit much, with shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, long lines everywhere, inflated prices, and tourist traps waiting for anyone who looks the slightest bit disoriented. The magic is certainly there, but for teens on their very first adventure to a European cultural capital, Paris can be a lot to process.

So, here’s a different idea:
What if your teen’s first experience of France doesn’t begin in Paris?

Discovering the “Real France”

Beyond the capital lies what the French call la France profonde—the “deep,” authentic France of small towns, fishing villages, open-air markets, and relaxed rural life. It’s where patrimony and culture aren’t on display for tourists, but are actually lived.

This is the France our crew members come to know. They learn some of the language. They get comfortable using euros. They figure out which culinary specialities they like best (usually most of them). They try regional cheeses and learn that French pastries aren’t as sweet as they look (but are still to die for). They live, for a few weeks, inside an authentic culture rather than sampling what often feels like a curated version of it.

Confidence first, the capital city later

There’s also a good chance our QBE expeditioners will meet someone from Paris or the Paris region—a new friend they can reconnect with when they eventually visit the capital. And when that day comes, they won’t be arriving as overwhelmed tourists. They’ll show up as young, experienced travelers who already have an appreciation for the country.

They’ll know how to order food, greet shopkeepers, navigate a grocery, and handle everyday interactions with confidence. They’ll recognize rhythms, phrases, and customs that will make Paris feel more familiar and certainly less intimidating.

Sometimes the best way to experience an iconic city is not to start there.

Starting in the provinces means that by the time young adults reach Paris, they’re truly ready to hit the ground running. Instead of burning energy dealing with culture shock, they’re free to focus on discovery, soaking up world-class art, exploring neighborhoods, and enjoying one of the great cities of the world with eyes wide open and uncertainty dialed down.

(So what’s a great starting point? We suggest you can’t do much better than Brittany in the summertime—prehistoric megaliths, vibrant seaside towns, and an array of colorful cultural festivals and regattas!)

Read more about our summer coastal expeditions for teens in Brittany on classic yachts.

One more benefit of sailing: “Time/Clock Detox”

“Travel slowly… the world will whisper its secrets to those who listen.”

Parents often speak of a “digital detox” when sending their teens on outdoor adventures—a much-needed break from smartphones, social media, and video games. But there’s another kind of liberation that happens aboard a sailing vessel: a time (or clock) detox.

Out on the water, the tyranny of clocks, alarms, and crammed daily schedules quietly recedes. There are no school bells, no appointment reminders, no daily calendar alerts buzzing for attention. There is only the rhythm of nature—slower, more natural, and infinitely more centering.

Rediscovering Natural Time

On board a sailing yacht, the only time that really matters is nature’s own:

• The ebbing and flowing of impressively high tides (up to 14m/46ft in Brittany), dictating when and where we can sail

• The arc of the sun, marking work and rest

• The coming of nightfall, when the sound of lapping water against the hull replaces the noise of boisterous activity on deck, and evening camaraderie forges lasting friendships

It’s not about “losing” track of time, but about finding a truer sense of it, one measured in dusk, dawn, and ocean swells rather than in 30-minute intervals.

Freedom from the Frenzy

Modern life trains young people to live by the minute: 45-minute lessons, five-minute breaks, 15-minute appointments. Even leisure becomes scheduled. Sailing unravels that mindset. There’s no rush hour at sea, no bell curve of productivity. The boat moves when the wind says it’s time; meals are shared when our student crew members are finished preparing them, not when a rigid schedule dictates.

For many teens, this is their first real experience of unhurried living—of being fully present, not perpetually rushing to the next thing. And something remarkable happens in that slower current: conversations deepen, laughter lingers, lasting friendships take root.

Slow Travel, Deep Living

In many ways, time detox is at the heart of what has come to be known as slow travel—a way of journeying that values meaningful experiences over speed and distance. It’s not about how many ports you can tick off, but how much you can observe, learn, and internalize new experiences along the way. On a sailboat, every destination is earned, and every moment—from trimming sails to spotting dolphins—becomes part of your story.

Slow travel invites young people to see that the most transformative journeys can be the ones that move at the pace of wind, wonder, and meaningful reflection.

A Healthier Relationship with Time

A recalibration of our notions of time isn’t about escaping the reality of modern life—it’s about learning (or remembering) what authentic living feels like. When the only schedule is the sun’s path across the sky and a tide table, young sailors rediscover something profoundly restorative: that life unfolds best when it’s not always managed.

And when our young mariners return home, they take that lesson with them—a new internal compass that points toward balance and new, wider perspectives.

As a learn-to-sail proposition, what advantages do coastal expeditions have over more traditional courses?

Image: Éric Duriez

Sailing expeditions offer deeper, more immersive and more collaborative learning experiences than standard sail-out-and-sail-back courses. While a standard course may focus on certification and basic skills, an expedition places teens in a dynamic real-world environment where they have to apply new skills and work as a team to achieve a goal. 

Specific Advantages of Sailing Expeditions

Real-world Experience and Application

• Beyond the basics: Expeditions go beyond classroom theory by having teens live, sail, and solve problems aboard the boat for an extended period. They learn to navigate, trim sails, and moor their boats in response to ever-changing conditions.

• Weather and Conditions: Teens gain experience handling such unexpected challenges as navigating rough seas or dealing with light (or no) winds, which builds resilience and adaptability. A standard course frequently cannot replicate this.

• Immersive living: Expeditions teach valuable lessons in living with limited resources. Teens learn to manage water consumption, cook meals from scratch in a galley, and maintain their boats, creating a lasting appreciation for organization and simplicity. 

Leadership, Teamwork, and Independence

• Essential crew members: Unlike a standard course where a teen is a student, on an expedition, every crew member is essential to the boat's operation. Teens take turns at the helm, chart courses, and perform daily tasks, fostering shared leadership and real teamwork.

• Intensive collaboration: With no individual projects, success depends on relentless collaboration. Teens learn effective communication and problem-solving skills in high-stakes situations, like hoisting sails or navigating at night.

• Self-sufficiency: Long-term living aboard a boat requires teens to take ownership of their responsibilities. As they master skills and contribute to the crew, their confidence and independence grow. 

Character and Personal Growth

• Stepping up: The "expeditionary learning" model starts with some instructor supervision, but quickly shifts responsibility to the teens. This allows them to experiment with new skills, step into leadership roles, and feel the full weight and reward of their contributions.

• Emotional resilience: Challenging weather, tight quarters, and the inherent unpredictability of life at sea push teens beyond their comfort zones, leading to impressive emotional growth and resilience.

• Memorable moments: The experiences of an expedition—like navigating by the stars or guiding the boat into a new port—become deeply ingrained memories. These are often transformative "life-changing" events that are more profound than lessons learned in a standard, day-based class. 

Broader Horizons and Connections

• New environments: Expeditions often sail to remote islands or coastal areas, allowing teens to engage with unique environments, authentic local cultures, and fascinating patrimony.

• A new global perspective: Interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds and exploring new places broadens a teen's global perspective. Dozens of different destinations = many more experiences and opportunities for discovery.

• Deeper appreciation: Spending time away from the distractions of modern urban life fosters a deeper connection to nature and a wild marine ecosystem.

Painter Eugène Boudin, Beaches Along the Channel Coast, and Often-Overlooked French Pilot Cutters

Eugène Boudin, Trouville, the Jetties, Low Tide (1883–’87)

When people picture pilot cutters today, most minds drift to the classic lines of the Bristol pilot cutters—sleek, single-masted vessels that served British ports through the 19th and early 20th centuries. But the story of the cutter doesn’t belong to Britain alone.

Thanks to the work of Eugène Louis Boudin (1824–1898)—Impressionist precursor, friend of Monet, and painter of skies, sails, and posh coastal resorts—we have rich visual evidence of France’s own cutter tradition, particularly along the Channel coastline. His scenes of Trouville, Deauville, Honfleur, and other nearby harbors feature dozens of working vessels. Among them are numerous gaff-rig cutters: long bowsprits, single masts, and hulls built for speed, agility, and endurance.

Cutters: Not Just British

Pilot cutters were essential in many coastal regions of Europe, including northern France, where bustling ports and tidal hazards required the skill of seasoned harbor pilots. These nimble, sea-kindly vessels would race out to meet incoming ships, their speed and maneuverability helping their pilots board first—earning the job and the pay.

French versions of the cutter shared the essential rig of their British cousins: single mast, similar fore-and-aft sail plan, and long bowsprit—though often with regional variations in hull shape and trim. In Boudin’s paintings, of course, they appear as working boats, not romanticized yachts.

Boudin’s Normandy: A Working Coastline

Though best known for capturing fashionable beach scenes and elegant parasols, Boudin was, himself, the son of a mariner, and his heart never strayed far from the working harbors that dotted the Norman coastline.
Examples include:
• “Trouville, the Jetties, Low Tide”
• “The Port of Deauville”
• “Le Bac de Deauville”
• “Yacht Basin at Trouville”

In Boudin’s work you see a blend of summer resort culture and maritime labor. Elegant visitors in white linen stroll the promenades while, behind them, pilot cutters sit at their moorings, their masts and sails forming rhythmic counterpoints to the shifting sky.

These vessels were not props—they were symbols of local identity, lifelines for trade, and testaments to accomplished regional seamanship.

The Artist as Nautical Documentarian

In the same way that Boudin captured the moods of the sea and sky, he also preserved the vanishing world of small working sailboats—before steam and leisure transformed the shoreline forever.

His paintings, depicting harbors at different times of day, at low tide and high tide, are also quiet records of coastal heritage: the rigs, the hull forms, the port activity. For those who study maritime history, they offer special glimpses into the largely unsung French cutter tradition—a tradition often overlooked in Anglophone accounts of sail-powered pilotage.

Legacy at Sea

Today, when traditional vessels are reconstructed or revived—especially in educational programs or heritage sailing initiatives—Bristol gets the spotlight, and perhaps understandably so. But Brittany and Normandy both share a claim to the same maritime legacy, and Boudin’s brush preserved it before anyone thought to catalogue such things.

The reflection of a QBE pilot cutter in Brittany

So the next time you see a cutter under sail—or step aboard one—you might think not only of Cornwall or Wales, but also of dappled reflections at St-Malo or in the Trouville-Deauville Yacht Basin and a French artist who knew the sea and its moods intimately—as well as the fishermen and other mariners who made a living on small traditional boats.

* QBE’s cutters were built using original plans of famous Breton ship captain, dry-dock owner, and naval architect François Lemarchand. (His restored shipyard, near Saint-Malo, was listed as a historic monument in 1996.)

If a pilot cutter were a car...

What type of car would it be? Just for fun, we asked an AI chatbot to come up with a few analogies, thinking it might be useful for people who know little or nothing about sailboats to get some idea of what kind of boats QBE sails. Here’s what it came back with (and why):

1) Land Rover Defender (classic model)

• Rugged, reliable, designed for demanding environments
• Instantly recognizable classic silhouette, yet purposeful
• Like a cutter, originally built for work (off-road/ferrying harbor pilots to and from ships), but now admired for its style

2) Jaguar E-Type (restored classic)

• Heritage, grace, and speed all in one
• Elegant craftsmanship with timeless appeal
• Shows that “classic” doesn’t mean outdated—it means enduring.

3) Porsche 911 (the air-cooled classics)

• Iconic, hand-built precision, nimble, and fast
• Balances tradition with impressive capability, just as cutters do

4) Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G-Wagon, heritage edition)

• Originally designed as a military/utility vehicle, later celebrated as a classic
• Parallels the cutters’ origins as hardworking boats turned “old-school chic.”

* We also thought perhaps an Aston Martin DB5—it’s classic; it’s fast; it has elegant, immediately recognizable lines; and because it’s what James Bond drove!

So there you go.

The point is, if you’re going to go yachting (especially for the first time), you might as well go yachting in style. Particularly since… you can!

Our Crew Members Cook for Each Other

“Food crosses all barriers… if we were to cook a meal together … there would be smiles, there would be laughter, there would be a connection, and there would be a bond that’s made.””

— Joe Grant of Leeds Cookery School (quoted in The Guardian)

The Psychosocial Power of Cooking & Eating Together

We think cooking for each other is important—especially when you have only two–three weeks to build strong, robustly connected teams comprised of young sailors from different cultural backgrounds. It turns out, cooking is therapeutic—just like sailing. But cooking as a group, for the group, doesn’t just improve mood and disposition…

• it fosters bonding
• it builds self-esteem
• it helps create a sense of confident independence

Importantly, at least in our experience, it brings a new dimension to team-building: it creates a dynamic of “family.” That, in turn, engenders “trust.” There’s certainly no better place to get to know each other—to feel comfortable with each other—than around the dinner table. Another plus: preparing meals instills such useful life skills as nutrition awareness and cooking proficiency, which in turn support long-term healthy eating habits and more adroit social competence.

Once back home, the ability to cook a meal is correlated with stronger family bonds, enhanced mental well-being, and lower reported depression.

Cooking and eating together reinforces the QBE ethos of building strong, authentic connections that translate into more efficient teams on deck.

After our meals, crew members take turns washing up. We teach our youngsters that on a sailboat, everything always has to be returned to its proper place A.S.A.P.—on deck and, yep, in the galley, too! As the old saying goes, “No job is ever finished until everything is put away.”

From Red Sails to Red Shorts and Trousers: The Story of Nantucket Red (It’s really “Brittany red”)

A Cross-Atlantic Tale of Tradition, Resilience, and the Sea

Long before it became a sartorial staple of New England yacht-club socials, Nantucket Red was the color of humble maritime practicality.

Red Sails Off the Breton Coast

For centuries, Breton sailors treated their sails with a reddish mixture made from tree-bark tannins, animal fats, and natural ochres. This had nothing to do with style; it was about preventing mildew and rot in the damp, salty air, thus extending the life of expensive heavy canvas.

The result? A coastline teeming with rich red sails that slowly faded over time—weathered by storms and bleached by the sun. If you’ve ever seen an old maritime painting of a Breton fishing boat with rust-colored sails, now you know: the color wasn’t for show. At some point, Bretons, known for their frugality, began to recycle their old, worn, faded sails by making them into durable trousers.

Enter: Nantucket Red

Fast forward to the 20th century, across the Atlantic. On the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, a small boutique called Murray’s Toggery Shop took note and began selling trousers made from the same kind of fabric used by Breton sailmakers. And—just like the French originals—Murray’s trousers came off the shelf a deep brick-red (see below), but weren’t really ready for prime time until they began to fade.

And fade they did—into a soft, dusty rose that sailors, beachgoers, and summer residents came to love. Murray’s even trademarked the slogan “Guaranteed to Fade” on his label. Thus was born “Nantucket Red”: not just any color, but one celebrated in The Preppy Handbook as well as one nodding quietly to mariners on both sides of the Atlantic.

Why It Matters on a QBE Expedition

Our educational sailing courses don’t just teach young people how to helm a yacht or read a chart. We connect them to a living history—a way of life shaped by wind, water, and weather. When we pass ports like, say, Roscoff, Douarnenez, or l’Aber Wrac’h, we’re sailing the same waters as generations of Breton sailors whose livelihoods depended on red sails and raw courage.

And in that context, a pair of well-worn red trousers is more than just a uniform. It’s a quiet salute to the grit, adaptability, and ingenuity that sailors on both sides of the Atlantic share.

The Sea Still Teaches

Sailing remains one of the few environments where tradition, teamwork, and challenge intersect so completely. Our young mariners don’t just “learn” some skills—they acquire and internalize them through experience. And like those Breton sails or Murray’s trousers, our crew members return home weathered in the best sense of the word: more confident, more connected, and more aware of the deep currents that bind the past to the present.

So whether you're slipping into your first pair of reds or trimming sail off the French coast, remember: some things are meant to weather with time—revealing, in their fading, a quiet patina of character.

Surprising Brittany

Pirates on the rampage in Saint-Malo during its annual Pirate Festival

The Unexpected Surprises That Await Visitors in Brittany

If you’ve never been to Brittany, you might picture sketchy weather, rugged coasts, and a language you can’t understand, much less try to pronounce. And sure, that tracks a little bit. But the truth is, Brittany is full of surprises—the kind that make you wonder why you didn’t come sooner. Whether you’re sailing its shoreline or exploring inland by foot or bike, Brittany doesn’t just meet expectations, it exceeds them, often in the most unexpected ways.

1. Caribbean-Blue Waters and White-Sand Beaches

Wait—this is France? You have to be kidding! Many first-time visitors are stunned by the clarity of the water around the Glénan Islands or Belle-Île. With turquoise shallows and white sandbars, these places look more like Tahiti than the North Atlantic. Seriously. Pack your snorkel.

What did we just tell you? The Glénan Islands in summer.

2. An Entirely Different Language and Culture

Like several other regions of Europe, Brittany has its own language—Breton—and its own customs, music, dance, and even crêpes (galettes, technically). From bilingual street signs to traditional fest-noz dances in village squares, you’ll feel like you’ve crossed into another country. (Because, historically, you kind of have.) Every August, QBE checks in at the Interceltic Festival in Lorient where thousands of people from all over the Celtic world—Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Scotland, Galicia, etc.— show up and put on a great show, bagpipes and all.

Lorient Interceltic Festival 2025—a stolen moment Image ©Eric Duriez

3. A Coastline That Changes Before Your Eyes

Thanks to an extreme tidal range—sometimes exceeding 14 meters around Saint-Malo (one of the highest in Europe)—the coastline of Brittany literally transforms itself over the course of several hours. One moment you’re scrambling across rocks to reach a a patch of high ground;“ a few hours later, that high ground might be an island, surrounded completely by water. Or it may not be an island at all! It's a magic trick of nature—and a surprising daily revelation.

4. Warm Welcomes in Chilly Places

Don’t be fooled by the bracing wind or sometimes gruff exteriors: the Bretons are famously warm once you break the ice. Expect generosity, good humor, and plenty of stories, especially if you show interest in their culture—or ask for a good cider recommendation.

5. Castles, Forts, and Pirates (Yes, Pirates!)

Brittany’s history is written in stone—from medieval ramparts in Concarneau to 17th-century forts guarding quaint harbors. And if you visit Saint-Malo, you’ll see four offshore forts and ramparts designed by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, Louis XIV’s famous military architect—constructed in the early 18th century by Siméon Garangeau, the fortifications engineer, architect, and votary of the renowned 17th-century master. The Tour Dorée in Camaret-sur-Mer, built by Vauban, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the eastern tip of the Crozon Peninsula. Much of Brittany’s coastline has a swashbuckling past, replete with corsairs, sea battles, and (so they say) buried treasure. Good luck finding some. If you visit Saint-Malo in late September, you can witness their annual Pirate Festival—and take the opportunity to shiver some timbers!
Ar-r-r-r-r! 🏴‍☠️

6. King Arthur and Merlin

But wait, they were both as British as Shakespeare, right? Well, it depends on whom you ask. According to Breton lore, Arthur didn’t die on the battlefield but was carried across the Channel to the enchanted forest of Brocéliande, an actual place in Brittany. And there, beneath ancient oaks and springs reported to have magical powers, Merlin the wizard supposedly walked, prophesied, and loved, before being imprisoned in an invisible tower by the fairy Viviane. He is said to buried in a tomb just north of the Paimpont State Forest. And then there is—or was—the French Excalibur, a sword known as Durandel, that was lodged in the side of a cliff in Rocamadour for over 1,300 years (that’s their story and they’re stickin’ to it! ). Said to have been the sword of Roland, Charlemagne’s legendary paladin, somebody had to scale 100 feet up a rock face to purloin it in 2024. If you happen to know where it might be, the mayor would like it back (even if it is really just a replica. Sh-h-h-h).

Merlin’s tomb Image: © Raphodon

7. Real Adventure, Not Just Sightseeing

Brittany isn’t the kind of place you “do” with a checklist. It’s is best explored slowly—by boat, by bike, or on foot. You’ll miss the best parts if you stick to highways or big-name destinations. Venture off the beaten path and you’ll find plenty of prehistoric megaliths, tidal islands, goat tracks to amazing secret beaches, and unexpected beauty around every bend.

So What’s the Biggest Surprise?

Maybe It’s how deeply Brittany leaves a lasting impression. Maybe it’s the light. Maybe it’s the contrast between ancient and wild. But long after you go home, you’ll find yourself thinking about the charm-blessed harbor towns, the pervasive reminders of its rich history, and the dazzling sunsets over its wide, empty beaches. Then again… maybe your fondest memory will be the spectacular sailing!!

Why Expeditionary Learning Works: The Power of doing

We’ve all heard the phrase “learning by doing”—but what happens when teens learn by navigating, leading, cooking, problem-solving, collaborating… and blue-water sailing?
That’s expeditionary learning. And at QBE, it’s not just a teaching method—it’s a life-elevating experience and probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

What Is Expeditionary Learning, Exactly?

Expeditionary learning puts students in real-world situations where they don’t just absorb information—they apply it, live it, and grow from it.
It’s active, immersive, and occasionally uncomfortable—but in an impactful way.

Instead of passively absorbing information, QBE crew members:

• Learn how to plot actual courses on nautical charts
• Cook for each other to build camaraderie and trust
• Take turns at the helm of a 46ft gaff-rig yacht
• Make daily decisions as part of a working crew
• Collaborate with peers from different countries and cultures
• Explore new environments, languages, and histories firsthand

This isn’t “class trip learning.” This is learning that asks something of you—and never fails to give something back.

Why It Works (and Why It Sticks)

✅ Because it’s predicated on challenges
When teens stretch beyond their comfort zones—physically, emotionally, socially—they build confidence, grit, and self-esteem. Expeditionary learning challenges them in a way that spurs impressive emotional growth.

✅ Because it’s intensively collaborative
There’s no “individual project” in the middle of, say, the English Channel. Every crew member is essential. Whether it’s hoisting sails, cooking for the team, or making sure everything is tidy and in order, students experience shared leadership and real teamwork—not simulated group work.

✅ Because it’s extremely memorable
Teens don’t forget the time they were in charge of bringing their boat alongside a quai, or a night they read the stars to help chart their position. These are the sort of moments that become emblazoned in the memory.

✅ Because it respects their potential
Expeditionary learning helps teens discover they’re capable of meaningful contributions. Afterwards, they consistently rise to meet high expectations. They're not passengers on their learning journey. They're the crew.

What Teens Really Take Away

After a QBE expedition, teens don’t just come home with sea legs. They come home with:

• Increased confidence and independence
• Better decision-making and communication skills
• More resilience and adaptability
• A broader global perspective and higher cultural IQ
• A deeper connection to the natural world
• Real-world leadership experience

These aren’t just nice extras. They’re requisite life skills that prepare them for university, careers, and relationships—far more than any test prep ever could.

Expeditionary Learning Is More Than a Method—It’s Now a Movement

Top schools and universities around the world now integrate expeditionary learning into their curriculum, and for good reason:

• It works
• It transforms
• It’s not ever forgotten

And at QBE, we don’t just believe in the transformative power of expeditionary learning—our entire model is predicated on it.

Why Sailing Is the Ultimate Teen Leadership Course

WHEN PARENTS THINK ABOUT SUMMER LEADERSHIP COURSES for their teens, they often imagine lectures coupled with workshops and/or simulations. But what if the best way to develop confidence, collaboration, and poise under pressure isn’t found in a traditional classroom—but outside, on the deck of a traditional yacht under sail?

At QBE, we believe sailing is the most most transformative—and natural—environment there is for instilling teenage leadership qualities. Here's why:

1. Real-World Leadership, Not Just Practice

On a small sailing yacht, there’s no such thing as a passive bystander. Every crew member plays a role—from setting sails and trimming lines to helming, cooking, and tidying up. Leadership is baked into the rhythm of every day.

Teens take on rotating leadership roles, making decisions that affect the whole crew. They learn to:

• Give clear instructions
• Stay poised under pressure
• Adjust plans based on changing circumstances

This type of experiential learning aligns with research reported in the Journal of Experiential Education, which found that teens in adventure-based programs develop a stronger leadership identity and better interpersonal skills [3].

2. Adapting to the Wind (and the Unexpected)

Leadership isn’t just about having a plan—it’s about making sound decisions when the plan suddenly changes. On the water, anything can happen: Weather rapidly deteriorates. Tides turn. Equipment fails. Sailing demands adaptability, which The Harvard Business Review names as one of the top emerging leadership skills in Gen Z [1].

At sea, teens can’t wait for someone else to solve problems—they have to react, regroup, and lead. This kind of resilience is difficult, if not really impossible, to learn in a classroom or simulation, but sailing makes it second nature.

3. Communication When It Counts

Good leaders know how to listen and speak with clarity. How to net it out! Onboard a sailboat, teens learn to communicate in high-stakes situations—whether calling sail changes, navigating tricky coastlines, or debriefing after a mistake.

These soft skills translate directly to school, university interviews, and beyond.

4. Exposure to the World, Not Just Theories

QBE expeditioners don’t spend all their time on boats—they explore historic towns, browse local markets, and hike breathtakingly beautiful islands and coastal paths. These moments spark:

• Cultural curiosity
• Confidence in unfamiliar settings
• Cross-cultural communication

Global awareness is a cornerstone of modern leadership. A McKinsey report found that cultural intelligence is now one of the top competencies in hiring future leaders [4]. Most other teen sailing options can’t compete with QBE in that department.

5. Small Teams = Big Growth

In a crew of six, no one hides. Every student is needed and accountable. We’ve found that small-group dynamics are the fastest way to unlock leadership in even the most introverted teens.

Compare this to larger camps or lecture-style courses, where teens may drift through unnoticed. Onboard a QBE vessel, every voice matters—and every leadership win is celebrated.

An Indelible Experience

We’ve had parents write to us:

• “My daughter’s three weeks with QBE in August 2023 has been the single most remarkable experience of her life. She was lucky to have this opportunity as a teenager… She came home with a new take on life and wanting more for herself.”

• “… a trip of a lifetime—one of those defining moments in life that is never forgotten. [...]We truly appreciate the phenomenal opportunity he was given, teaching [him] not only sailing but life skills along the way.“

• “The 2023 July expedition was an unforgettable and life-changing experience for our 15 year old. He greatly developed his autonomy and ability to work in a team. But, most importantly, he had great fun and made a lot of new friendships: the most exciting holiday ever!”

Many other parents echo this transformation, describing their teens as more mature, focused, and independent upon returning home.

Final Thoughts

Sailing is leadership—not in theory, but in practice. It asks teens to take charge, take risks, and take care of each other—all while exploring the world and discovering their own previously hidden strengths.

If you're looking for a teen summer experience that’s not just adventurous, but culturally revelatory and transformative, QBE Sailing may just be the option your family has been searching for.

Sources:
[1] Harvard Business Review. "The Top Leadership Traits of Gen Z," 2022.
[2] Outward Bound USA. “Leadership Through Challenge,” 2021.
[3] Journal of Experiential Education, 2019. “Sailing as a Context for Adolescent Leadership Development.”
[4] McKinsey & Company. “The Value of Cultural Intelligence in Leadership,” 2020.

One Of The Safest Ways for Teens to Explore Authentic Europe

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.

You Don’t Have to Choose Between Safety and Challenging Adventure—With QBE, Your Teen Gets Both!

Contact us to learn how we’ve earned the trust of families from Europe, North America, and around the world.

Give Your Teen A Story Worth Telling

Want to supercharge your teen’s high school résumé?
QBE can help it stand out in the stack.

Grades matter—but they’re not enough.
Increasingly, top universities and future employers are looking beyond transcripts. They want to see what makes their applicants tick: how they think, how they lead, how they handle challenge and uncertainty. That’s exactly where a QBE expedition can make a real difference. Because spending two or three weeks at sea on a traditional sailboat isn’t just “nice” experience—it’s transformative.

Why Experience Matters to Universities and Employers

When admissions officers sift through thousands of applications, they’re looking for something real. Something that shows initiative, curiosity, and resilience. Sailing as a member of an international crew through the English Channel and along French coastlines shows all of that—and more.

A QBE expedition gives teenagers stories they can tell in essays, interviews, and future networking conversations. It demonstrates:

• Teamwork under pressure

• Leadership in a real-world context

• Global and cultural awareness

• Hands-on problem solving

• Time management and self-reliance

These are not abstract “soft skills.” They’re the foundation of success in higher education—and in life.

From a Pilot Cutter Under Sail to the Personal Statement

When young crew members write a university application essay after a QBE expedition, they won’t have to invent some story about overcoming a challenge or discovering something new. They will have lived it. Whether it’s leading their crews while navigating a tricky coastline, reassuring a seasick crewmate, or embracing the constant imperative of good order on the deck of a sailboat, they’ll have internalized experiences that will demonstrate maturity and personal growth.

A Unique Edge in a Competitive World

Let’s be honest: many teens go to the same camps, do the same volunteer hours, or list the same leadership roles. A sailing expedition with QBE? That’s something completely different. It’s not just out of the ordinary—it’s deeply meaningful. It shows a willingness to try something challenging, to commit, to grow in an unfamiliar environment.

For students interested in international relations, leadership, environmental studies—or just becoming a more capable adult—QBE offers difference-making experiences behind their résumés.

The Impact Lasts Long After the Summer

Parents often tell us their teens come home more confident, more curious, less parochial. They’re not just better prepared for university—they’re better prepared for life.

In a world where young people are expected to show maturity early, QBE gives them the tools—and the self-esteem—to step into the future with a stronger sense of self, as well as a new-found purpose and even a cosmopolitan polish.

The Confidence Curve: How Three Weeks on a Pilot Cutter Can Transform Your Teen’s Life

“He came back standing taller.”

We hear this time and again from parents after a QBE expedition—and it’s not about posture. Something happens when teenagers leave the comfort of home, trade dry land for a special sailboat, and learn to make real decisions as part of a tight-knit crew. A youngster’s sense of confidence doesn’t just grow—it blossoms.

Confidence Isn’t Taught—It’s Built

Unlike in school, where success is often measured by test scores, on a QBE expedition teens are measured by their willingness to step up. They take turns at the helm. They learn to navigate. They help plan meals and lead their teams. They’re trusted, listened to, and expected to contribute. The result? They rise to meet the moment—over and over again.

Real Responsibilities, Real Growth

On board, there’s no hiding. Everyone plays an important role. That sense of accountability may be unfamiliar—if not a bit disorienting!—at first—but it’s incredibly empowering. Whether it’s hauling lines in rough weather or calming nerves when coming up beside the quai, every challenge a teen overcomes at sea becomes a quiet internal win. And those wins add up.

From Quiet Kids to Emerging Leaders

We’ve seen the shyest crew members become go-to navigators. We’ve seen teens who doubted themselves become poised team leaders. This isn’t confidence for show—it’s the earned kind that doesn’t wilt under pressure. And that stays with them long after they step off the boat.

Three Weeks. A Lifetime Effect.

Parents tell us their teens come home changed: more mature, more self-assured, more resilient. A QBE expedition isn’t a vacation—it’s a challenge to be met and conquered. And the confidence that inspires? That just may be the best souvenir your teen brings home.

QBE’s Pilot Cutters at le Régate des Voiles de Légende in the Bay of La Baule

QBE crew members who helped sail our cutters during the 2025 Régate des Voiles de Légende in La Baule

Established by the Yacht Club of La Baule in 2002, the "Voiles de Légende" regatta has grown to become the annual flagship sailing event in the beautiful bay.

Even though the 2024 regatta attracted a record number of participants, this 22nd competition promises to be an even bigger extravaganza since classic British sailboats participating in the "Dartmouth–La Baule" race will join the 2025 Voiles de Légende fleet.

As usual, the boats also will compete in the penultimate stage of the "Manche–Atlantique Challenge Classic", organized by the Yacht Club Classique, a regular partner of the Yacht Club de La Baule.

Superbly restored and maintained by their owners, these legendary sailboats—helmed by passionate crews—will race for three days in both coastal and set-course regattas in the bay. It’s always an impressive display of old-school sailing vessels.

Most of the classic yacht fleet will be hosted at the Port of Le Pouliguen-La Baule, with the larger vessels moored at Pornichet.

29 July— Since the marina graciously agreed to host us during our stopover week between expeditions, QBE director Will Sutherland and some of our student crew members took the event sponsors and volunteers out sailing on our cutters as a way of saying thank you for everybody’s generous hospitality.

You can see a short video, below, of last year’s event.

From the La Baule Yacht Club website: yclb.net

Why Sailing the Breton Coast Is worth getting wet from time to time

There’s a reason sailors will tell you Brittany is one of Europe’s most rewarding yachting areas, even though occasional downpours and unpredictable winds can spoil an otherwise pleasant day on the water. The Breton coast doesn’t offer the easy glamour of the Mediterranean or the Margaritaville vibe of the Caribbean. What it offers is something more textured: untamed beauty; a rich, storied history; and the kind of unique adventure that lingers in your memory. Enduring a few rainy days, though sometimes dispiriting, is simply a rite of passage.

Yes, the weather in Brittany is famously fickle. One hour you’re enjoying bright summer sunshine glistening on the water and illuminating the impressive granite cliffs rising from the sea; the next, you’re stranded in a thick fog akin to something out of Celtic myth. But for those willing to lean into the constant uncertainty—including getting chilly and wet on occasion—a sailing expedition along Brittany’s jagged coastlines is nothing short of magical.

The Wild Beauty of the Coastline

Brittany is a world of extraordinary contrasts. Its coastline is riddled with hidden coves, dramatic rock formations, and historic fishing villages. The pink Granite Coast along the northern part of the peninsula can glow at sunset. And the Gulf of Morbihan feels like a secret inland sea with its surprisingly beautiful islands featuring South Pacific-like white sand beaches accessible only by boat. Meanwhile, the tides are among the most extreme in Europe, shifting the seascape from hour to hour and making navigation often challenging.

A Cultural Legacy Like few Others

This is a region where seafaring runs in the blood. Every port has a story. In Concarneau and Saint-Malo, the old town walls reverberate with the echoes of corsairs. Douarnenez still smells faintly of sardine oil and revolution. Locals speak Breton (a Celtic language akin to Cornish, Welsh, Irish, Manx, and Scottish Gaelic) as well as French, and maritime festivals—complete with traditional tall ships, gaff-rig boats, and bagpipes—are common in summer months. In fact, QBE usually shows up for the famous Interceltic [cultural] Festival held every August in Lorient. Two years ago, our cutters were chosen to feature in a TV documentary about the annual event.

Learning to Trust the Sea

There’s no better classroom for seamanship than the always-changeable Channel and Bay of Biscay off the Breton coast. You learn to read the sky, the swell, and the wind. You learn to respect the power of nature and to take satisfaction in small triumphs—perfect sail trim, a clean tack, or simply the warmth of a galley meal after a rainy watch.

This isn’t a relaxing holiday cruise—it’s an exhilarating experience. And with every challenge comes the thrill of having met it.

When the Sun Does Come Out…

When the clouds part, Brittany is absolutely radiant. The light is clear, the sea turns a painter’s palette of greens and blues, and the lighthouses seem especially welcoming. You’ll eat crêpes in seaside cafés, discover the area’s authentic patrimony, and sleep at anchor under starlit skies where the only sound is the creak of the rigging and the soft slap of waves on the hull.

Worth the Risk?

We say “Absolutely!” Sailing Brittany is not for the faint of heart—but that’s exactly the point. In the end, it’s the rain that makes the sun shine brighter, the challenges that make the rewards richer. One thing’s for sure—when you get home, you’ll have earned the right to call yourself a bona fide sailor.

Along the way: Pornichet

This year, Pornichet—situated on France’s Loire-Atlantique coastline, just 15 minutes by car from Saint-Nazaire—is the disembarkation destination for our July expedition as well as the embarkation point for our August cruise. It’s an under-the-radar gem on the French Côte d’Amour.

Pornichet was transformed from a sleepy little fishing village into a trendy seaside spa in the mid‑19th century. Today, it’s a hot-list summer destination that blends some old-world elegance with a modern laid-back resort vibe. The name itself comes from the Latin "Port Niché," meaning "nested port."

The upscale resort town is known for it’s expansive golden beaches. The largest and most popular one stretches all the way to neighboring La Baule. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or sailing, and the famous beachfront promenade is lined with cafés and seafood restaurants.

Worth a visit:

• The Port de Plaisance (the Marina)
  Pornichet's modern marina is a hub for sailing and the motor yacht crowd, offering excellent facilities as well as boat rentals and excursions. It’s also a great spot to people-watch with a glass of… whatever.

• Île la Pierre‑Percée
  A rocky islet known as 'seagull island' features an impressive natural arch. Local lore says a pirate named Gilles Daviot chiseled it out after being marooned there.

• Chapelle Sainte‑Anne
  This neo‑Romanesque chapel, built in 1879 at Pointe du Bec, features a vaulted boat‑hull-shaped nave. Every summer, locals hold a candlelight procession from the chapel to “the Old Port.” On 20 July this year, there will be a “Fête de la Mer Sainte-Anne”—including a mass on the beach at La Baule to commemorate all those who have been lost at sea. BTW: Ann is a patron saint of Brittany.

• Villa Ker  Souveraine (“Villa des Sirènes”)
  Erected in 1925 in Italian neoclassical style, the imposing villa was designed by celebrated local architect Georges Vachon with interior decoration by Adrien Grave. Its facade is adorned with four sirens. Once frequented by celebrities, the villa is now a historic monument.

• Hippodrome de Pornichet
  Unique for a small coastal town, Pornichet has its own equestrian track. The current complex dates back to the early 20th century. The Hippodrome hosts horse races throughout the year.

• Scenic Trails & Seafront Promenade
  Two heritage trails take visitors past elegant villas and other impressive seaside architecture. The coastal “Sentier des Douaniers” is famous for its breathtaking views. The Promenade is known for its roller-skating nights!

• Local Markets & the Marina Scene
  Visitors usually want to check out the outdoor markets at Les Halles for seafood, pastries, and regional specialties. The buzzing marina is a hub for sailing, boat tours, and summer festivals.

Learning Outside the Classroom: The Transformative Power of Outdoor Experiential Education

Outdoor Experiential Education—The Proven Difference Maker.

IN A WORLD OF SCREENS, standardized tests, and packed schedules, education is often confined to desks, devices, and deadlines. But the fact is, some of the most valuable life lessons happen outside the classroom: in the wind, rain, sunlight, and silence of nature.

Outdoor experiential education isn’t just a break from the routine. It’s a research-backed, life-shaping approach that cultivates resilience, leadership, and a deeper understanding of the natural world and of oneself.

What Is Outdoor Experiential Education?

At its core, experiential education involves learning by doing. Add the great outdoors, and you get immersive program(me)s where students sail, hike, climb, and problem-solve in unfamiliar real-world environments, far removed from their comfort zones.

And it’s not always about “survival skills.” It’s about developing:

• Critical thinking and leadership skills

• Emotional intelligence and teamwork

• Environmental awareness and stewardship

• Breaking down parochialism and broadening horizons

Imagine: a group of teens working together to navigate a sailboat, building trust and communication with every knot they tie and every navigation chart they read.

Why Outdoor Adventure Matters More Than Ever

• It Builds Real-World Resilience

  When you're caught in a squall mid-expedition or try to navigate using the stars and a compass, you jettison your crutches and learn to improvise, persist, and stay steady under pressure—skills essential for successful life outcomes.

• It Fosters Deep Connections

  Outdoor challenges forge a bond with nature that no documentary can replicate. It also fosters deep connections between peers, formed through shared goal attainment.

• It Nurtures a Holistic Person

  In nature, students are more than just their brains—they’re bones and sinew, hearts and hands. Outdoor experiential education supports physical health, mental well-being, and self-confidence in one integrated experience.

• It Sparks Passion and Curiosity

  Whether learning a new skill, discovering a new culture, or meeting group challenges, learners discover the why behind the what. They move from passive observation to active inquiry.

Sailing as a Learning Platform

Imagine a team of high school students aboard a 14m traditional yacht. Each day brings new tasks and hones repetitive ones:

• Learning how to tack, trim sails, and navigate in open water

• Cooking meals and living in tight quarters

• Seeing the world through a new prism and, as a result, discovering new possibilities

Mistakes can be sudden. So are the consequences. Success is shared. Learning is constant. And none of it involves a traditional textbook. Yet the leadership, accountability, and communication lessons are not only profound, but lifelong.

From the Wilderness Back to the Familiar World

Outdoor experiential education isn’t an escape from “the real world” — it’s training for success in it. Students return from outdoor adventures more confident, collaborative, and curious. They learn to manage uncertainty, take initiative, and respect all the interconnected systems, sometimes complex—both ecological and human—around them.

A Tried-and-True Educational Strategy for the 21st Century

As society rethinks what true preparation for adulthood should look like, outdoor experiential education is gaining worldwide traction. From gap-year program(me)s and wilderness schools to school-sponsored outdoor weeks and sailing expeditions like QBE’s, the demand is growing—and for good reason.

When we move the classroom outdoors, we don’t just change the setting. We change the student.

Interested in how outdoor experiential education can elevate your teen’s life trajectory or your school’s extracurricular approach? Let’s talk. The adventure—and the learning—starts here.

The Association "Les Amis de jeudi dimanche"

The workshop of AJD

Whenever we can, we visit artisanal workshops as well as cultural festivals and events on our expeditions. The workshop of Les Amis de jeudi dimanche is special, not least of all because the association’s mission is to promote the therapeutic power of sailing. AJD was founded in 1951 by a Jesuit priest, Fr Michel Jaouen, to help formerly incarcerated young men transition back into society. Today, it takes people of all ages on cruises around the world to help them cope with such life challenges as PTSD and addiction.

It so happens that AJD has an impressive workshop near L’Aber Wrac’h (not far from Brest) where they make much of what they need to repair and maintain their two old vessels: the three-masted schooner le Bel Espoir and the 27m Rara Avis. The minute you walk through the door you can smell the old wood and resins. And you can see all the pulleys, rigging, sails, and other materials you need to keep old boats seaworthy, many manufactured onsite. For more information, you can visit www.belespoir.com. (The website is in French.)

Photos: Éric Duriez

Sailing As Therapy For PTSD and Anxiety

There are a number of non-profits and military organizations that swear by sailing as an effective therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Much of the focus has been on helping combat veterans overcome the psychological scars of war.

Now we read about, or see video of, the thousands of families affected by flooding, wildfires, and regional conflicts around the world. Affected youngsters see their entire lives—and/or the lives of relatives and friends—upended, sometimes in just a few hours. So what do healthcare professionals say about “sailing therapy” as a psychological healing strategy when disaster strikes? Here’s an article abstract we found on the American Psychological Association website (https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2019-45164-001):

Citation

Zabag, R., Deri, O., Gilboa-Schechtman, E., Richter-Levin, G., & Levy-Gigi, E. (2020). Cognitive flexibility in PTSD individuals following nature adventure intervention: Is it really that good? Stress: The International Journal on the Biology of Stress, 23(1), 97–104. https://doi.org/10.1080/10253890.2019.1645113

Abstract

Previous studies have found that PTSD is associated with hippocampal-related impairment in cognitive flexibility. However, little is known about this impairment following nature adventure interventions. The current ex post facto study aimed to examine the relationship between cognitive flexibility, sailing-based intervention and PTSD symptoms. Thirty-nine individuals with PTSD diagnosis (17 who engaged in sailing and 22 who did not engage in sailing) and 38 healthy control (18 who engaged in sailing and 20 who did not engage in sailing) completed a performance-based reversal learning paradigm to assess cognitive flexibility and were evaluated for PTSD, depressive and anxiety symptoms. The results revealed significantly lower levels of PTSD and trait anxiety symptoms in the PTSD-sailing group, compared to the PTSD-no-sailing group [emphasis ours]. In addition, both PTSD groups showed selective, though different, impairments in reversal learning. Specifically, PTSD-no-sailing individuals showed a selective impairment in reversing the outcome of a negative stimulus- they struggled to learn that a previously negative stimulus was later associated with a positive outcome. PTSD-sailing individuals, on the other hand, displayed a selective impairment in reversing the outcome of a positive stimulus- they had difficulty learning that a previously positive stimulus was later associated with a negative outcome. The results may suggest that although individuals who participated in a sailing-based intervention had lower clinical symptoms, their hippocampal related cognitive flexibility was not improved, and the impairment exists in a different domain. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Copyright

• Holder: Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

• Year: 2019

So there it is. Sailing is not just incredibly fun and educational, it’s also calming, centering, and life-propelling.

Summer Sailing in Europe v. Summer Sailing in the Caribbean

…or for that matter, sailing in dozens of other places. We can recommend most of them as terrific coming-of-age experiences for young adults. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find any other activity that instills as much self-confidence, pride in accomplishment, and personal agency as team sailing. Plus, standing on the deck of a yacht at full sail is an adrenaline rush no teen will ever forget.

Still, there are some differences that geography and floating collateral can make.

Summer daytime temperatures in the Caribbean Islands (their low season) tend to be hot (highs around 90°F/32°C) and the humidity high. It’s also hurricane season. In the English Channel and the Bay of Biscay the weather in the summer months is unpredictable—it can be hot or cool, sunny or overcast. Typically though, it’s comfortable, often beautiful, weather for sailing. Unfortunately, weather is the one variable nobody can control.

Others do reef diving. We do deep cultural dives.

Caribbean islands are famous for their ubiquitous Insta-worthy white beaches, palm trees, and posh resorts, but many of the most compelling attractions are to be found underwater. Accordingly, most of the Caribbean program(me)s feature SCUBA diving as a popular activity. In Brittany and the Channel Isles, most of the attractions are above water, on the boats and ashore. While the Breton coast also boasts some idyllic islands just offshore—some with fabulous white-sand beaches, all with crystal-blue water—our neighborhood has the additional bonus of quaint medieval towns; ancient megaliths; dazzling cultural festivals; amazing cuisine; wild, dramatic coastlines; and abundant, unexpected wildlife. Because the summer months are “high season” in our sailing area, there are countless enrichment opportunities to choose from. So many things, in fact, that we let our crews help decide what they’d like to see and do. As a result, every QBE expedition is as much cultural feast as it is sailing course. Alas, with so much going on around us, we don’t offer SCUBA lessons (though our crew members do occasionally go snorkeling.)

And then there are the boats. Most of the Caribbean sailing offerings use fairly modern charter sloops outfitted with electric wenches to raise and lower sails. They are roomy, nicely appointed, assembly-line boats. Each typically sleeps 10–12 campers.

QBE’s signature pilot cutters were authentically constructed in a small atelier by an artisan boatwright, based on a 19th-century design. Our student crew members have to raise and lower sails with elbow grease and are expected to learn all the nuts and bolts of traditional sailing. Each of our boats sleeps six (seven in a pinch), so our crews are smaller, allowing more opportunity for hands-on learning and quick, robust team-building.

At the end of the day, it’s a matter of taste and priorities. Do you like modern or classic? Vibrant reefs or charming old-word discoveries? More of a Jimmy Buffett “Margaritaville” vibe or a challenging European outdoor adventure? Or… maybe one, then the other?

Whichever you choose, “fair winds and following seas!”