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.

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 often uncomfortable—but in a necessary way.

Instead of passively absorbing information, QBE crew members:

• Learn how to plot actual courses on nautical charts
• 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 in 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 soon forgotten.

And at QBE, we don’t just believe in it—we’ve built our entire project around it.

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!”

Brittany—a must-visit destination in 2025 according to American Express

Saint-Brieuc, Brittany, France (right around the corner from Saint-Malo)

Breizh Amerika, a US non-profit that promotes economic partnerships and cultural exchange between the United States and Brittany, just posted the following article on their blog:

https://www.breizh-amerika.com/blog/american-express-travel-list

“

On October 4th, American Express Travel revealed its annual list of must-visit destinations for 2025. Surprise! Among the top spots favored by younger generations, Brittany, this authentic and picturesque region of France, stands proudly alongside exotic destinations like Koh Samui in Thailand or Franschhoek in South Africa.
​

Top 10 Trending Destinations for 2025 According to American Express

Here’s the full list of the ten “most trending” destinations for 2025, based on the survey conducted with American Express cardholders:

1. Brittany, France 
2. Brisbane, Australia
3. Franschhoek, South Africa 
4. Koh Samui, Thailand
5. Macau, China
6. Moab, Utah, United States
7. Nikko, Japan 
8. Paros, Greece
9. São Paulo, Brazil
10. Sun Valley, Idaho, United States

Click on the link, above, to read more, including reasons Brittany made the list.

Learn to navigate by experience: The QBE Association and the philosophy of Will Sutherland

Translated from an article in French by Jennifer Champin.
Published by Bateaux.com, one of France’s premier boating publications, on September 24, 2024.

Article ©Bateaux.com. Used by permission. Photo ©QBE

In the world of sailing, some boats are not just vessels for sailing the seas, but powerful tools for learning and personal development. Such is the case of Marie-Claude and Yseult, which have been transformed by Will Sutherland into a veritable floating school for life skills.

Based on his own personal experience, Will has developed a pedagogy of learning by doing that finds its full expression in his QBE Association. Thanks to courses on traditional sailboats, Marie-Claude and Yseult, replicas of the [19th-century] pilot cutter Alouette, he introduces young people to maritime navigation while preparing them for life with transferable life skills. We met him aboard one of them. In the second part of this article, he discusses the essential aspects of his teaching and highlights the challenges of maintaining his cutters.

An action-based method

The pedagogy of Will Sutherland, a native of Scotland, is based on an Anglo-Saxon approach called "learning by doing.” "At sea, mistakes have real consequences. My role is not to tell students everything, but to let them manage, while being present to guarantee their safety and that of the boat," he says. This technique allows young people to confront the realities of life at sea, to master the manoeuvres, but also to develop a strong sense of responsibility. It all starts with simple exercises in port: tying knots, using a cleat, man-overboard drills, etc. Then the boats set out close to the coastline for small exercises; the crews actually have to sail to see how everyone does. Then, when Will feels they're ready, and tells his crew members, "Take me there. Sometimes they don't know where ‘there’ is, but I remind them that all the information is on board. Here, everything is real. If a student makes a mistake, the boat will let them know. It’s the perfect environment for rapid learning."

Will insists on the importance of role-playing: "The students don't understand why I never give a briefing. It makes me laugh. In fact, I prefer the strategy of a debriefing at the end of each outing rather than explaining everything beforehand: ‘Why did you do that?’ ‘What would you do differently next time?’ And after a week, it's amazing to see their progress."

Pilot cutters: robustness in the service of pedagogy

Cutter pilots, historic boats once used to guide larger vessels through dangerous waters, are renowned for their strength and reliability. "They were designed to sail in all conditions, windy or rainy, and to get back into port even in bad weather," says Will. Since 2009, the QBE association has had two of them, Marie-Claude and Yseult, inspired by the plans of Alouette, a pilot cutter constructed in France in 1891 by François Lemarchand.

Will’s sailboats, built in Falmouth in Cornwall, are real learning platforms for the immersion courses offered by QBE. "The pilot cutters are stable and above all very safe, which allows you to concentrate on the technique without constantly worrying about speed. Rigging adjustments on these boats can add 1.5 knots of speed. Still, if they [the sails] are set incorrectly, everything works fine, it's just not optimal," says Will.

On board pilot cutters, every manoeuvre matters and every miscue can have immediate consequences. "Old-fashioned sailing requires constant attention. You have to know your rigging, know how to read the sea, and anticipate each change in the wind," insists Will before continuing: Nevertheless, young people learn to be self-sufficient very quickly, because they are immediately confronted with the demands of the sea." For the participants, daily life on board always requires discipline. They are responsible for everything: the helm, the sails, the meals... There is no leeway for passivity.

Thanks to the support of the association's skippers, the young crew members learn to manoeuvre the traditional boats with their complex gaff rigging. It is a technical challenge, but also an undeniable return to the roots of sailing for the founder of QBE: "This total immersion in the management of a cutter forges characters and instils fundamental values of rigor, initiative, and solidarity.

The Challenges of Maintaining Old Gaff-Rig Boats

Boat maintenance quickly became an unavoidable priority. "Taking the boats out of the water every year to check the hull and change out certain parts of the rigging is essential to guarantee their safety and longevity," says Will. Each season begins with lots of meticulous work: application of antifouling, checking of thru-hull fittings, etc. Older boats like ours require constant attention to ensure their performance and safety at sea.

In the 1960s, the transition from wooden hulls to plastic and fiberglass ones marked a new era for “classic” boat construction. Nevertheless, despite taking advantage of innovations in hull fabrication, the rest of our boats’ structure remained wooden. "The builder started with small 16-foot boats, then 22-foot boats, and finally 28-foot boats that sold well," Will says. A certain Mr. Dupré, a French architect, ordered a 28-foot racing model, equipped with a flush deck, an enlarged mast and a longer bowsprit. This boat, designed to carry a lot of sail, has distinguished itself in regattas, particularly at the annual events at Falmouth. After several victories, Dupré asked the builder to make him a larger ship to accommodate his entire family. The plans for Allouette were chosen because it sailed for 40 years, beginning in 1891, "which was exceptional for the time, given that most boats were expected to last only 20 to 25 years," says Will.

Boat maintenance quickly became an unavoidable priority. "Taking the boats out of the water every year to check the hull and change out certain parts of the rigging is essential to guarantee their safety and longevity," says Will. Each season begins with lots of meticulous work: application of antifouling, checking of thru-hull fittings, etc. Older boats like ours require constant attention to ensure their performance and safety at sea.

In the 1960s, the transition from wooden hulls to plastic and fiberglass ones marked a new era for “classic” boat construction. Nevertheless, despite taking advantage of innovations in hull fabrication, the rest of our boats’ structure remained wooden. "The builder started with small 16ft boats, then 22ft boats, and finally 28ft boats that sold well," Will says. A certain Mr. Dupré, a French architect, ordered a 28ft racing model, equipped with a flush deck, an enlarged mast and a longer bowsprit. This boat, designed to carry a lot of sail, distinguished itself in regattas, particularly at the annual events at Falmouth. After several victories, Dupré asked the builder to make him a 46ft cutter to accommodate his entire family. The plans for Allouette were chosen because it sailed for 40 years, beginning in 1891, "which was exceptional for the time, given that most boats were expected to last only 20 to 25 years," says Will.

This model, named Marie-Claude, attracted the attention of an English banker who built a replica named Yseult in 2000. The builder had started work on another, even larger, boat when his untimely passing at the age of 55 brought the project to a halt.

"After his death, the yard was sold, and all the molds of the boats were lost or destroyed. For me, these boats are unique, almost impossible to reproduce. Today, building such ships would cost a million—or even 1.5 million—euros, a colossal investment," says Will, proud of these 46ft (14m] boats he acquired in 2009.

Summer 2024 QBE expeditions

The 2024 Olympic flame

The 2024 Olympic “flame” isn’t really a flame at all. The 30-meter-high cauldron, designed by Mathieu Lahanneur, is an optical illusion: it’s a plume of water mist created by 200 high-pressure nozzles. The resulting cloud is then illuminated by 40 electric LED projectors. Both the electricity and water are fed to the “balloon” from the ground.

Sold on May 15, 2024, for US$3,373,000!

Wait, not the handsome cutter you see above, but the entire canvas below by Andrew Wyeth (it was just auctioned at Sotheby’s):

Rum Runner (To the Westward), 25” x 48,” tempera on panel, Andrew Wyeth, executed in 1944 and reworked in 1974

The subject is Walter Anderson, a Maine fisherman. One can’t help but notice that Mr. Anderson, depicted leaning against a dory, appears to be admiring the passing cutter for which the painting is named—a fast, nimble boat used for many things, including (in the past) rum running and (today) taking lucky teens sailing in Europe every summer.

FWIW: European fishermen often admire our cutters, too.

(*We don’t suppose various social media platforms would let us get away with using the derivative image below in our advertising?)

The Olympic Flame Departs for France

The Belem
Image: ©Cqui - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10889466

The Olympic flame departed Athens, Greece, for Marseille, France, on Saturday morning, April 27. And how is it making the 12-day journey? On a three-masted 19th-century French barque, the Belem—in impressive tall ship classified as a historical monument. The captain and young crew all volunteered to make the voyage. Some 150,000 people are expected to welcome it when it makes port. So there it is: if you want to arrive in style, do it on a classy 19th-century French boat.

Hey! We’ve got two of those… (even if ours are replicas)

Christina Stolzlechner Woods

In Memoriam
1959–2024

Christina Stolzlechner Woods

Christina Woods (née Stolzlechner), a generous patron of QBE, passed away February 7, 2024, at the age of 65, after a courageous battle against an aggressive cancer. Her kind financial support helped us weather the COVID pandemic and reboot our expeditions in 2022.

Christina will be remembered by many as an outstanding competitive skier (hailing from an illustrious Austrian ski-racing family). Her father Hans Stolzlechner was a coach for the Austrian national team, her brother Nils was a member of the American national ski team, and her godfather was the legendary Toni Sailer, winner of all three Alpine skiing gold medals at the 1956 winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

Born in Munich in 1959, Christina grew up in Kitzbühel, Austria. She helped anchor the women’s ski teams at Aiglon College (high school) in Chesières, Switzerland, and at Scripps College, in California. After she graduated with a BA in 1980, she moved to San Francisco. There, she made use of her fluency in multiple languages to launch a successful career in international luxury travel and hospitality. In 2009, she moved with her husband to Vallejo, California, where in her spare time she enjoyed photography, gardening, Mozart, and watching weekly sailing regattas from the deck of their bayside cottage.

She is survived by her husband Guy Woods, her sister Dorothy Stolzlechner, her brother Nils Stolzlechner, her mother Greta Breeden, other dear family members, and her countless close friends who all forever will remember her boundless optimism and relentlessly cheerful disposition. She will be greatly missed.

Godspeed Christina. And thank you.