We get a lot of questions about our trips. And that makes sense, since sea sailing adventures and leadership development can be done in many different ways.
Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
The group
One of our biggest commitments is to ensure the quality of the group.
This means we expect all participants to be able to contribute to the group, as well as learn from the group.
As a consequence, we pay great attention to who is eligible to join.
CEOs who are interested in joining need to be actively engaged in the theme of the trip.
Direct registration is not possible. All applications are followed by a virtual meeting with Benoit before confirming the trip.
By doing so, we guarantee the quality of the experience, the conversations, the mutual support and the cohesion of the group, which is in everybody's interest.
To avoid disturbing the dynamic, we don't allow colleagues (e.g. co-CEOs) to join together.
The number of participants varies from 4 to 7, depending on the trip and the boat.
The sailing
No, you don't need to know how to sail ! Under the experienced eye of the skipper, you’ll learn hands-on about navigation, technique, currents, and wind.
If you do have sailing experience, rest assured we'll still provide you with a new experience and teach you a few tricks.
Sailing is unique: the open water, the wind in your hair, the horizon, and the clouds. After a few days at sea, your batteries are recharged and you will have lost track of time.
Sailing is also a wonderful context for collaboration, reflection, connection and personal development.
All our trips include at least one night sail. It’s a unique experience that sharpens all your senses. Sunsets and sunrises at sea are magical.
Night sailing is done in two groups that take turns, so after a shift of a few hours, you can rest.
The theme
Are you a CEO looking to share insights and experience on a specific strategic challenge (artificial intelligence, international growth, sustainability, ...) ? Then join a group of CEOs who are working on the same topic.
Not all trips have a central theme. And just like the trips without a theme, all participating CEOs will be challenged and supported by Benoit Strauven to reflect and improve on their own leadership style.
For trips with a central topic, only CEOs who are actively engaged with that topic will be eligible to join. The application process and pre-registration meeting with Benoit make sure of that.
The facilitation will balance time and energy between the personal leadership development and the time and process required to share as much as possible on the topic.
Of course, conversations won't be limited to this topic alone. The time spent together on board is long enough to dive deep into your own business case and explore it with the group.
The boat
The Leaders Ship collaborates with reputable boat owners and premium well established chartering companies.
This way, we guarantee a well-maintained and safe boat at each location, suited to the conditions and the trip.
As a rule, we select boats between 40 and 55 feet. These provide the perfect combination of comfort and performance at a competitive price.
Of course, all safety equipment is onboard and will be doublechecked before departure.
Sailing yachts always have double cabins (for two people), so there’s a good chance you’ll share your sleeping space with a fellow CEO.
We provide pillows and bed linens. If you prefer to bring a sleeping bag, you’re welcome to do so.
Beyond that, you only need to bring clothing, toiletries, a towel, etc. A complete checklist will be provided a few weeks before departure.
The skipper
Head skipper is Benoit Strauven, founder of The Leaders Ship.
In addition to Benoit, a team of selected and qualified skippers help ensure the smooth execution of the trip. On a trip to London, for example, there will always be a second skipper on board.
All skippers have the necessary qualifications, extensive experience (including sailing with groups with no prior experience), and are well-prepared for the route
Benoit has sailed his entire life, is an RYA Yachtmaster Offshore (commercially endorsed) and has raced around Australia on a 70-foot racing yacht. You can find his nautical CV here and read more here. He also holds the qualifications needed to be an examiner for the Belgian Yachtman certificate.
Before starting The Leaders Ship, Benoit had an international career (US, China, Southeast Asia, and India) and was CEO of several Belgian family businesses.
Not only at sea but also on land, he is active in inspiring CEOs and leaders: as a board member, advisor, and senior executive coach.
Life on board
Sailing is a team sport. Everyone participates in all activities: steering the boat and handling the sails, but also cooking, doing the dishes, and more.
So forget how important you are onshore, or how much bigger the company of your crew mate is. On board, the skipper is in charge and all crew members are equal.
It is important that everyone contributes to the experience of the other participants, under the coordination of the skipper. A positive, collaborative, engaged mindset is essential in creating a nice trip for yourself and for others.
We go offline. Yes, that's right. Sailing is also the perfect way to disconnect from the busy rat race. So before we slip the lines from the dock, all crew will switch off their phones, and give them to the skipper who will put them away in a waterproof bag in his cabin.
And don't worry about not being able to take pictures or videos. We provide a waterproof GoPro :)
Photos and videos may be used later for marketing purposes. If you have any objections to this, please let us know in advance
Food & drinks
Food and drinks are included.
On board, we provide ingredients and recipes for healthy hot meals.
Everyone contributes to the cooking and dishwashing.
Of course, we take preferences and allergies into account.
When crossing the English Channel, Beer and champagne will be cold to celebrate the end of the trip. During the journey, we stick to water, fruit juice, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
On the trips in the Mediterranean, we do provide alcoholic beverages. Given the intense nature of the trip, both in terms of sailing as development, this will however be limited.
Preparation
No specific preparation is required.
The trips are accessible to anyone with a normal physique and good health.
Get plenty of rest and eat healthily before the trip.
Sailing trips of several days, including night sailing, are not extreme sports, but are certainly more tiring than an average day at the office.
A few weeks before departure, we will create a WhatsApp group for the participants to share questions, make practical arrangements, and get to know each other.
You don’t need to buy sailing gear, but you are welcome to bring your own outfit if you have one.
A complete checklist of what to bring will be provided in the joining instructions a few weeks before departure.
Safety
You are in the care of a skipper with extensive experience and the necessary training/certifications.
Before we cast off, the skipper provides a comprehensive safety briefing that covers all aspects of sailing and any potential emergencies. We go well beyond the minimum briefing legally required.
The skipper continuously assesses the situation and potential risks. He has the authority to adjust the trip if deemed necessary. In making such a decision, the skipper always considers the boat, the route, the crew, and other factors.
There are life jackets on board for all participants. We have clear rules on how and when to use them, which will be explained at the start of the trip.
Before the journey begins, the skipper will ask you to fill out a health form, with the sole purpose of being able to take any medical condition into account in case of injury or emergency. This document is immediately stored securely by the skipper, and will be returned to the participant at the end of the trip. Filling it out is not mandatory, but strongly advised.
Seasickness
Seasickness is unpleasant, and some people are more prone to it than others.
Fortunately, most people can simply enjoy the sea without any discomfort.
Also, there are also many ways to minimize the effects and duration of seasickness.
Visit your pharmacy in advance and ask for suitable medication. Start taking it 24 hours before departure.
Make sure you are well-rested before coming on board.
Stick to light non-greasy meals, drink plenty of water or tea, and avoid alcohol or coffee.
If you do get sick, ask the skipper for support. He can share many tips and tricks, such as letting you steer the boat. When you control the boat’s movement yourself, you’re less affected by the waves.
A detailed explanation of seasickness causes, prevention and treatment is part of the pre-departure briefing.
Bad weather
Sailing is an outdoor sport, so rain or strong winds are sometimes part of the experience.
However, if the skipper believes that the conditions are or will become too dangerous, they will adjust the route or cancel the trip.
In making this decision, the skipper always considers the crew, the route, the duration of the trip, and other factors.
In the event of cancellation due to bad weather, at least one other trip will be proposed. Participants who prefer not to join such alternative, are entitled to a credit note in accordance with our general conditions.
Registration
Once you let us know which trip(s) you are interested in, we schedule a virtual introductory meeting with Benoit, the founder of The Leaders Ship.
After signing the contract and paying the 30% deposit invoice, you can block the dates in your calendar.
Once the minimum number of participants is confirmed, you will be notified that the trip will proceed.
Ten weeks before departure, you will receive the 70% balance invoice. Your participation will be definitively confirmed upon payment.
Cancellation
Up to 10 weeks before departure, you can cancel free of charge. We will issue you a credit note for the deposit invoice.
If you cancel less than 10 weeks before departure, 100% of the amount is due, unless we can find another participant to take your place.
Rest assured, we will do our utmost to make that happen, as we want as many entrepreneurs as possible to enjoy our trips.
What we don't do
We do not organize traditional team-building events. We believe in the power of bringing a group of CEOs together, and to establish a dynamic of structured personal development and sharing of experience.
We also do not organize day trips. Night sailing is a beautiful experience and enhances the overall adventure. Also, day trips do not provide enough time to connect with and learn from each other.
We do not offer trips aimed solely at disconnecting. As valuable as those trips may be, we strongly believe in the concept that makes The Leaders Ship unique: exciting sailing trips for CEOS, including a structured personal and professional development method.
Administration
We have a structural partnership with Travel Lounge, a premium travel agency specialized in corporate travel and incentives.
All invoices and administration is handled by their back-office through their legal entity (X-Perience Tice BV, BE0834.102.505, Emiel Clauslaan 95-D, 9800 Deinze, Belgium).
Our collaboration with Travel Lounge ensures the optimal structure (insurance, ...) and support (flights, trains, hotels, restaurants, ...) for all participating CEOs.
