What is ‘Land Sailing’? –

As the name suggests its simply sailing on land preferably in open areas which would have stronger winds in order to move forward. The concept is to make the land yacht move on the ground with air and wind being the propelling factors.

The ‘land yacht’ a wind powered boat is usually made up of a wooden frame with a seat, a mast with sails and 3 wheels to support it and make it move on the ground. The front wheel is attached to a certain system of controlling. All land yachts use ‘lift’ generated on the wing shaped sail to travel at between 3 and 5 times the wind speed reaching speeds in excess of 100 kmph.

How does it work? –

Controlling is exactly the same as one would do on a boat. you are required to navigate with your legs and the sail you control with a sheet rope – just pull the rope to sheet in and refrain from pulling the rope for sheeting out.

About the boat -
There are many types of Landsailing crafts of which class – 3 and class – 5 are more often used.

Racing yachts are divided in four classes by FISLY: Class 5 and Class Standard have a tubular steel or aluminum frame and mast with a glassfiber seats. The bigger Class 3 and Class 2 yachts have a lightweight glass-fiber hull and wing-shaped mast and (mostly) a wooden rear axle.

Class 3 is the more popular land yacht is known for the speeds it can reach which can range anything from 70 to 113 kmph. They are also used widely for competing.

Land sailing works best in windy, flat areas, and races often take place on beaches, air fields, and dry lakebeds (playas) in desert regions.

Below is the video of land sailing. It gives an idea of the speeds the boat can reach.

The most important aspect of land sailing is the total balance you get in relation to the center of gravity of the craft and the center of action, which should match, merge or coincide. The weight should be evenly distributed in the front, in the mid-section and the rear side. An appropriately balanced sail with that of the mast is bound to build the sail in proper shape; with a ‘twist’ that is idea.

Built for SPEED – these yachts when sailed downwind move at the speed of the wind, but when the wind is with them the boat can attain 4-5 times the speed of the wind. The average speed during a good wind can be considered upto 50mph.The world record of landyacht speed is held by the Iron Duck which reached the speed of 116.7 mph in a wind of approximately 30 mph. Due to the lightweight and aerodynamic build, racing yachts boost to top speed in about 5 seconds.

Click here to have a look at the events calendar for 2008 for land sailing.

The most recognized competition is the European championship wherin pilots ranging from all classes across Europe come together and participate in this week long festive event.

For more technical information log onto this website.

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