A FEW OF THE THINGS YOU WANTED TO KNOW
ABOUT LANDSAILING... BUT DIDN'T KNOW WHO TO ASK
What is Landsailing?
Zipping across the hard-packed beach or desert dry lake in any one of an assortment of wind-powered vehicles. More particularly a three wheeled frame or fireberglass body with a mast and a sail.
Where is it done?
In California, Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona: Any of a number of dry lakebeds.
In Europe, Japan, and South America: Any of a number of broad beaches left high and dry when the tide is out.
Who does it?
Adventurers of all ages. Small children can start at about 8 years of age, althought many start much older. Adults up into their eighties are regular participants.
How fast do they go?
There are many variables, but the typical landsailer will go twenty to fifty miles an hour on an ordinary day. It seems A LOT faster when your backside is just a couple inches above the lakebed. The current land speed record for a landsailer is about 116 miles per hour. This VERY special boat is called the Iron Duck and weighs in around 1200 pounds. The ordinary landyacht weighs in at 80 to 280 pounds. Some of the older boats may go up to 500 pounds.
Can I make my own landsailer?
Of course, but the question you really ought to ask is "SHOULD" I attempt to make my own? Lots of great support in the Landsailing community to help you build a safe land yacht. Lots of considerations with the speeds we travel.
Where can I buy one?
Although there are some production landyachts available, not available at Big 5 Sporting Goods or West Marine. Manta makes a boat that is tough, well designed, and reasonably affordable. Manta has both one and two seater yachts and are popular classes for fun and for racing. Blokart makes a smaller boat that is also very well designed and has the additional quality of breaking down into a very small package that will fit in most car trunks. It is great for the apartment dweller. Bigger boats are also available - best to tun in on Land Sailing Facebook feeds and www.nalsa.org. The used boat market is also a good place to look. Sometimes the used boats will need repair or refurbishment, but are generally good bargains if you have at least some mechanical ability and are willing to put some time into getting to know the boat and resources for tires, bearings etc.
Nord Embroden is the Manta dealer in the Antelope Valley, CA area. 760 - 780 - 8088. nord@landsailing.com
If I buy one, how will I get it to my sailing place?
Blokarts go in the trunk. Mantas can go in the back of a truck or on the top of a camper shell. Some Mantas arrive on lightweight trailers. Bigger boats usually come inside of an enclosed trailer or on a customized open trailer.
How much will a landyacht cost me?
A used boat might be picked up for as little as $1000. New Blokarts and Mantas run about $1,800 to $3,000. A new high-performance landyacht might run upwards of $15,000 but there are often nice used boats for sale.
Speaking of "Big Leagues", do people compete with landyachts?
YES!!! Every year there are a number of regattas on the landyacht circuit. Some are more formal than others, but there are activites on the local, national, and international levels. The Brits, Irish,French, Belgians, Dutch, Australians, and New Zealanders all have active clubs. Racing in landyachts is conducted very much like racing sailboats on the water. Both FISLY and NALSA conduct sailing races and the competition is excellent.