Land sailing, also known as sand yachting or land yachting, is the act of moving across land in a wheeled vehicle powered by wind through the use of a sail. The term comes from analogy with (water) sailing. Historically, land sailing was used as a mode of transportation or recreation. Since the 1950s it has evolved primarily into a racing sport.
Vehicles used in sailing are known as sail wagons, sand yachts, or land yachts. They are typically three-wheeled vehicles that function much like a sailboat, except that they are operated from a sitting or lying position and steered by pedals or hand levers. Land sailing works best in windy, flat areas, and races often take place on beaches, air fields, and dry lake beds in desert regions. Modern land sailors, generally known as “pilots,” can go three to four times faster than the wind speed, because of Bernoulli’s principle. A gust of wind is considered more beneficial in a land sailing race than a favorable windshift. A similar sport, known as ice yachting, is practised on frozen lakes and rivers. Another variation is the Whike, which combines land sailing with bicycling and can therefore also be used in everyday traffic because it does not fully depend on wind.
Blokarting – Blokart has now developed into a culture with an international community of like minded enthusiasts who travel the globe with their kart chasing the wind and camaraderie. Calling all adrenaline junkies: strap yourself in and prepare for the ride of your life. Blo-karting propels you along the beach at speeds of up to 90 km an hour. Catch the wind in your sail and experience stunning views as you power along a few inches above the sand, wheels a blur as you race across the bay.
The Blo-kart landsailer is a portable, wind-powered, ergonomically-designed go-kart designed to run on flat surfaces, particularly suitable for beaches. It’s thrilling, but it’s also designed so that safety is paramount. The steering wheel allows the driver complete control over direction, whilst the sheet rope, attached to the sail, controls the speed. The hand steering is also an advantage if you have limited mobility from the waist down. Blo-karting is suitable for all ages and abilities; children, grandparents, people with disabilities or extreme sports fans will all find their own level.
It takes just five to ten minutes to grasp the basics, so on your first lesson you’ll be cruising along golden sand, sea to your left, dunes on your right – you couldn’t wish for a better view. Enjoy Blo-karting on your own or invite a group of friends to compete on the triangular course.
Blokart is a business name, as is X-Sail, and they are both forms of land sailing.