Land Sailing
Posted on 16 November, 2020 by Administrator
LAND SAILING
Land sailing is one of the most extreme sports that can be practiced in a very limited number of regions. This sport, generally known as sailing performed on land, is quite entertaining, but requires a serious physical condition.
What is Land Sailing?
Racing three-wheeled sailboats on wide and flat land is called land sailing. In sailboats moving in the direction of the wind, the angle of the sail is changed and the direction of the vehicles is given. Land sailing first emerged in the 1950s. Land sailing, which has turned into a racing sport after the 1950s, is one of the extreme sports that is very popular especially in the United States and Europe.
Land sailing tournaments and competitions are organized in many countries. One of the most popular international tournaments is the one-week European Championships. The World Land Sailing Championship, which is held every four years, is one of the most popular tournaments.
Although it has similar points to normal sailing, land sailing is based on the wind. Wind has much more propulsion power than water. In this way, sailboats can move much faster than in the water.
How is Land Sailing Done?
In this sport made with three-wheeled sailboats of different sizes, the vehicles are classified differently according to their size. Sailboats in the same category compete with each other. Sailboats are divided into Class 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8. At the same time, mini sailboats consisting of standard class and smaller vehicles compete separately. The most frequently used class in these races is the 3rd class.
Second class vehicles are the most durable and largest sailboat class produced using glass fiber keel. Sails can go up to 8 meters in these vehicles. The third grade is very similar to the second grade; The keels of these sailboats, which are produced using advanced technology, are also made of glass fiber. These vehicles have a speed of over 113 km per hour. The sailboats in the fifth class have very small structures. These sailboats do not have a full seat for the pilot driving the vehicle; The pilots use the vehicles by reaching for seat-like seats made of steel or aluminum. These vehicles travel at a speed of 60 km / h and above. The highest speed recorded so far is 202.9 km per hour.
Pilots move land sailboats in a sitting or lying position. The vehicles also have pedals and hand levers. Experienced pilots can go three or four times faster than wind speed. Wind is one of the most important conditions for land sailing competitions. Wind-rich beaches and deserts are the most suitable areas for this sport. During the race, pilots should not let other vehicles touch their sailboats. Driving after the exit point, priority is always on the right-hand vehicle. The vehicle on the other side must slow down or pull to the side.
Materials Required for Land Sailing
Sailboat materials required for land sailing are usually bought separately and combined to make them ready for sports.
Sail
The first equipment required for land sailing is sail. Models produced in different sizes and features are in various classes. Pilots choose sails according to which class they will be in the races. Sails from 2 meters to 8 meters are produced.
Pole
The masts that help the sails to stand still are produced with durable materials. Poles produced with materials such as fiberglass, carbon and ultra carbon are designed in various thicknesses and lengths. In addition to being durable, sailboats are very light, thanks to their maximum weight of 1 kilogram.
Wheel
In sailboat models that are divided into early and late periods, it is necessary to use wheels of different sizes. Wheels are chosen from multi-toothed and heavy or flatter and light models in accordance with their sailboat classes.
Carbine
Carabiners are used as attachments in many extreme sports. High quality carabiners are used together with ropes and screws in the assembly of main parts such as sails, seats and poles.
When Is Land Sailing Done?
For land sailing races, periods with strong wind are preferred. Beach edges, dry lakes in desert terrains, and even airfields are suitable for races. The spring months, when the wind is strong seasonally, is the most suitable season for land sailing. In summer, races can be held in regions where the wind is seen. Very cold weather and snow-covered areas are not suitable for this sport. In general, from March to November, there are favorable weather conditions for this sport.
The Best Land Sailing Routes in the World
Uniquely beautiful beaches accompany land sailing tournaments, which are widely held especially in Europe.
Tarifa, Spain
Land sailing is carried out in an area of 30,000 square meters in the city of Tarifa. Surrounded by natural beauty, there are professionals who train amateur sailors in the area. Especially those who are new to this sport can improve their techniques with the trainings in Tarifa. Depending on the wind, practice can be done every day in the region.
Education centers in Tarifa serve from March to November. If you want to practice in this area where you can be very close to the beach and in touch with nature, you can reach Madrid Barajas Airport.
Brittany, France
The land sailing club located on the Brittany-Breton coast is especially preferred by amateurs. Beginners to this sport can receive extensive training in the club. Special multi-seat sailboats are used in the trainings given by professionals. Anyone who loves this sport, from beginners to experienced sailors, can join the club.
If you want to study or watch amateur races, you can get transportation from Paris Airport to Brittany.
England
England has many land sailing areas. This is also the country where international tournaments and competitions are held the most.
You can visit land sailing clubs in London.
Hoylake
Hoylake, located in the Wirral, is home to extreme sports enthusiasts with its coastal areas. The land sailing club in the region has an active field of activity that also organizes workshops. Even when the wind is not strong and athletes cannot practice, there are events related to land sailing.
Royston
Amateurs, including children, are trained at the land sailing club located in Royston, which has a 2-kilometer race track.
De Panne, Belgium
The city of De Panne, located on the coastline, is among the primary choices of those who want to do land sailing with its unique view and clean air. Amateurs can train on the 30-kilometer long beach, while professionals can participate in races.
You can reach the region where you can both practice and cool off by swimming on the white beach via Brussels in a short time.
St. Peter - Ording, Germany
The region where the Land Sailing World Championship was held in 2018 is also one of the most active sailing areas in Germany. Located on the coastline, St. Peter - Ording city is very suitable for land sailing with its beach and wind. Amateurs and professionals can practice in a wide range of fields, and races are organized between athletes. You can both take a vacation and engage in land sailing activities in the region that meets international standards.