FAQ - BFSLYC

What is the BFSLYC?
What is its purpose?
Who are its members?

FAQ - Land Sailing

What is a land yacht?
How much do they cost?
What sort of wind and weather conditions do they need?
What about sailing sites?
Can anybody pilot a land yacht?
It is difficult?
What are the different classes?
Why are there so many different classes?
Can I build my own yacht?
Why do you do it?
Is it dangerous?
Are there many accidents?
Where is my nearest club?
Where can I get training or try a taster session?
How do I get into competitive land sailing?

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What is the BFSLYC?
It is a non-profit making organisation that represents the affiliated clubs and associates at national and international level. It is a member of the International Federation of Sand and Land Yachts (www.FISLY.org). It officiates at a series of regattas and selects the British team for international competition. Top

What is its purpose?
To provide a central point of contact for land sailing activities in the UK. To help provide standardisation of guidelines and activities throughout the country. Top

Who are its members?
The sand and land yachts clubs (listed here) and several associates, who govern their own classes of craft. Top

What is a land yacht?
In general terms it is a wind-powered craft that operates on land. Some of the more widely used types are shown on the Yachts page. Land yachts harness the power of the wind using a sail or traction kite. The pilot is seated in most types of land yacht, but stands on a Speed Sail. Top

How much do they cost?
Costs vary considerably from a few hundred pounds for a Mini-yacht to several thousand pounds for a competition-ready class 3 or 5 yacht. A fully equipped class 8 pilot may spend a few thousand pounds to be competitive, but beginners can start for a few hundred pounds. Top

What sort of wind and weather conditions do they need?
The optimum wind speed varies for the type of craft. A 'clean' wind is preferred as the craft is much easier to handle than in gusty conditions. Personal experience and advice from others will tell you when conditions are good for your chosen craft. Some craft have a wider wind speed coverage eg. Class 8 (parakarts) and Mini-yachts. Land yachting is an outdoor activity, so ask yourself what weather you would prefer to sail in. A lovely sunny day with a good wind is preferred, but suitably attired, you can take your craft out in colder or rainy conditions too. Stormy weather conditions should be avoided as they are very changeable and safety is reduced. Top

What about sailing sites?
Land sailing normally takes places on large open areas of land where there is a minimum of obstructions and as far away from other site users (eg. pedestrians) as possible. Beaches, some parks and some airfields are ideal. Other sites are available, but the permission of the local authority must always be sought before using them. Top

Can anybody pilot a land yacht?
In general terms, anybody can learn to land sail with the proper training and/or supervision. You will require the proper equipment and it can be physically demanding, but you can be up and running within a few short supervised sessions. Top

Is it difficult?
As above, the basics (both theoretical and practical) are best covered under the supervision of an experienced pilot, but you will be able to cover these in a short period of time. With regular practice and good support you will become a competent and safe pilot quite quickly. Top

What are the different classes?
Class 2, 3, 5 & Standart (land or sand yachts), class 7 (Speed Sails) and class 8 (Parakarts or Kite-buggies). Mini-yachts are yet to be classified as they are relatively new, but they are becoming very popular. More information is available on the Yachts page. Specifications for all classes are available in the ISARR rules available here. Top

Why are there so many different classes?
Classification is essentially for competition purposes, but the classes and craft are designed to appeal to the many recreational and competitive tastes of different people and what they can afford. Top

Can I build my own yacht?
Many people have successfully built their own yachts. Or course, you will need some competent engineering skills to do this and most of the established sailing sites will insist that the yacht conforms to one of the popular classes so that you abide with applicable licensing agreements. Yachts can be built for a fraction of the cost of a commercial yacht, and you have the opportunity to customise the design to your own requirements. We are attempting to get more information about this subject. It will be posted on the Technical web page, when available. Top

Why do you do it?
The reasons are many, but for starters it uses free power (the wind), it's environmentally friendly, fast, fun, a technical challenge and it provides the opportunity to compete against pilots in similar craft. Men and women can compete on equal terms. People also enjoy the social aspects of being in a club. A club takes time and effort to maintain, and it is not just being a land yacht pilot that encourages people to participate. Top

Is it dangerous?
It is quite safe with the correct training and supervision, when the craft is well maintained and operated within its specifications, and if activities are conducted within the specified rules and guidelines. Safety equipment is recommended in the guidelines - helmets are mandatory, and pilots also use protective eyewear, suits, gloves, knee-pads, elbow-pads, shin-pads and often back protectors too. Top

Are there many accidents?
Accidents occur as with just about any other sport, but on very rare occasions. Club and national activities are conducted under strict rules and guidelines that are in place to minimise the risk to pilots, organisers and spectators. Top

Where is my nearest club?
Take a look at the Clubs page , which has a list of affiliates and associates. Top

Where can I get training or try a taster session?
Contact your nearest club. They are listed on the Clubs page or you can contact us for assistance. You will be provided with advice and referred to suitable organisations. Top

How do I get into competitive land sailing?
You will need to be a competent pilot and be able to demonstrate how to operate and maintain your craft correctly and safely. You may be able to get involved in club level racing where informal sessions are held. You must have a full understanding of the ISARR handbook available here. When you are ready for competitive activities at national level, you will be invited to take your competition licence which consists of theoretical and practical tests. Top

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