Class 2 & 3 yachts

If you are looking for the ultimate wind-powered speed machine, look no further that the class 2 & 3 sand yacht.Their sheer size sets them well apart from all the other types of sand yacht with performance to match.

Class 3 is the largest of the types of land yacht sailed in the UK. It is a development class that has evolved from the pole-masted yachts, which predominated in the 1960's. 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 60 mph. They follow a classic layout of a triangle with one steerable front wheel and two fixed rear wheels. In a Class 3 yacht, the mast is held up by 3 shrouds one forward and 2 aft.

Class 3 yachts are the fastest and most competitive land yacht with a maximum sail area of 7.35 sq. metres, a rotating aerofoil section wing mast and slim enclosed glassfibre bodies. Most are commercially built from glass fibre or lighter modern composite materials, though the axle to which the rear wheels are attached is still made from wood (ash) for strength and flexibility. The yachts conform to an outline specification with maximum dimensions set for sail area, yacht length and track and a minimum weight. The specification is defined and controlled by FISLY, the International Federation of Sand and Land Yachts.

The major UK clubs have either airfield or beach circuits on which class 3 yachts can be safely sailed in competition. Races are run around a defined course over a timed period of 20 - 30 minutes. Competitors line up on a starting grid and push the yachts to start, developing enough speed to overcome initial rolling resistance and low power in the sail. A few strides are all that is necessary for the yacht to then rapidly accelerate away. (Steve Borrill)