Contact Leconfield LYC

Chairman - Email

Although the club has restricted membership we are keen to forge close links with other clubs. Please contact the Chairman for further details.

What is a land yacht?
In general terms it is a wind-powered craft that operates on land. It uses the power of the wind by using a sail or traction kite. The pilot is seated in most types of land yacht but stands on a Speed Sail.

Can anybody pilot a land yacht?
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.

Is it difficult?
As above, the basics (both theoretical and practical) are best covered with supervision by 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.

Is it dangerous?
It is quite safe with the correct training and supervision when the craft is 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.

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

Yes, the club currently has 3 windskate, 2 Class 5, 2 MC2 Seagull and 1 Dragon Fly land yacht. One of these is a two-seater. We have a resident qualified instructor.

Where is the site?
The sailing site is located at the railhead end of the airfield.

When does the club meet?
Land Yachting takes place every Tuesday 1630 - 1900hrs from May - Sep and on Sundays 1100 - 1400hrs all year. All sessions are through prior arrangement with the Land Yacht Chairman on 07771922366.

There is no fee, however public liability insurance is required and costs Ł5 for the day or per session or or an annual fee of Ł25 and can be arranged by the Chairman. Participants are also required to sign a Indemnity Form. This cost includes BFSLYC (British Federation for Sand and Land Yacht Clubs) fees .

How much do yachts 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.

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. 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.

What are the different classes?
Class 2, 3, 5 & Sandart (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.

No, unfortunately only mini and low powered class 5 yachts are allowed to use the sailing site. All classes may be permitted for specific events as there is potential for expansion if permission is granted.

The inexpensive mini-yacht is the perfect introduction to land sailing. Pack it into the boot of your car, find a suitable sailing site and have some fun!

The characteristics of a 'mini' make it an ideal first yacht but it will put a smile on the face of more experienced hands too. Just about anybody can learn to sail it and it is perfect for outdoor family sport.

The mini is simply constructed. A frame supports three wheels, a seat and a mast. The sail is fixed to a sectional mast (for easy packing), the boom controlled by a simple rope and pulley system. Steering is performed with the feet. With a minimum of parts and simple construction, the craft is designed to provide a lifetime of land sailing pleasure with quick and easy maintenance.

Miniyachts are purely for fun & those interested in the competitive side of the sport should consider the larger Class 5 & 3 land yachts that are regularly raced at established clubs around the country. Minis are raced at clubs where a fleet of identical minis are available & informal mixed-mini racing is inevitably hilarious as bending the rules is usually actively encouraged.

In summary the mini-yacht is planted firmly on the recreational, non-competitive side of land sailing. Definitely not to be taken seriously unless you are serious about having fun.

CLASS 5 yachts are made to European, American & Canadian specification. This yacht measures 2.25 meters in length, 2 .0 meters in width and has a sail area of 5 square meters, although some of the overseas yachts have increased their sail area to 5.5 meters. The Class 5 breaks down easily to a very compact package and can be transported on a roof rack or on a small trailer for a more convenient lift on and off. Class 5 is a much more commonly sailed yacht in Australia and is also popular right across Europe.

www.bfslyc.org.uk	The is the official website for the British Federation of Sand and Land Yacht Clubs.
www.fisly.org	This is the official site for the International Land and Sand Yachting Federation.
www.xcweather.co.uk	Check the wind speed and direction from the comfort of your armchair.