Land yachting
What to expect
A land yacht is a usually three or four-wheeled vehicle for one or two people, with a mast and sail attached. By adjusting the sail to catch the wind, the land yacht is propelled forward, sometimes reaching up to 40mph. Because of the speed they can go and the wind they require, land yachting usually takes place at the beach or over large flat spaces, like airfields. Hopefully, it’ll be quite windy, so remember to wrap up warm with windproof layers. If you’re land yachting at the beach, you shouldn’t end up in the sea, but are best off wearing something waterproof anyway, to guard against spray and wet sand.
What you’ll learn
Low to the ground and carried along by gusty winds, a land yacht can be a thrilling piece of kit, even if it’s a bit scary to ride the first time. By steering the vehicle and adjusting the sail, you begin to build on skills you’ll need in other activities, such as go-karting and sailing. Land yachting is a great chance to try something new, as it’s an unusual combination of rather different skills and activities. It can be a good introduction to the kind of sail control required for small dinghy sailing.
Fun facts
The first mention of a vehicle similar to a land yacht is in China around 500AD. Since then, they’ve changed only a little in their design. You’re most likely to find land yachts racing along the beach, but there were even land yachts used to cross the great plains of America in the 1800s.
Handy hints
- Bring a camera. Don’t forget to capture the day with some pictures or videos of everyone zipping about in their land yachts.
- Layers. A warm or windproof layer is essential when driving a land yacht, especially if you’re at the blowy seaside. Even more so if some of your group have to wait, whilst others are having a go.
Safety
You must always:
- Complete a risk assessment
- Have the right ratios of number of adults to provide suitable supervision
- Set up an InTouch process
- Know what to do in an emergency
- Share information with parents and carers with an activity information form
- Get approval from your Lead Volunteer.
Be safe outdoors:
- Check the weather forecast
Other activities:
- Where an activity is not covered by any other rules members must follow rule 9.1 and assess the risk, ensure that members can be kept safe and that all equipment is suitable for its use.
Joint activities with other organisations:
- This activity can be run jointly with Girlguiding.
- This activity can be run with other organisations.
This activity can be led by you or someone else in Scouts
You can go to a centre or use an activity leader who is not part of Scouting:
You must find a suitable provider who meets the following requirements:The provider must have public liability insurance.
Guidance
Reflection
Piloting a land yacht is quite a different experience to what you might get from other activities. Congratulations on giving it a go and trying something new! Land yachting is a hybrid activity that takes part of one mode of transport and combines it with another. What other examples of this can you think of? What new ones could you invent? How might helicopter football work? Do you think you could replace all cars with land yachts?
Trying something new, especially something that involves speed, takes courage. The group should celebrate everyone taking part and encourage one another to try more new adventures like this one.
Some providers may have games for you to try, once you’re comfortable controlling the land yacht. These might include slalom or obstacle courses, or drawing in the sand with your tire tracks
Land yachting can often be adapted so more people can give it a go. Many centres have facilities that cater for people with additional needs and experienced instructors to help everyone achieve their goals. Get in touch with your local provider to chat through the needs of people in your group. Make sure you give them plenty of notice.
All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.
If you enjoyed wheeling about on a land yacht, have a go at go karting or a driving experience. If you enjoyed using wind power and admiring the sea views, why not try sailing?
Encourage anyone that has tried land yachting before to support those feeling nervous or unsure, and to share their skills with the group. They could help to introduce and explain the activity in a meeting before the visit.
Leaders and helpers should encourage young people to speak up and talk to their provider about what they’re most excited about and how they’d like to be challenged on the day.