Encyclopedia of Sport: Every sport from around the world
Topend Sports Logo

Land Sailing

Land Sailing is a sport in which land yachts (yachts with wheels) are used to race on land. The land yachts are moved by maneuvering the sails along the direction of the wind. Land sailing was mostly used for recreation until the 1950's, after which it slowly evolved into a competitive sport. Land sailing is currently popular in the United States and Europe.



Land yachts are typically three wheeled vehicles that vary based on the size of the mast and sail used. Yachts used for racing divided into different classifications based on the size. Races are conducted separately for different classifications during competitions. The classifications are, Class 2, Class 3, Class 5, Standard Class, Miniyachts, Class 7, and Class 8. The class 3 yachts are the most popular ones used for racing.

Races are conducted on specially designed courses, at locations that have abundance of wind, mostly on beaches. Yachts easily travel in excess of 100 mph during races. The fastest speed ever recorded was 126.1 mph, when wind speeds were recorded between 30 to 50 mph.

beach sailing beach sailing

Many national and local competitions are conducted in several countries. The most popular international competition for the sport is the European Championship, which lasts for an entire week. The Landyachting World Championships held every four years is the next major international competition for the sport.



Similar Sports

Related Pages

send us a comment Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.

Sport Extra

Check out the 800+ sports in the Encyclopedia of Every Sport. Well not every sport, as there is a list of unusual sports, extinct sports and newly created sports. How to get on these lists? See What is a sport? We also have sports winners lists, and about major sports events and a summary of every year.

 → How to Cite