How Do Land Yachts Work? (Discover the World of Land Yachting)
Have you ever dreamed of sailing through the air, feeling the rush of wind in your hair? Well, you don’t need the ocean to achieve this feeling – you can experience the thrill and freedom of land yachting! A land yacht is a lightweight vehicle that’s propelled by wind and steered with a sail, allowing you to glide across land with ease.
In this article, we’ll explore the world of land yachting – from the design of a land yacht to the safety tips you should keep in mind.
So get ready to experience an adventure like no other – let’s discover how land yachts work !.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Land yachts are a type of sail-powered vehicle that is designed to move over land, usually on a flat surface.
They use a sail to catch the wind and propel the vehicle forward, similar to a sailboat.
The driver of a land yacht uses the rudder to steer, and can also adjust the sail and the height of the mast to adjust the speed.
Land yachts can reach high speeds, making them popular for recreational use.
What is a Land Yacht?
A land yacht is a type of sailboat designed to traverse the open terrain of land rather than the ocean or other bodies of water.
These yachts are typically equipped with a three-wheeled frame, a large sail, and a rotating mast that can be adjusted to catch the wind.
The wheels are used to steer the yacht, providing an exciting and adventurous ride that allows people to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches.
The land yachts design is tailored to harness the power of the wind and its ability to propel the yacht forward.
The position of the sail and the angle of the mast can be adjusted to maximize the yachts speed, while the wheels are able to provide directional control in order to steer the yacht.
Land yachts are a unique and fun way to explore open areas, and have become increasingly popular in recent years.
They provide an exhilarating experience, and can be a great way to experience the outdoors in a new and exciting way.
Land yachting is becoming a popular activity for those looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, and can be a great way to explore the world around you.
The Design of a Land Yacht
Land yachts are designed with a frame that is usually made from aluminum or steel, and can be built in a variety of sizes to accommodate a single rider or a larger group.
The three-wheeled frame is designed to allow for a stable ride and easy maneuverability, and the wheels are typically made from a lightweight material such as plastic or rubber.
The sail is mounted on a rotating mast, which can be adjusted to catch the wind effectively and propel the yacht forward.
The mast is also adjustable to allow for the changing direction of the wind, and the steering of the yacht is done via the wheels.
In addition to the frame and sail, land yachts come with rigging, which is the set of ropes and pulleys that attach the sail to the frame and mast.
This rigging is adjustable and can be adjusted to capture the wind more effectively, allowing for greater speed and control.
The rigging also includes a brake system that allows the rider to slow down or stop the yacht with ease.
Land yachts also come in a variety of styles and designs, from traditional sailboats to modern, aerodynamic designs.
The frame and sail can also be customized to suit the riders needs, with color and design choices available to make the yacht look unique and stylish.
Overall, land yachts are designed to provide an exciting and adventurous ride on land, allowing riders to explore open areas such as deserts or beaches.
With the adjustable rigging and frame, the yacht can be tailored to the riders needs, allowing for a safe and comfortable ride.
How a Land Yacht is Propelled
The key to land yachts is how they are propelled.
It uses the power of the wind to move the vehicle, much like a sailboat does in the water.
This is done by mounting a large sail to a rotating mast that can be adjusted to catch the wind.
The wind then fills the sail, providing thrust and pushing the yacht forward.
The sail can be adjusted to catch the wind coming from different directions, allowing the land yacht to change direction and navigate around obstacles.
The wheels of the land yacht are used to steer it, allowing it to turn in different directions.
The size of the sail is important when it comes to propelling the land yacht.
The bigger the sail, the more wind it can catch, and the faster the vehicle can go.
The size of the sail can be adjusted to suit the conditions of the environment, allowing the land yacht to travel at a comfortable speed.
It is also possible to adjust the angle of the sail to make it more efficient, allowing the yacht to make the most of the available wind.
In addition to the sail, some land yachts also have a motorized propeller that can be used to help propel the vehicle.
This can be helpful if there is not enough wind to fill the sail, or if the terrain is too challenging for the yacht to travel through.
The motorized propeller can also be used to help the yacht travel up steep hills or through shallow waters.
Land yachts are an exciting way to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches.
They provide a unique and thrilling ride, with the rider able to take advantage of the wind to travel quickly and navigate around obstacles.
With a little practice, anyone can master the art of land yachting and enjoy the adventure of exploring new places.
Steering a Land Yacht
Steering a land yacht is a unique experience that requires skill and practice.
Unlike a boat that uses a rudder to control its direction, a land yacht uses its wheels to steer.
The wheels are connected to the sail by a complicated system of ropes and pulleys.
By adjusting the angle of the sail in relation to the wind, the yacht will turn left or right depending on the direction of the wind.
Additionally, the wheels can be used to turn the yacht in the same manner as a car.
In order to steer a land yacht, the driver must be familiar with the principles of sailing and the forces that act upon the sail.
The driver must be aware of the wind direction and the angle of the sail relative to the wind.
The driver must also be aware of the terrain in order to choose the best line for the yacht to travel.
The driver must also pay close attention to the rope and pulley system connected to the wheels and the sail.
By adjusting the ropes, the driver can make small adjustments to the sail in order to optimize the yachts speed and direction.
This can be a difficult task, as the driver must maintain a delicate balance between speed, direction, and terrain.
The most important part of steering a land yacht is practice.
With enough practice, a driver can master the art of sailing and be able to maneuver their yacht with ease.
With practice, a driver can become an expert at land yachting and enjoy the thrill of exploring open areas with the wind at their back.
The Benefits of Land Yachting
Land yachting is an exciting and adventurous way to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches.
It offers a unique experience that is not found in traditional sailing, allowing you to explore new places and have a thrilling ride.
Land yachting has many benefits that make it a great activity for those who want to try something new and exciting.
First, land yachting is a much simpler form of sailing than traditional sailing.
It requires less skill to learn and operate, and is generally easier to maneuver.
This makes it a great option for anyone looking to take up a new hobby or just enjoy some time on the water.
Second, land yachting is often much less expensive than traditional sailing.
Since land yachts are designed to be used on land, they often require less maintenance and upkeep than traditional sailing vessels.
This makes them more affordable, allowing more people to enjoy the experience.
Third, land yachting is a great way to explore and experience new places.
Since land yachts are designed to be used on land, they are able to access places that traditional sailing vessels cannot.
This makes it a great way to explore areas that may otherwise be inaccessible.
Finally, land yachting is a great way to get exercise.
While sailing, you will be active and moving, which can help to keep your heart healthy and your muscles strong.
Additionally, being in the sun can help to give you a healthy dose of Vitamin D.
Overall, land yachting is an exciting and adventurous way to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches.
With its simplicity, affordability, and ability to access remote areas, land yachting is an appealing activity that anyone can enjoy.
Where to Go Land Yachting
Land yachting can be an incredibly exciting and adventurous experience.
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling day trip or a weekend getaway, land yachting is a great way to explore the great outdoors and take in the sights and sounds of nature.
Land yachting is an activity that can be enjoyed on a variety of terrains, from beaches and deserts to open fields and more.
For those looking to explore the great outdoors, land yachting is a great way to get out and about and explore the world in a unique and fun way.
Beaches and deserts are great places to try out land yachting, since they provide plenty of open space and the wind can be used to propel the yacht.
Open fields, such as large grassy areas or fields with no trees, can also be great spots to go land yachting.
Another great place to try out land yachting is on a lake.
Lakes provide plenty of open area for the wind to catch the sail and propel the yacht, and it’s a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Lakes are also less likely to have obstacles such as trees or rocks that can get in the way, which makes it a great option for those looking for a safe and enjoyable experience.
No matter where you choose to go land yachting, it’s important to make sure you have the right equipment and supplies.
Make sure you have the right size sail for the wind conditions in the area, as well as a helmet and protective clothing.
It’s also important to be aware of the terrain and make sure there are no obstacles that could get in the way.
Land yachting is a great way to explore the outdoors and take in the sights and sounds of nature.
With the right safety precautions and equipment, land yachting can be an exciting and unique experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
So why not give it a try? It’s sure to be a great adventure!.
Safety Tips for Land Yachting
Land yachting is a thrilling and adventurous way to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches, but it is important to remember that safety should always come first.
Before you set out on your land yachting expedition, there are a few key safety tips to remember: 1.
Wear protective clothing Land yachting can be a fast and bumpy ride, so make sure to dress appropriately.
Wear a sturdy pair of shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from any debris that may be kicked up.
Wear a helmet Land yachting can be a dangerous activity, and you should always be prepared for the worst.
Wear a helmet to protect your head in case of an accident.
Check the weather Make sure to check the weather forecast before you set out on your journey.
Strong winds can make land yachting dangerous, so make sure the conditions are suitable for your activity.
Check your equipment Before you go, make sure to check that all your equipment is in good working order.
Check your sail and mast to make sure they are properly rigged and adjusted, and make sure your wheels are secure and in good condition.
Stay aware While land yachting, be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Pay attention to any changes in the wind direction, look out for any obstacles, and be ready to adjust your course if necessary.
By following these safety tips, you can make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable land yachting experience.
Remember to always use caution and common sense, and you’ll be sure to have a great time.
Final Thoughts
Land yachting is an exciting, adventurous way to explore the world! With its unique design, a land yacht is propelled by the wind and steered by its wheels, making it a thrilling ride.
With the right safety precautions, land yachting can be an unforgettable experience.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the world of land yachting today!.
James Frami
At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.
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Wind Wizard Land Sailing
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MAKES AND MODELS... The Novice Sailors Somewhat Definitive Guide to Landyachts
Blokart - A 55 lb collapsible single-place yacht best suited for the apartment dweller. Can run on large courses, but has a distinct advantage on small, tight courses on parking lots or parks. Blokart is head quartered in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, but is well disseminated in Europe and the United States. Blokarts are a recent arrival, at least in the American market. . Chubasco - An old "iron" ship from the sixties or seventies. Practically indestructible, although quite heavy by today's standards. The name Chubasco is one of the many variant names for hot, dry foehn winds, like Santa Ana, Scirroco, and Chinook. These boats were produced around the mid 1960s. Dart - Another "oldie" also noted for high weight numbers. Darts can keep sailing when all of the little boats have gone home. In his article on "Landsailing in America" Nord Embroden cites such high wind conditions as "Dart Weather." Duster - A Nord Design boat with a plywood deck and aluminum frame. Low production numbers, but the same great durability found in all of the Nord Design boats. The boat has at least two sail sizes; a standard and a storm. Fed Five - A European favorite. Named for its 5 square meter sail size. It is light in weight and the pilot is very low to the ground. The open cockpit has the pilot lying back in a near prone position. Fed fives are very fast and sail well in light winds. No Longer racing in the US. Freedom - A Nord Desisgn similar to the Spirit, only with a lighter, welded aluminum frame. Friendship - A Nord Design from the mid 1970s. The largest of the Nord Design production line weighing in at close to 500 pounds. The striking features of this boat include an enclosed cockpit, and aerodynamic wingmast, and automobile tires. They are a little hard to sail in very light air, but can still be seen screaming across the playa in even the heaviest of sailable conditions. Friendships aren't noted competing with the latest carbon-fiber boats when winds are light, but can kick some serious tail when the aerometer climbs above 25 mph. The former land speed record was set in a Friendship at 88 mph. Unofficial reports are even higher .
International 5.6 Minis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIqvDodZlxI
Manta Single - By far the most popular name in U.S. landsailing. The single sports a plastic patio chair (sans legs) for a "cockpit" and is a rugged boat by all standards. Along with its stable mate, the Twinjammer, the Manta single dominates the landsailing scene purely by virtue of its large numbers. As ubiquitous as the Volkswagen Beetle in 1960s America, the Manta line sports sufficient numbers to be called the most successful one-design boat in American landsailing. Manta Twinjammer - The hammock-style seat on the Twin helps distinguish it from the Single. Although the sail is larger, it is not so noticeable unless the two are side-by-side. The Twin was an answer to both sailing instruction and romance. The ability to put two persons side-by-side in a landsailer is something that few designs could accommodate. When sailing solo the larger sail area also helps take advantage of lower wind velocities that leave the Manta single behind. Both the Single and the Twin are in constant demand. Used boats don't stay on the market for long. Twins are great for introducing new people to the sport, as well sailing a nicely overpowered land yacht solo!
Mini Skeeters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brejAOyyivs Pacific Magic - Australia's answer to the Fed Five. Many are home built from plans made available from one of the Ozzie Yacht clubs. The fiberglass bodies are available in a ready-made condition that helps expedite construction. In addition to the horizontal orientation of the pilot, the high aspect ratio wheels are canted in about 10 degrees. Pterodactyl - A monster of a boat, few of which are still sailed. Although they were sailed competitively at one time, they are nearly extinct on the racing circuit now. Rumors do exist that they are capable of tremendous top speed, so don't be surprised if one of them makes it way back into the limelight in the speed circuit. Spirit - Another Nord Design from the early 1970s. The Spirit production ran about 19 copies. Available in either ready-made or kit form, these boats were comprised of a heavy fiberglass open-cockpit body laid over a steel frame constructed from hollow box tubes. The body rises behind the pilot's head to form a roll bar of sorts, protecting the pilot in the event of a mast failure following a roll-over. The eleven foot wide axle is comprised of three layers of vertical grain Douglas Fir overwrapped in fiberglass. The mast is a round pole and the sail simply slips over the mast like a sock. It is stayed by wire cables on each side and to the front. Too heavy to compete with modern carbon-fiber boats equipped with wingmasts, it is still a high performer in strong winds and sufficient numbers of them are still around to sport a one-design class. Standart - A French design that is big in Europe and gaining interest in the U.S. Standart has licensed two non-European builders, Nord Design in California, and IMACNZ in Palmerston, New Zealand. They are fast, light, and sexy! The Standart fills a gap between the entry class boats like the omnipresent Mantas and the bigger, high-dollar boats. Their primary appeal, other than being eye-catching, is that they have a readily adjustable steering bar which can accomodate pilots from 5' to over 6 1/2'. They are still a bit tight for those pushing over 200 pounds. Large feet will need small shoes in order to have adequate steering performance.
US MINI 6.7 - https://www.nalsa.org/miniintro.htm
Wind Puff - A Nord Design for kids. There is no boom and the sail can be reefed to control just how much surface area can be captured by the wind. A great boat for teaching the youngest ones the fundamentals of sailing.
EXAMPLES of many of these boats can be seen on the NALSA web site's photo gallery . Many other designs exist, some as one-of-a-kinds and some as limited production runs. YouTube also has videos for more viewing.
GLOSSARY OF SOME LANDSAILING TERMS: Asymmetrical boat - A specialty boat design to do only one thing... Go FAST!!! Because the boat can be engineered along an asymmetrical design, it can take advantage of certain characteristics of rolling friction, lateral resistance, drag, "lift", etc. These boats are not capable of sailing to all points of the compass, as they generally sail in only one direction. Although the asymmetrical " Iron Duck " holds the current land speed record for a landyacht it won't win any other races. Some individuals in the sport are giving consideration to applying class labels to the speed titles. This would enable a broader reach for others interested in improving the capabilities the many other styles of landyachts. One Design - Boats that were all manufactured to the same specifications. One-of-a-kind boats don't qualify here. A series of boats all identically produced eliminates all but the pilots sailing skills from the competitive equation. Boats sailed in this category are not evidence of how much money the owner can throw at his boat, but rather how much sailing prowess is possessed by the person at the helm. Racing Classes - In the U.S. Classes are determined solely by sail size. Class 5 (49 sq. ft.) Class 4 (59 sq. ft.) Class 3 (79.1 sq. ft.) Class 2 (121.6 sq. ft.) Additionally boats manufactured from a single design are often raced in the "One Design" category such as: Manta single (45 sq. feet) Manta Twin (59 sq. ft.) Fed 5 (5-sq. meter) Standart Friendship In Europe, and perhaps other venues, the Classes are determined by a combination of sail and boat size. At combined events, like the World Championships where both organizations are present, the trophies are awarded by each group according to their respective classes. Symmetrical boa t - A boat capable of sailing in any direction. Most landyachts fall into this category. Sail Numbers - Assigned by either the manufacturer, sometimes as a serial number, or by the sailing organization. NALSA sail numbers generally have a US prefix and are assigned by the NALSA official accessible through the NALSA web site . Sailing Organizations - NALSA, in the U.S. and FISLY, in Europe, set and monitor racing in their respective areas. The rules for class entry, sail size, etc. vary between the two organizations. Their rules apply only to those participating in sanctioned events. Sport sailors are pretty much left to their own devices. These organizations promote racing, design, safety, and general activities related to landsailing.
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Ten Great Land Yachts
Remember when roads were as smooth as a calm sea, cars were long as boats, and you felt like the captain of your land yacht? We do . Here's ten great land yachts.
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This is Answers of the Day - where we take the best ten responses from the previous day's "Question Of The Day" . It's by you and for you, the Jalopnik readers.
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10.) 1991 Chevrolet Caprice Wagon/Buick Roadmaster/Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser
Suggested by SpikeJnZ - Shomer Shabbos
Why It's So Smooth: This badge-engineered B-body wagon saw the revival of the Buick Roadmaster name. The wagon could be had with wood side panels, enough space for your 3 kids and a kiddy pool in the trunk, silky smooth suspension, and an LT1 (at least a detuned version of the Corvette's engine) under the hood of later versions. Alas, dwindling sales and growing popularity of SUVS ended its production.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia - Ksderby
9.) 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600
Suggested by LuckyChuck takes the racing line when he walks
Why It's So Smooth: Who says land yachts are limited to the U.S.? This 18-foot long , 5700 pound German cruiser was driven by Jeremy Clarkson and he promptly proved the car was designed to cruise in a straight line. So, sit back, grab a glass of champagne, and let the chauffeur do all the work. I guarantee you won't spill a drop of that Dom Pérignon.
Photo Credit: Ed Callow
8.) 1975 Cadillac Coupe De Ville
Suggested by War2d2: Secure In His Own Manhood
Why It's So Smooth: Measuring 19 feet in length, this coupé offered more interior space than some New York City apartments. You kind of start to wonder why this car was so long if it was meant to be a coupé… but then that goes out the window as soon as you sink into the driver's seat and feel the road roll pleasantly beneath you.
Photo Credit: RUD66
7.) 1959 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Coupé Convertible
Suggested by John Carter
Why It's So Smooth: The 1959 Ninety-Eight was completely redesigned, as was the entire Olds lineup, and was offered with 371 cubic inch Rocket V8 and Jetaway Hydramatic Transmission. It just sounds so velvety, unless you mashed on the accelerator causing a jerk when shifting from first to second gear. So be gentle and you'll be effortlessly yachting on the sea that is America's road.
Photo Credit: ConceptCarz
6.) 1973 Chrysler New Yorker Brougham
Suggested by Rusty Van Horn
Why It's So Smooth: Let's take this up a notch, BAM! The New Yorker Brougham sported Chrysler's Fuselage styling and was a full 18 and a half feet long. Power came from a 440 cubic inch V8, though power was reduced to meet stricter fuel and emissions standards. I know Rusty said 1972, but he pictured a 1973 and I know he didn't say Brougham, but I know he meant to. Either way, this land yacht is a leather upholstered, silky smooth dream to ride.
Photo Credit: Alden Jewell
5.) 1975 Mercury Marquis Brougham
Suggested by I can be stig?
Why It's So Smooth: You get the bonus points! Your prize is recognition! The name Brougham was originally used for a sedan that was bodied as a coupé but later on it was used to distinguish between the more luxurious and standard version of a model. In 1976 a consumer survey was conducted and it was found that the Marquis was preferred to the Olds 98 and Buick ELektra. The following year the Grand Marquis was selected over the Cadillac Sedan de Ville, demonstrating the luxury, comfort, and overall classyness of this land yacht.
4.) 1971 Cadillac Eldorado
Suggested by Spiegel wants a large farva
Why It's So Smooth: The Cadillac Eldorado, named after the mythical land of gold, is the car of crazy Texas oil-men, purple-suited player haters, and Mafiosos. At 18 and a half feet, the Eldorado offered up a 500 cubic inch V8 for your yachting pleasure. It served as the pace car for the 1973 Indy 500, but that's the closest it will ever get to any form of motorsport. Best keep this lancha in a straight line.
3.) 1972 Buick Riviera
Suggested by ZeroOrDie
Why It's So Smooth: The Riviera is where you park your yacht. The Buick Riviera is a yacht! This boat-tailed land yacht just grew longer and longer that by 1973 it was almost 19 feet long. Its Corvette Stingray-inspired rear window and coupé body meant that you were cruising in style and the 455 cu. in. V8 provided silky smooth torque throughout the rev range. Just listen to that burble.
2.) 1973 Imperial LeBaron
Suggested by Buster Brew
Why It's So Smooth: The 1973 Imperial LeBaron was the longest non-limousine production vehicle at a whopping 21 feet. The LeBaron's styling was described as the Fuselage Look by Chrysler and this particular year's styling was an evolution of the Fuselage look. What does this all mean? Even more classy and stylish faring.
1.) 1961 Lincoln Continental
Suggested by rawtoast
Why It's So Smooth: The '61 Conti was a new design, but it was 2 feet shorter than its predecessors, although still 18 feet long. However, Ford used the "compactness" of this Continental as its main advertising point by having a woman parallel park the car to show how easy it is. This Continental was the first to have suicide doors and was considered the epitome of Lincoln styling. Sadly, this is the same car that John F. Kennedy was riding in the day he was assassinated.
Photo Credit: Part Durkin
Protei Land Yacht
Introduction: Protei Land Yacht
The aim of this prototype was to develop a wind train from our last model , the Windtrain Umbrella that would have both improved performance and construction. We were more interested in making a single module that functioned well on its own than a long windtrain. In essence we where developing more of a performance land yacht which could be used a basis for our next generation of windtrain.
Step 1: Improvements From Our Last Model
Before we started drawing or planning our new design, we had to make our focus improving the weaknesses of our previous model. The main faults of our last design was that:
- The front wheel was prone to wobbling around due to the front leg of the vehicle being too long and flexible. To solve this problem, we formed the front leg of the vehicle from two 8mm aluminium poles running parallel together. This provided more overall stiffness and prevented the front wheel from rotating too much relative to the vehicle body.
- The design was very flimsy and flexible, we needed to make it more sturdy and rigid. The previous design had a very small wooden frame. This acted as more of a point for the legs to pivot around as opposed to a rigid frame that would make the model a sturdy structure. We therefore wanted to make a larger central wooden frame which would provide a firmer base for all the aluminium rods to extend from. Furthermore the shape of our new design was crucial, we therefore decided to look at alternative designs to the previous umbrella inspired setup.
- The umbrella design had very little room for electronics, therefore another reason warranting a larger wooden frame was the extra space this would allow for the electronics set up and personalisation.
- The connections between the windtrain modules were too long and flexible. This led to the trailing carriages to oscillate a lot, it appeared as if the back module was allowed to resonate as it was dragged along. This is not good for two reasons, it slows down the windtrain and weakens the structure. I therefore needed to make the connection between the modules shorter and stiffer.
- The center of mass of the sail is not aligned with the center of mass of the body of windtrain. As we can see in the picture, the center of mass of sail is about 50cm from the front wheel while the whole body is just 60cm. Although we may not be able to align them in the same line, we should always try to narrow down the distance between them by moving forward the center of mass forward, so that the windtrain can go straight without much effort to control.
Step 2: Design
The design we opted for was to have a larger central platform which would allow a single wheel axle to run through the back of it, two 8mm aluminium rods to run down the length of it (these would form the structure for the front wheel) and a cavity that would act as the foundations of the mast.
The collapsable element was the mast, it would be made up of a telescopic section that could slot on top of a section that was attached to the base frame. The lower section would be mounted to a pivot, thus allowing it to occupy a smaller space for collapsing and moving this vehicle around.
We made a prototype out of cardboard and left over pieces from our previous models as shown above. Furthermore we did some technical drawings to outline the dimensions and main features of the design.
The model would be made out of the following parts:
-5mm thick plywood (the laser file I used occupied a 300x500mm area, but the parts can be rearranged)
-3000mm of 8mm diameter aluminium rods
-Plastic screws and the corresponding
Attachments
Step 3: construction.
-5mm thick plywood (the laser file I used occupied a 300x600mm area, but the parts can be rearranged)
-Plastic screws
-Fabric for a sail (approxiamately 800x300mm)
I made up the laser files, using the drawings I did, and used these to cut out the wooden components for this build. I also had to cut the aluminium rods to the appropriate sizes, 4x600mm and 2x300mm pieces.
From then on I just had to put together the pieces which was done with very little difficulty and all the pieces fitted together nicely. I finally had a completed structure which I could then attach the electronics to. With thsi design I didn't include the electronic components in the planning of the vehicle, I wanted to be able to change elements of the electronics to suit the new design that I had made.
I ended up using the following electronic parts:
-2x Channel RC car controller
-4x AA batteries and battery pack
-2x High torque servos
I then arranged the electronics in the as shown by the pictures. In future models I hoped to integrate the electronics into the frame, but for now I was trialling different arrangements.
Step 4: Test
We went to test the design on a disused bit of land by the waterfront. We were hoping for this location to provide the most wind but unfortunately it was a very calm day. There wasn't sufficient wind to fully test this vehicle, however we had just enough wind to propel the vehicle downwind for short lengths. Another problem of the vehicle was due to the wheel size comp
Step 5: Amendment for a Better Land Yacht!
-How we bend the metal could be made more precise. The existing metal bending is done by bare hands, which means that will not be a good way to do for mass production. Since the means we used now will spend too much time and effort but get a product of less precision, we need to find machines to finish those work for accuracy.
-Integrating the Servos into the Wooden Frame. The position of the servos is not fixed so while the WindTrain is moving, the servos may be in misposition and fall down. We need to find a place and fix its position.
-Making a Taller Sail. The sail now can only capture relatively small wind power to propel, and that make the WindTrain quite slow even though there is homogeneous wind. The larger the sail, the larger the area of it will be and hence the larger wind power it will have.
-Height Adjustment of the Boom. The boom is quite high when we measure the distance from the plane attaching it. Most of the wind will therefore escape from the gap between the plate and the boom. We try to make a taller sail and lower the boom at the same time to increase the wind power captured.
-Let the Sail Servo Sweep in a Different Plane. The sail servo controls a wooden plate to swing in a bid to adjust the sail tension. However, the motion will hinder the swinging motion of the boom in some angles, especially in the wooden plate controlled by the servo is vertical. We will then try to make the sail servo sweep in a different plane, and we think being parallel to the ground is the best choice.
Step 6: Improved Prototype
We decided to act on the issues brought up with the previous model. We therefore redesigned some elements of our previous vehicle to produce a slightly modified update.
The changes made where:
-The laser cutting files were redesigned so that the electronics could be integrated with the frame of the vehicle. Furthermore we changed the plane of sweep for the rear servo by including a cavity for it to sit in.
-The previous model had small wheels that got caught up in cracks and deviations in the test surface. We therefore decided to make the new version with bigger wheels. The radius of the new wheels used was 70mm which was almost double the height of the previous wheels. The back axel could remain the same, but the front wheel fork had to be elongated to allow extra space for the bigger wheel. This was accomplished by a simple change in the laser cut files.
-The sail was made longer, we did this by using two 600mm lengths of aluminium rod instead of the previously used 600mm aluminium rod. We had to remake a sail out of the fabric that could suit these dimensions better.
-The metal was bent using a vice. We secured two identical aluminium rods running parallel in a vice, we then applied a force to adjacent parts of the rods creating a more accurate bend and reducing the difference in the form of the two rods.
-As well as integrating the servos into the base plates, we built a box that would sink into the base plate that would house some of the electronics. This would keep the electronics neatly in one place, as well as providing some protection from the elements.
-To provide more strength in the mast, we added pieces of string between the top of the mast and the extremities of the wheel axels.
-We wanted to make the design more collapsible and easier to transport. We therefore replaced the 8mm wheel axel at the back with a 10mm diameter aluminium rod which was fixed in place. This would then have two 8mm aluminium rods with fixed wheels that could slide in and out of this central rod. This would allow you to pull the wheels out when you want to travel with the landyacht in a way that we though would preserve the strength of the vehicle.
-To allow people to film from an fpv angle, an extra slit was added to the front piece. This would allow you to slot a mobile phone in, secured by rubber bands, to record or stream an fpv video of your ride.
Step 7: Test 2
Due to a lack of wind we set up a fan in the workshop to test this prototype.
-The new wheel axels did not compromise any strength or rigidity of the main frame, but they added extra width and fulfilled the desire for a collapsible system.
-The string attached to the top of the mast added a lot more strength in the mast. It reduced the amount of flex in the mast and removed some of the force acting on the connection at the base of the mast.
-The box housed the electronics very well although the parts rattled around within the box, and the corners of the box caught the main sheet.
-The extra slot for the phone allowed for a very smooth and clear video, however it was too low relative to the front wheel. This meant that the front wheel was the main focus of the video and occupied most of the screen.
Step 8: Improvements
Although our previous design ran well, we wanted to improve the following features.
-The box will be designed so that the baseplate of the main frame will form the base of the box. This will save weight and the need to manufacture extra pieces. Furthermore we are making the top of the box hinged as to make it more secure and rigid when the vehicle is moving around.
-The peg that the main sheet runs through is going to be elongated so that the hole is above the top of the box. This will reduce the chance of the mainsheet getting caught on the corners of the box. Also the peg will be made wider as to add strength to it and allow for wearing down of the wood over time.
-The string that was used to add lateral support to the mast will be replaced by steel cables. These will add more strength and will be secured in a different manner. The string was secure to the wheel axels by masking tape, which over time weakens and tears. Therefore we are looking at drilling holes in the axels and using screws and loops to secure the new cables.
-The electronics had a tendency to rattle around in the box, we are therefore adding a sheet of velcro to the base of the box. The electrical components can then be secured to the base of the box with small pieces of velcro. The velcro will be cheap and accessible, whilst allowing for customisation of the product.
-Although the phone mount worked to some degree for my model of phone, we want to make a more versatile platform that can be adapted for other filming devices. We are therefore researching the possibility of securing a tripod mount or ball and joint to the front rods or the the front of the base plate. This would allow for people to add their own mounts as well as providing a platform that can work with a greater range of devices.
Step 9: Summary
We have decided to stick with this final prototype. We are therefore looking into the availability and accessibility of the following parts required:
8mm Diameter Aluminium rods (total=2825mm): -3x600mm -2x400mm -125mm -100mm
10mm Diameter Aluminium rods (total=1040mm): -140mm -2x150mm -2x300mm
3x120mm Diameter Scooter Wheels + 6xBearings
250x160mm 4mm Thick Acrylic
Masking tape
280x610mm 5mm thick plywood
2200mm String Or 2200mm Steel Cable/Wire + 2xEnd Clamps/Fasteners
400mm String
1100x650mm Sail Fabric
22xPlastic Screws
2xFusonic MG-A-15KG Servos + Servo Heads
1x4AA Battery Pack
Furthermore we would like some feedback from people regarding our design and its potential uses. We have already handed a deconstructed model to a group of under 10 kids, and with no instructions left them to figure it out as shown. We now want to see how easy it is for others to understand, and the ways people modify and use it themselves.
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The emerging yachting designers making waves
From new faces making their breakout entrance into yacht design to land-based designers turning their attention to yachts, there has been plenty of fresh talent in the industry over the past year. BOAT introduces the designers and studios defining today's yachting landscape, each with its own expressive and distinctive identity.
Name: Phathom Studio Founding year: 2019 Notable styles: What has become apparent in the fledgling Dutch studio's portfolio is its use of glass to enhance natural light – as seen on the studio's first on-the-water project, Gulf Craft's Majesty 111 , where it broke with the shipyard's usual design language. Sitting below a glass-floored dip pool, the owner's cabin is bathed in light, while the main and lower deck benefit from a glass and Perspex central staircase below a skylight. Later this year, Phathom teamed up with Greek shipyard Golden Yachts on the 65-metre concept Vesper, where similar codes have surfaced. The inclusion of a multi-storey light column will provide interior decks with natural sunlight from the upper deck, while an oversized infinity-edge pool will be divided by a "glass wall with a pool bar that connects swimmers to guests in the beach club".
Name: Valentina Zannier Founding year: 2023 Notable styles: Zannier boasts an impressive portfolio of yacht designs in collaboration with Nuvolari Lenard , not least the intricate interiors of Ahpo , but her solo venture has propelled her into a new era. This starts with an impressive full-custom interior on the 85-metre Project Oro , which is designed to "give the impression of a precious jewel" – brought to life with natural materials, a warm colour palette and "pure, ancestral shapes and motifs".
Name: Joseph Dirand Founding year: 1999 Notable styles: Established Paris-based architect Joseph Dirand branched out into the yachting world with the interior layout and design on the first 26-metre Otam 85 GTS Cara Montana . More recently, he is credited for the interior and exterior design of Liva O , the new 118.2-metre Abeking & Rasmussen flagship. He wanted the outdoor space to "be immersive with the surrounding landscape" – best showcased with the black hull. There's also a swimming pool with a raisable floor which can be covered by a sheet of "liquid marble".
Name: Burdifilek Founding year: 1993 Notable styles: The masterminds behind Canadian studio Burdifilek, Diego Burdi and Paul Filek, are critically-acclaimed designers who recently turned their attention to the 60-metre Amels superyacht Entourage . With a more pared-back design philosophy, the studio hid all the functionality right down to the bars, which are enclosed inside cabinets that match the surrounding walls. It is only upon opening them that the beautifully lit lacquered walls are revealed. Burdifilek embraced the marine language with a colour palette "unique to the owners" and everything customised to the point where artisans offered 14 samples of the custom greyish veneer to achieve the right finish and to oppose the "more is more" aesthetic.
Name: M2 Atelier Founding year: 2011 Notable styles: Milan-based firm M2 Atelier worked on Poland's largest superyacht, 44.2-metre Ace , where they focused on a “less is enough'' philosophy, seen in the limited materials chosen – including teak wood, Lasa marble, grey leather, light-coloured fabrics and dark metal accents. The result is a muted, calm colour palette and design choices to create the feeling of space. In the main saloon, three sofas are designed to give the illusion they are being suspended above the ground, in much the same way the master suite is home to a king-size bed with suspended bedside tables.
Name : Unique Yacht Design Founding year : 2010 Notable styles : With years of experience under its belt, Unique Yacht Design has a multi-functional and adaptable approach.The Turkish studio completed the exterior design and naval architecture on the 80-metre Bilgin Leona , where a striking red hull meets a gleaming “Snow White” superstructure. Unique Yacht Design founder Emrecan Özgün explains they also "opted for a fashion plate, contributing to her unique aesthetic".
Name : Red Yacht Design Founding year: 2017 Notable styles : With its involvement of 26-metre Edge , Red Yacht Design took cues from explorers or sports utility boats but "made it sporty and appealing to young people". She boasts a distinctive “Porsche Guards red” hull and the studio took a holistic approach to the the design with nature-inspired cues on the interior. More recently, it has conceived the 40-metre sporty superyacht Aisha , with delivery expected in 2024. The nine-month design phase was outlined by an owner who wanted "substantial interior volume" without compromising on performance. The studio responded with a raised pilothouse, a wide 9.1-metre beam and an open aft deck with unfolding bulwarks.
Name: Andreas Martin-Löf Founding year: 2008 - 2009 Notable styles: Showcasing his first yacht project, Stockholm-based designer Andreas Martin-Löf applied his signature minimalist style to the interior of the 33.5-metre Baltic Yachts Zemi . He created a muted colour scheme on board and paid particular attention to warm, integrated lighting with 'lanterns' made of Japanese rice paper. The designer also considered weight-saving factors and bonded lightweight warm walnut and limestone veneers to lightweight honeycomb structures.
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Design, Modeling, and Simulation of a Wing Sail Land Yacht
2021, Applied Sciences
Autonomous land yachts can play a major role in the context of environmental monitoring, namely, in open, flat, windy regions, such as iced planes or sandy shorelines. This work addresses the design, modeling, and simulation of a land yacht probe equipped with a rigid free-rotating wing sail and tail flap. The wing was designed with a symmetrical airfoil and dimensions to provide the necessary thrust to displace the vehicle. Specifically, it proposes a novel design and simulation method for free rotating wing sail autonomous land yachts. The simulation relies on the Gazebo simulator together with the Robotic Operating System (ROS) middleware. It uses a modified Gazebo aerodynamics plugin to generate the lift and drag forces and the yawing moment, two newly created plugins, one to act as a wind sensor and the other to set the wing flap angular position, and the 3D model of the land yacht created with Fusion 360. The wing sail aligns automatically to the wind direction and can be set ...
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Present study discusses prelimary design of sea glider autonomous underwater vehicle platform referred to as ITBSGAUV. AUV is designed to be compact in size, with the purpose of exploring and monitoring marine living resources. Its hardware is designed to be reconfigurable enabling the researchers to change the placement of the sensors for testing different navigation scenarios. Hardware and software components are designed to be re-usable, which reduces the development and testing time. A low-cost sea glider has 1 degree-of-freedom utilizing buoyancy driver (glider) with fiberglass hull material that can operate up to a depth of 200 meters. Experimental result demonstrates that the sea glider works well in ascent and descent motion with maximum slope 30 degree. Maximum yaw angle is set to +3/-3 degree relative with respect to North. Thus it is expected that the sea glider can be used effectively in real environment. Future works include modeling the dynamic of the AUV and its advan...
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IMAGES
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A land yacht is a type of sailboat designed to traverse the open terrain of land rather than the ocean or other bodies of water. These yachts are typically equipped with a three-wheeled frame, a large sail, and a rotating mast that can be adjusted to catch the wind.
A land yacht is basically a wind-powered cart that supports a single rider who trims the sail and steers the cart. Our design utilizes a three-wheeled chassis to supports the rider while he/she trims the sail with his hands while steering with his feet.
The modern land yacht, a three-wheeled polyester/fibreglass and metal cart, often with a wing-mast and relatively rigid (full-batten) sails, has been used since 1960. In 1967, a French Foreign Legion officer organized a land yacht race across the Sahara Desert.
Building My Own Land Yacht. Hey guys, Here's a short video of some pictures and video clips of the land yacht I built for a school project. I based my design on the Blokart, I used 304...
Wind Wizard Land Sailing. MAKES AND MODELS... The Novice Sailors Somewhat Definitive Guide to Landyachts. Blokart - A 55 lb collapsible single-place yacht best suited for the apartment dweller. Can run on large courses, but has a distinct advantage on small, tight courses on parking lots or parks.
Remember when roads were as smooth as a calm sea, cars were long as boats, and you felt like the captain of your land yacht? We do. Here's ten great land yachts.
This work addresses the design, modeling, and simulation of a land yacht probe equipped with a rigid free-rotating wing sail and tail flap. The wing was designed with a symmetrical airfoil and dimensions to provide the necessary thrust to displace the vehicle.
Protei Land Yacht: The aim of this prototype was to develop a wind train from our last model, the Windtrain Umbrella that would have both improved performance and construction. We were more interested in making a single module that functioned well on its own than a lo…
BOAT unpacks the up-and-coming interior and exterior yacht designers making an impact on the superyacht industry, from Red Yacht Design to M2 Atelier.
This work addresses the design, modeling, and simulation of a land yacht probe equipped with a rigid free-rotating wing sail and tail flap. The wing was designed with a symmetrical airfoil and dimensions to provide the necessary thrust to displace the vehicle.