Brean Landyacht Club Regatta

Brean Landyacht Club Regatta © Derek George

For the 3rd and 4th March 2023 Brean Sands in Somerset was the destination for Land Yacht sailors from across the country.

The Thursday traffic chaos on the M5 did not deter visitors from taking advantage of a quiet beach to practice before the regatta. Beach conditions were excellent throughout the weekend with a clean smooth surface for the whole course.

Three classes were competing; Class 3, Standart and Mini.

Class 3

A fast land yacht with a maximum sail area of 7.35 sq metres and a rotating aerofoil section wing mast. The yachts conform to an outline specification with maximum dimensions set for sail area, yacht length and track and a minimum weight.

Brean Landyacht Club Regatta - photo © Andrew PM

Standart

This one-design yacht was designed in 1989 With a sail area of 5.8 sq metres it has a pocket luff sail with rigid stiffeners or camber inducers to give the effect of a wing mast. The chassis is a steel tube to which is underslung a glass fibre fuselage. Aluminium axles slot into the fuselage to complete a strong, lightweight yacht which can be quickly assembled.

Brean Landyacht Club Regatta - photo © Derek George

Mini

The characteristics of a 'mini' make it an ideal first yacht. 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.

Winds for the event were light and variable making conditions challenging for both race officials and competitors. A far cry from the speeds of up to 55mph when there are brisk onshore winds.

Overall Results:

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