Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is landsailing?
   Land sailing is an adrenaline inducing, fun sport that involves sailing a 3 wheeled vehicle that is powered by wind.  Land sailing is also known as "sand yachting", "land yachting" or "dirt boating".  There are several styles of land yachts, ranging from the small single seat style up to the large Class A yachts that can attain speeds in excess of 100+mph.
   
   The many sizes and classes of land yachts fill the needs from the entry level to serious competitive sailors.  The Odyssey Duo is a two seat, recreational yacht which provides excellent performance and allows you to share your experience with a passenger.  Other designs and models may offer additional performance but often with an increase in complexity and transport challenges.

2. I'm interested! How do I get started?
   Contact the experts at Odyssey Land Yachts thru the info@odysseylandyachts.com link or give us a call.  We're here to help and get you involved in this exciting sport. 
   
   Another way is to attend a local event.   See our listing of local clubs and contact someone near you or check our EVENTS page.
   
   A common question is what yacht do I start with?  If you have never land sailed before, an Odyssey Duo is an excellent choice for dry lake sailing.  They are relatively inexpensive, are easy to manage and there is an exciting racing fleet.  In general, it will be well worth your time to talk to an expert or an experienced landsailor in your area. You'll find they love to talk about their sport and will be excited to offer you a test ride !

3. How easy is it to learn?
   Land sailing is one of the easiest sports to quickly learn. The sport itself does not require prior experience or any special skills and can be enjoyed by nearly any age group. You can learn to sail in 30 minutes or less, and you will spend the rest of your life sharpening your skills. There are many sailors in their late 70s and early 80s participating in land sailing events. In light winds on wide open areas, land yachts are very easy to learn to sail.  Typical controls are the mainsheet to trim the sail and foot operated steering.  In higher wind conditions more experience is required.   Racing events are a great way to hone your skills, learn new techniques from more experienced sailors and just have fun.
   
   
4. Where can I find a yacht?
   Again, contact the experts at Odyssey Land Yachts thru the info@odysseylandyachts.com link or give us a call.  We're here to help and get you involved in this exciting sport. 
   
   Used yachts for sale may be found with the For-Sale/Supplier listing and links on the site.  However it is highly recommended to first talk with an expert before purchasing any used yacht.

5. How do they go faster than the wind and how do they do that?
   Land yachts, by design, go faster than the wind and in ideal conditions can reach speeds up to 5 times the wind speed.  By sailing at different angles to the wind, the yacht accelerates and allows the pilot to travel in almost any direction.

6. How Fast can land yachts go?
   This depends a lot on the pilot and boat and less on the actual speed of the wind.
   A reasonable top speed of a boat like an Odyssey Duo is a bit over 50 mph.  A high performance racing boat will easily go 70 or 80 mph.  The fastest race boats can achieve speeds of over 100 mph in a 30 mph wind.  

7. How do they stop?
   Dirt boats typically do not have a brake for any purpose other than just parking the boat. They are easily slowed down by releasing the sail and/or heading up into the wind.  Always be aware of your surroundings and remember to leave enough room to safely stop.  Experienced sailors, always stop a safe distance from others, obstacles and then walk the boat in.

8. How safe is it?
   Operating any vehicle capable of attaining speeds of 50 mph has significant potential for creating unsafe situations. As in any sport, the risk level is very dependent on the knowledge, skill and judgment of the participant. Starting out in the sport, begin with an easy to manage yacht, light winds and a well controlled, obstruction free sailing area.  Talk to and learn correct sailing techniques from experienced sailors.  Know your limits and make sure your skills are up to more challenging conditions before you attempt them.  Always be aware of conditions, your surroundings and use your head. 
   
   
9. Where to sail?
   In the western US we sail on dry lakes in California, Nevada and Oregon. These playas are some of the best land sailing venues in the world, combining an excellent sailing surface and a reasonable proximity to civilization. In Europe and around the world land sailors enjoy sailing on both playas and beaches.
   
   Places not recommended to sail are on public roads, parking lots and beaches with people, pets or cars on them.

Please reference the Sailing Locations page on this website to find an area near you.