Land navigation involves wind-powered vehicles called land yachts, made of various materials, and used for leisure activities. Land yachts can travel over different types of dry land without an engine and can exceed 110 mph. The history of land navigation dates back to at least the early 17th century in Egypt. Currently, there are numerous land navigation associations supervised mostly by the International Federation of Land and Sandyachting (FISLY). Various training programs exist, and initial classes typically include relaxing on a land yacht while a trained professional operates the vehicle.
Land navigation is a leisure activity that involves a wind powered vehicle with three or four wheels, a body and sails of various sizes to travel over different types of dry land without an engine. The vehicles are often referred to as land yachts and can be purchased from manufacturers or built at home. The materials used to build a land yacht differ and can include steel tubing, aluminum, wood, sails from old sailing ships, or hand-sewn sails. Some of the most common places to navigate on land are beaches, deserts, dry lake beds, and sometimes flat, open roads. Depending on the wind speed, land yachts can exceed more than 110 miles per hour (177.02 km per hour).
The history of land navigation dates back to at least the early 17th century in Egypt, but land yachts were bulkier and generally made of heavy wood. Racing was not recorded until the 19th century on the beaches of France, gradually becoming more popular in the mid-20th century. As popularity increased, land yachts were improved to be faster and more durable, mainly through the use of lighter materials. The sails were also refined to improve the benefits of wind required for speed.
Currently, there are numerous land navigation associations supervised mostly by the International Federation of Land and Sandyachting (FISLY). The races, rules and guidelines are established by FISLY. There are four classes of vehicles listed in FISLY for land navigation, which differ according to the weight class, the material used and the type of sail on the land yacht. In addition, there is an organization from the United States titled the North American Land Sailing Association (NALSA), which offers private racing and other leisure activities exclusively for members. Most of these organizations offer courses and other programs that teach land navigation.
Various training programs exist, and initial classes typically include relaxing on a land yacht while a trained professional operates the vehicle, helping the student observe the process before attempting to maneuver a vehicle on their own. The next part of the course is generally spent in a classroom learning safety procedures, vehicle structure, and maintenance. After successful completion of in-class studies, the student usually operates the land yacht under the supervision of an instructor. This phase varies in time depending on the operational ability of the student, which is generally followed by extensive practice without an instructor on board. Advanced classes are not required, but are offered by the hour for students who want to improve performance and increase their speed.
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