Out there
in the dust of the playa at the 2006 America’s Cup, craft of
every description were racing for that 1ST place trophy in each of
the classes. All though small in size, and numbers, the Mini
Yacht craft were having
a go at it too, sharing the start line with the Manta Singles.
Mini Yachts
have been a big thing in Europe for some time now because of there
small size and easy portability. Terry Fulbright has taken up
the banner here in the United
States to promote the racing of Mini Yachts within NALSA. Many
existing craft
fit into the rules established for the three Mini Classes 1, 2, and
3. For example, Mini Class 1 includes Manta Twin, Sirocco Twin,
5 square meter. Class 2 includes the use of Manta Single, Sirocco
Single, and Fed5 with some modifications. Class 3 includes BlowKart,
Ludic, Sirocco Sprint, Potty.
Future
growth of the Mini Yacht classes may well come from craft purpose built
to meet the established rules. Consider the variety of craft
that have seen development for racing in NALSA classes 2, 3, 4, and
5. Now think smaller than NALSA 5, and you now have Mini Class
1, 2 or 3 to set your sights on. Advantages that come to mind
in developing and campaigning a smaller craft could include less cost,
shorter design & development time, ease of transport, and
a high fun factor from the quick sports car feel & handling.
Mini
yachts place in the Landsailing community has yet to shake out. The
vision in promoting this type of craft is two fold. First, it
provides a path for someone to progress from small one-design craft
into a development class without incurring a great deal of expense. This
same individual may well find development craft to their liking and
progress further to the larger NALSA development classes. Second,
Mini’s
provide a home to entry-level landsailing folk who do not have the
means or desire to jump big time into the sport. Put your Mini
Yacht on the roof of the car, the tent in the trunk, and you are on
your way to the desert for the next dirt boating event.
MANUFACTURED MINI YACHTS
Open Class Formula #1 Mini Yachts (*)
Manta Twin
Sirocco Twin
Fed5
Fisly 5
Promo 5
Seagull Biplace
Seagull XL
Kirrawee Landyauchts
Open Class #2 Mini Yachts (*)
Seagull Mini Club
Manta Single
Sirocco Single
Open Class #3 Mini Yachts (*)
BloKart
(No pods)
Windthrills
Bootlegger
Sirocco
Sprint
LuDic
Potty
(*) - Yachts
that Qualify in stock form