Classes - NALSA Regatta Manager

Boat Classes

Understanding NALSA Land Sailing Boat Classes

What are Boat Classes?

Land sailing boats are organized into classes based on sail area and design specifications. Each class offers different characteristics in terms of speed, handling, and suitability for different skill levels.

Racing within a class ensures fair competition between similar boats, while multi-class events bring together sailors of all levels for an exciting spectacle.

Note: Classes evolve, go extinct and new classes form. The race committee may adjust the classes for an event based on participation.

NALSA Racing Classes

Pilots may enter any of the following classes. The order of starts shall be determined by the race committee.

Blokart

Ultra-portable, quick-rigging class with strict one-design rules and big fleets.

One Design

40 mph

Specs:Sail sizes: 2.0 / 3.0 / 4.0 / 5.5 m² Weight: ≈27 kg (rig + chassis) Frame: stainless or performance PRO frame Wheelbase: ≈1.7 m Designed for rapid setup & international travel

Intl 5.6 Mini

“Mini 5.6” box-rule with very simple constraints.

One Design

40 mph

Specs:Round-section mast. Tyres max 4.00×8 in. All wheels must fit inside a 5.6 m rope laid on the ground

Manta Single

Iconic US recreational/racing landsailer—simple, durable, and widely accessible.

One Design

40 mph

Specs:Sail area: ≈5.5 m² Weight: ≈65–75 kg Length: ~3.2–3.6 m Aluminum mast with dacron sail Classic single-seat triangle frame

Manta Twin

Tandem version of the Manta for training, cruising, and big-wind fun with passengers.

One Design

40 mph

Specs:Sail area: ≈5.5–6 m² Length: ~3.5–4.2 m Weight: ≈90–120 kg Two-seat side-by-side or inline layout (varies by build) Stronger frame + reinforced mast step

Mini Skeeter

Lightweight, home-built, high-performance Class-5-size landsailer known for speed-per-dollar.

One Design

70 mph

Specs:Sail area: ~5.0–5.8 m² (typical) Weight: ≈55–80 kg depending on build Length: ~3.2–3.8 m Mast height: ~5.5–6 m Popular for DIY builders; extremely fast for size

NALSA Class II

Very large, high-performance landyacht class with huge sail area and massive speed potential.

Open

80+ mph

Specs:Sail area: 121.6 sq. ft. maximum (11.3 sq. m.) Length: ~6–7 m overall Weight: 250–350+ kg typical Very low, wide track for stability at high speed Among the fastest classes; requires large venues & strong handling skill

NALSA Class III

Mid-large 3-wheeler optimized for balance of speed, portability, and performance.

70+ mph

Specs:Sail area: 79.1 sq. ft. maximum (7.35 sq. m.) Length: ~4–5 m Weight: 120–180 kg Standard mast: ~6–7 m Popular for large fields and mixed regattas

NALSA Class IV

Medium-size, very agile class known for its competitive tactical racing.

Open

70 mph

Specs:Sail area: 59.0 sq. ft. maximum (5.48 sq. m.) Length: ~3.5–4.5 m Weight: 80–130 kg Mast height: ~5.5–6.5 m Strong balance of portability & speed

NALSA Class V

Compact, low-cost class intended for broad accessibility and close racing.

Open

60 mph

Specs:Sail area: 49.0 sq. ft. maximum (4.55 sq. m.) Length: ~3–4 m Weight: 60–100 kg Often home-built or kit-built

Promo

Training-friendly class with standardized specs to keep costs low.

One Design

60 mph

Specs:Sail area: ~5.5–6 m² Length: around 4 m Weight: ~70–90 kg One-design-ish: parts must meet specific measurements Designed for fleet consistency & beginner development

Sportsman

Entry-level NALSA class that welcomes mixed designs under defined safety limits.

Open

40 mph

Specs:Sail area: usually ≤5.5 m² Length: no strict limit but typically 3–4.5 m Weight: varies widely; generally 50–110 kg Allows many home-built variations Emphasis on safety and participation over tech optimization

Standart

Strict one-design class emphasizing driver skill over equipment.

One Design

60 mph

Specs:Sail area: 5.5 m² one-design Length: Set by design (≈4.3 m) Weight: ≈75–85 kg empty One-design aluminum mast Identical frames and wheels; extremely even competition

US Mini 6.7

smaller/minimal class for youth or smaller yachts

One Design

60 mph

One Design vs Open Classes

Open Classes (II, III, IV, V): Boats must meet maximum sail area requirements but can vary in design, allowing for innovation and customization.

One Design Classes (Manta, Mini Skeeter, Blokart): All boats must be built to identical specifications, ensuring the race is won by sailing skill rather than equipment differences.

One design classes will be determined through entries (minimum fifteen entries for separate start), and upon request of the class involved. One design with minimum five yachts can be scored separately. Open classes with fewer than five entries will not have a separate start.

How Fast Can They Go?

Land sailing boats can reach incredible speeds! In optimal wind conditions, Class II boats regularly exceed 60 mph (96 km/h), and the world record for land sailing is over 140 mph (234 km/h)!

The speed potential depends on wind strength, surface conditions, and boat class. Even smaller classes can provide a thrilling experience for beginners, while experienced sailors can push Class II boats to their limits.