sand yachting belgium

Hidden Belgium: Sand Yachting at De Panne

When the wind is right, you can ride a sand yacht along a 30-kilometre stretch of wide sandy beach between De Panne and Dunkirk.

The sport was brought to the Belgian coast in 1898 by André Dumont and his seven brothers. André launched the idea by attaching a sail to a wooden go-kart. The sport caught on. In 1927, François Dumont established the Sand Yacht Club (the name in English to add a touch of snob appeal).

The sleek land yachts can reach speeds of over 125km/h on one of the best beaches in the world for the sport.

You can sign up online ( rsyc.be ) for a private lesson run by the Royal Sand Yacht School. Or get together with some friends for a group session out on the sands.

Derek Blyth’s hidden secret of the day:  Derek Blyth is the author of the bestselling “The 500 Hidden Secrets of Belgium”. He picks out one of his favourite hidden secrets for The Brussels Times every day.

Copyright © 2024 The Brussels Times. All Rights Reserved.

•   4.9 m/s - ZO (143°)
•   1:58 - 14:37
•   11.2 °C
• NL   |   FR   |   EN
• Zeilwagenschool
•   Word nu lid!

"DE ROYAL SAND YACHT CLUB IS DIT JAAR 100"

Zeilwagenschool initiaties & groepslessen

Individueel of met enkele vrienden proeven van de snelheid en adrenaline , perfecte teambuilding of activiteit voor een vriendengroep , ontdek alle geheimen van de zeilwagensport , welkom in royal sand yacht club, onze troeven.

Laatste Nieuws

Royal Sand Yacht Club

Komende Activiteiten

Herfstrace   INSCHRIJVINGEN

•   2024-10-26
•   13:00
•   3:18 - 15:51 
•    Klassen 2,3,s,5
•   RSYC, De Panne (B)

Training Piloot B

•   2024-10-27
•   14:00-16:00
•   3:34 - 16:08 

najaarsstage 2

•   2024-11-02
•   9:00
•   7:41 - 19:59 
•   2024-11-03
•   9:30
•   8:08 - 20:29 
•   2024-11-09
•   10:00-12:00
•     - 12:51 

Populaire Video's

Historische zeilwagens op open monumentendag 2020.

Promovideo EK 2015 De Panne

Avondmanche wk 2006 le touquet, dunkerque - la panne , ça pulse , sailing class 3 in de panne without sail, cockpit view gp r. vermeulen 2013, promovideo strandzeilen.

Neem contact op met ons

Heb je vragen over de clubwerking, het lidgeld of zeilwageninitiaties? Aarzel dan niet om contact op te nemen met ons! We proberen je zo snel mogelijk van een antwoord te voorzien.

Contact opnemen kan via het formulier hiernaast of via de contactgegevens onderaan. Kom je liever eens langs? Geen probleem, iedereen is welkom in ons clubgebouw voor vragen, of in onze gezellige bar voor een hapje en een drankje.

Hopelijk tot binnenkort!

Het bestuur van RSYC vzw

Team Experience

Race on the Belgian beach and go fast with your rolling machine! After a short initiation with your team, you will be able to manage your own sand yacht.

Hereby 1/2 day program. Program is flexible: a full day is also possible. Hours can be adapted.

• 09:30 Arrival on the beach Briefing of the day Division of groups
• 10:00 Start of activity Handling of the sand yachts Total independence for the participants
• 11:00 Sand Yacht Race
• 13:00 End of the activity

The sand yacht activity is generally in groups of 2 people exchanging the yacht as it is a physical activity, especially with heavy weather.

Most frequent questions and answers.

No, you don’t need any experience to participate and to enjoy your sailing day. You will be accompanied by an experienced skipper who is used to sail with beginning crews.

Yes, all crew members will have the opportunity to participate to the different sailing maneuvers, including steering and sail trimming.

No. Sea sickness also hits sailing champions and it does not stop them to sail around the world. Seasickness can be prevented or limited by various means, such as wearing warm and comfortable clothes, staying outside to look at the horizon, eating and drinking (water) regularly, etc.

No. We provide the safety gear such as life jackets. Just check out the weather forecast the day before and make sure to dress comfortably and to wear a raincoat and appropriate shoes (with white soles). Depending on the weather, we will also provide you with sailing pants, and we have some spare jackets for you.

In general, there is no bad weather, but only bad equipment. However, should the weather really be too bad, we always foresee a second date.

• Testimonials

J. Vermeulen – Category Manager at Unilever

Offshore Sailing – From Belgium to Ramsgate

Unelever and its winning students from the Solvay Business Game crossed the English Channel. Not an easy experience for everyone, but a lot of smiles at the arrival in Ramsgate. And many positive feedbacks from the whole team. A challenging day for a young and dynamic group.

“Super leuke dag. Super vriendelijke skippers die ons hebben geleerd zelf rond te varen met onze team. Super ervaring! “

People First

• Regatta Sailing

Light conditions in the morning for a training on our competition sailing boats. The five racing yachts made of carbon are light enough to move even in light winds. After a sandwich lunch onboard, the wind comes up and boats heel much more for a fantastic regatta. End of the day on the beach for a sunny barbecue in collaboration with People First Management.

Managing Partners of Kreab

Kreab's Management committee  - Regatta GPS, a tactical team work :

“ Excellent organization, friendly and fantastic instructors – too learn so much in such a short time is not only fun but also a great team experience!”

“ Thanks for the arrangement of a superb team day for Kreab Gavin Anderson. The set-up was ideal, the staff very cooperative and impressively patient with a large group of people with limited sailing experience. Thanks to you, sailing turned out to be a great team activity, probably the best team day we have had. And it did help that the weather was fantastic!  ”

• From 4 to 600 persons
• French, English, Dutch
• 1/2 day, 1 day (recommended), 2 days
• Belgium (all harbours), Netherlands, France, England
• March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
• No sailing experience is needed
• Premium Lunch, Dinner, BBQ
• Drinks on the Terrace
• Conference & Meeting Room
• Customised Trophees
• Branded Polos & Sailing Gear
• Team Coaching Method
• Photos & Videos

Welcome on board

Do you want to organize a sailing activity for your team or for a special event? We would be glad to organize a unique concept for your team! We speak French, Dutch and English.

• Discovery Sailing
• Team Sailing
• Zeeland Cruising
• Racing Catamaran
• Team Performance
• FlexiSailing
• Info & Reservation
• Legal Notice

© 2024 All Rights Reserved FlexiSailing SPRL

Sandyachting, a sport

The experience of driving a sand yacht along the beach is fantastic enough for many. It is a separate outing. That you have to go to the coast for it is part of it.

Once with several sailors on the beach, it becomes extra fun to catch up with the others. It's in many of us... .

So it was in 1909 when the very first sand yacht race in the world took place in De Panne. Land and sand yachting as a sport was born !

Since then, many have discovered the pleasure of 'racing'. By sailing a lot you can improve your sailing manoeuvres, by sailing a lot you get to know the beach better and know where you sail best, by sailing a lot you can fine-tune your sand yacht so that there is unity between the pilot and his machine.

From 1910, a number of international races were organised in France at Berck and Hardelot. Our Belgian François Dumont won the competition in 1913.

Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, attended these competitions on occasion.

Between the First and Second World Wars, under the impetus of the Dumont family, there were regular competitions in the summer months and this at De Panne as well as at Oostduinkerke and at Middelkerke.

After the Second World War, an international circuit was created again. The first major international gathering took place in De Panne in 1958 on the occasion of the world exhibition EXPO58.

From 1963 there have been annual European or World Championships, mainly in Europe but also already in the USA and once in Argentina.

Since 2022 on the 60th anniversary of FISLY, the International Federation for Land and Sand Yachting, there has been a worldwide ranking of member race pilots under the name FISLY RANKING.

Here Youtube movie of FISLY ranking from FISLY site.

https://youtu.be/iBaasPVcoOw

De Panne, the southernmost seaside resort of Belgium

De Panne , the most south-westerly seaside resort on the Belgian coast, has everything to offer for an unforgettable holiday. With its expansive beaches , beautiful nature, rich history, and diverse recreational opportunities, De Panne is an ideal destination for families, nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and sports enthusiasts alike.

Beaches and dunes

De Panne is known for its wide sandy beaches , stretching for nearly 7 kilometres. It is an excellent location for sunbathing, swimming, beach walks, and practising various water sports, such as kite surfing, sailing, and sand yachting.

Behind the beach lies an extensive dune area, the largest on the Belgian coast. The Hoge Blekker , Belgium's highest dune, is located in this area, as is the Westhoek nature reserve . This 565-hectare reserve is a paradise for walkers and nature lovers, offering a unique variety of fauna and flora.

Attractions and sights

De Panne boasts a rich history and culture worth discovering. The charming town centre is known for its typical cottages and modernist architecture from the early 20th century, particularly in the Dumont district. This historic neighbourhood, named after architect Albert Dumont , is protected as a townscape and offers an atmospheric walk along picturesque villas and green avenues.

De Panne is also known for its link to King Leopold I , Belgium's first king, who landed here in 1831. A statue on the seafront commemorates this historic event.

For families with children, De Panne is a true paradise, with a wide range of activities and attractions. Plopsaland De Panne , a popular theme park with over 50 attractions and shows, is one of the town's biggest draws. In addition, there is the educational Plopsaqua water park , where children can enjoy water slides, white-water courses, and swimming pools.

An enchanting amusement park on the Belgian coast, full of fun and adventure for the whole family. Experience a world of magic with attractions for all ages, from thrilling roller coasters to ...

De Westhoek

Nestled between De Panne and the French border, you can as a walker enjoy the impressive dune landscape of De Westhoek . You can frolic in the roam zone and maybe even catch a glimpse of Scottish ...

Royal Sand Yacht Club

Beach sailing, whereby professionals can reach a speed of 125 km/h. You can try this yourself at beach sailing school in De Panne . Because of the 425 meter wide beach without wave breakers , the ...

Gastronomy and events

De Panne takes pride in its gastronomy, with numerous restaurants and cafés serving local and international dishes. Regional specialities naturally include fresh fish and seafood, but you can also enjoy delicious Belgian classics such as stew, mussels, and waffles.

The town hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, such as the annual St Nicholas celebrations, the International Hot Air Balloon Festival, and the Summer Carillon Festival, showcasing carillonneurs from around the world.

Recreation and sports

De Panne offers plenty of recreational opportunities, from cycling and walking to golfing and horse riding. There are several cycling and walking routes that take you along the coast, through the dunes, and to surrounding towns and villages. For the adventurous visitor, there's even the opportunity to learn sand yachting, a sport where you race across the beach in a wind-powered cart.

In summary, De Panne is a destination that caters to everyone. Whether you're looking for relaxation on the beach , adventure in nature, cultural discoveries, or fun for the whole family, you're sure to find it in this charming and lively seaside resort.

We are turning 100! celebrate with us!

Read all news and anecdotes about our centennial: 2401459_RSYC_A3-Krant-vh-Strand_LR_06-24

This is sand yachting

Aftermovie of the krabrally..

Video of Tiezz Degrieck, member of SYC De Krab

Learning sand yachting

Would you like to go 'Faster than the Wind', purely on wind power, and ecologically without an engine?  Do you want to spend a day getting some fresh air and recharging your energy on the beach?  Then register quickly for a 2-hour initiation session at our sand yachting school.  Our instructors will guide you step by step in theory and practice, so that you can get to know our fantastic sport at your own pace.  View on rsyc.be for public lessons or group lessons

Just come and have a look? Always welcome

Do you have any questions, or would you like to come and see it first before you want to sail yourself?  

Then take a look rsyc.be , the website of the sand yacht club.  You can also register for initiation lessons there.

Feel free to come by and have a look and talk to our beach masters or instructors, they will certainly be able to give you the necessary information.

• Sand Yachting School
• The formulas

    03 28 29 13 80

    Google Maps

SAND YACHTING COURSES AND FEES

Sand yachting is an outdoor activity that can be practiced all year round. It’s an environmentally friendly sport. And it’s an activity that will give you an adrenaline rush and boost your well-being while you have a wonderful time with family and friends.

What happens in a sand yachting session?

You are welcomed to the sand yachting centre

Equipment is handed out

Introduction (starting, stopping, safety rules, etc)

In-depth lesson and/or walk-through

Rinse and put equipment away

Beginner courses

Courses are organised over five days with 2 hours of practice per day depending on the tides. They can be taken during Zone B school holidays.

Depending on the tides, we can hold up to 3 sand yachting sessions per day.

5 two-hour sessions: €130.00

Learn how to sand yacht on a course prepared and supervised by an instructor and adhere to the safety and sailing rules.

Learn how to sail the entire perimeter of the course regardless of the direction of the wind, under the supervision of an instructor.

Improver course

The improver courses help participants to develop their skills based on their level.

Further develop your sand yachting techniques to reach level 4 of the sand yachting handbook and be ready to join a club.

Learn how to sail your sand yacht regardless of the wind speed, on different courses, with a maximum speed and without any danger to oneself or other sand yachts.

Sessions for school kids

Dunkirk’s sand yachting school, Mer et Rencontres, hosts groups of school kids all year long (primary, middle and high school).

As part of an agreement with the Dunes de Flandre local authority, the association hosts schools from the Dunes de Flandre area (Dunkirk, Zuydcoote, Leffrinckoucke and Bray-Dunes), that is, a total of 36 classes from primary 5 to primary 6.

All school groups are welcome. Please contact us for rates.

For school groups outside the region, stays can be arranged because of the large choice of local accommodation.

Corporate seminars

Eager to spend some quality time with your colleagues and do something that will sweep your co-workers off their feet? Mer et Rencontres gives you a 2-hour introductory session.

Rates: see group rates.

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• Land Sailing

We prepared a comprehensive guide for those who would like to discover all the details of land sailing. You can find below all the necessary information on what is essentially land sailing and how to do it with a detailed equipment list. The most popular spots in Türkiye and from around the world to embark on land sailing experience are also enclosed for you.  

What is Land Sailing?

Land sailing is an amazing fun sport that basically involves racing on a wheeled yacht that is powered by wind. Land sailing also known as "sand yachting", "land yachting" or "dirt boarding". Land sailing or "wind-driven carriage" has been around as a way of transportation and recreation since the 6th century BC, but it became a sport during the 1950s Europe. The sport is especially popular in the United Kingdom and the United States. 

How to do Land Sailing?

For the first-timers, land sailing is one of the easiest alternative sports to start. The sport itself does not require much prior experience and can be practiced for everyone aged over ten. There are many build-your-own land sailing kits available with global shipping options. After you get your first kit, you should start practicing for your wind handling and riding skills in a safe environment such as an empty beach. However, there are some additional tricks to contemplate for those who would like to discover all the details of land sailing from the very beginning. For instance, the sailing surface holds particular importance to be able to ride in a small sail board on beaches or dried lakes.  Additionally, the type or classes of land yachts determine the course of the competition. Class 2 are very large in size which in return may limit their speed. On the other hand, class 3 yachts are the most popular group. They can reach up to 113 km per hour due to their smaller size. Class 5 is much smaller and imposes a specific stance for its driver. It is still required to sail it lying down, the pilot uses a seat which is suspended from a steel chassis. 

Before You Go- Stuff You Need to Know

• Land sailing vehicles usually do not have brakes, so you need to control them by easing off the sail or turning it against the wind.
• The most common cause of injury in land sailing is speeding. It would be best for you to keep your speed in check.
• Building a land sailing vehicle with a kit is a great opportunity for a family project.
• Land sailing is an environmental-friendly sport and encouraged by many organizations around the world. 

Land Sailing Equipment List- What Equipment is Needed for Land Sailing?

Land sailing only requires three essential pieces of equipment; the sail, the vehicle and the safety gear. 

The sail is there to ride the wind and give direction to the vehicle. You need to rotate the sail with your feet to the best possible direction to gain more speed.    

Most land sailing vehicles are meant for one person and have three tires with one on the front and two on the back. They are pretty light to increase overall speed and come with various types, especially in professional racing. There are more than six vehicle classes in competitive land sailing races.

Safety Gear 

Land sailing can be considered as a safe sport in comparison to other speed-oriented sports but you still need to wear a safety gear set including a helmet, knee and elbow protection.  If you are planning to travel with your equipment, there might be additional costs. You can click here to check the extra services price table. 

When is the Best Time for Land Sailing?

Land sailing can be practiced in every season but dry terrain and windy weather are much more preferable for the sport.

Best Locations for Land Sailing in the World

Most of the land sailing locations in the world are in Europe where you can either enjoy yourself a nice holiday or attend to land sailing tournaments. Below, are listed the most popular locations for land sailing in Europe:

The United Kingdom is one of the most prominent countries that practice land sailing. There is a federation in the country that governs the competitive and recreational sailing of land vehicles. If you are into land sailing, a flight ticket to London is a good way to start finding people that share the same interest with you. Towns of Royston and Hoylake are among the premier destinations to practice land sailing in the UK.  Hoylake offers its visitors great options for land sailing. There are various yacht clubs that arrange workshops and activities almost during the year. In Royston, there are also tournament areas and yacht clubs, but these clubs offer land sailing courses for children too. 

Land sailing is a common recreational sport in Manchester with many enthusiasts. There are many designated vast areas in the city’s outskirts to enjoy the sport. Book your flight ticket to Manchester to enjoy the city and land sail.

Amsterdam is home to many recreational sports and land sailing is one of them. “Wind ‘n Wheels” is a good place to enjoy land sailing in a safe and fun environment. The facility is located in the eastern part of the city center. You can buy your plane ticket to Amsterdam to discover the city and its amazing outdoor activities.

Modern land sailing vehicle was invented in Belgium and has been practicing on the shores of the North Sea, especially in De Panne district. You can buy your flight ticket to Belgium to enjoy the country and the sport.

If you are planning to travel with your equipment, there might be additional costs. You can click here to check the extra services price table.

Sports Equipment Additional Fees

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