Land-Sailors

Welcome to Our Troop 127 Adventure!

Land-sailors are exactly what the name implies: sailboats for the land. Some enthusiasts argue that landsailing is even better than traditional water sailing. Since I’ve never been out on the water, I can't say for sure—but I do know one major advantage: you don't need a lake or an ocean. You can sail just about anywhere there’s a wide-open space and a strong wind.

How Our Troop Got Started

Our landsailing adventure started back in 1999 as a challenge from our Scoutmaster. He dared the scouts in our troop to find DIY building plans on the internet. We tracked down some free blueprints and immediately started hunting for materials.

• The Materials: Almost all of our tubing came from repurposed swing sets and old mufflers. We also stripped down junked bicycles for extra tubing, wheels, and handlebars.

• The First Build: Our Scoutmaster invited the troop over to his house to build, but only one scout and his dad showed up. They decided to forge ahead anyway. Thanks to their dedication, our very first landsailor was born!

• The Expansion: After a highly successful first outing, enthusiasm skyrocketed. The following year, about a dozen scouts and parents showed up at our Scoutmaster’s house to build a whole fleet.

The Rest is History

Our second official landsailing trip took place in March 2001 at Soggy Dry Lake in California, which is where these pictures were taken. As you can see from the photo gallery below, everyone had an incredible time, and we are already planning our next big run!

How can your troop build a Land-Sailor?

Any troop can build a land-sailor—and it’s easier than you might think! We didn't strictly follow a specific set of blueprints. Instead, we took basic plans and modified them on the fly to fit our needs and the materials we had on hand.

If your troop wants to build one, here is what you'll need to gather:

• Scrap Metal Tubing: Look for old swing sets, chain-link fence posts, or scrap vehicle exhaust pipes.

• Wheels & Tires: Old bicycle wheels, wheelbarrow wheels, or go-kart tires work great.

• Sails: Heavy-duty old tarps are perfect for catching the wind on a budget.

• Tools: You will definitely need a welder (and someone who knows how to use it safely!) to bond the frame together.

Got Questions? Get in Touch!

Our troop has had an absolute blast with these machines, and we hope your troop will too. If you have any questions about our design, materials, or safety, feel free to email us. We’ll gladly connect you with one of our builders to help you get started.