The company has launched their new design for 2008 at the Show and is running a competition to win one on the stand. “The Blokart is one of the easiest ways to learn sailing and it takes away the fear of water. You’ve got only two controls and you can get it to going with minimal training,” explained Rob Jewell of Speedsail UK.

Blokarts have three wheels, a lightweight chassis and different sail sizes for varying wind conditions. They are capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 mph but Rob says that safety is heavily emphasised when they train people how to use them. “Some people think it’s a mini land yacht, but it isn’t. On a land yacht you’re lying more prone and not necessarily strapped in as you are on a Blokart. A land yacht is also usually foot steered; you can’t turn them as easily and you’re controlling just the sheet with your hands. But on the Blokart you control the sheet and the steering with your hands.” 

Rob says that although Blokarting is a fairly new sport they already have international competitions and you can even take your Blokart on a plane because it all packs away into its own self contained bag and weighing 29kg. The two rear wheels will also fit on to the outside of the bag so you can wheel the whole thing around when it’s packed up. However, of course, it’s not just landlubbers wanting to sail who take up the sport, Rob says they are also ideal for teaching youngsters – and of course sailing grown ups like a bit of Blokart action as well. “We had one guy with a 50ft yacht who wants one to put in a sail locker so that when he wants some fast fun he can anchor off the beach and then go and play,” concluded Rob.