Sand Yacht
The construction of this project needs to be kept as light as possible and you need a large area to use it in – the lack of steering may lead to a few spills!
Equipment
- 4 plastic wheels (from DIY store) minimum 150mm to 200mm diameter
- 2 x 1.5m (5ft) metal rods to suit wheels for axles
- 7 x 2.4m (8ft) bamboo canes.
- 11 x 1.2m (4ft) bamboo canes
- 28 lashing lengths – sisal or similar
- Washers & split pins etc for fixing wheels to axles
- Polythene/cotton sheet for sail
- Sisal for fixing sail
Method
Fix the wheels to the ends of the axles.
Bundle 2 x 3 2.4m (8ft) canes together with elastic bands to make chassis rails
Lash the chassis rails on top of the axles to form a rectangular chassis. Ensure that the chassis rails are well clear of the wheels.
Lash 4 x 1.2m (4ft) canes side by side on top of the chassis approx one third of the way along from one end, to form a seat.
Lash a further 1.2m (4ft) cane under the chassis rails half way between the seat and the axle at the far end of the chassis.
2 further 1.2m (4ft) canes are placed on the axle and the cane which is lashed under the chassis rails. They should be positioned in the centre between the chassis rails, just far enough apart that the mast (the last 2.4m cane) can be pushed between them. Lash them in place.
The mast is then positioned between these canes and up tight against the axle and another 1.2m (4ft) cane lashed between the chassis rails, to hold it in place.
Lash the bottom of the mast to the centre of the axle.
Brace the mast by lashing 2 x 1.2m (4ft) canes to the mast and the cane which is fixed under the chassis rails.
Lash the final 1.2m (4ft) cane to the mast approx 0.6m (2ft) from the top to hold the sail.
Attach your sail using eyelets (for a polythene sail) or sheet bends (for a fabric sail).
Lines should also be attached to the bottom of the sail in each corner and taken back to the seat area where they are tied off. The Scout in charge of the yacht can then adjust the bottom of the sail to catch the wind.
To download the complete plan and design document please Click Here
