Huge land yachts

[JustACreative]

Would it be possible to make a land yacht in the size of a caravan - so that like on a boat you could live on? I've read of land yachts from the Chinese from 500 A.D. that sailed the plains of China with up to 30 people. But I haven't come across a "boat" carrying more than 3 persons over land today. Of course, there is no real need for that - or is there?

I am thinking on an ecofriendly way of travelling across land mainly by the power of the wind. A large kite pulling the vehicle would be best, since the high altitude winds are more stable and I'd have less heel. Of course you couldn't drive anywhere, but if you look at rather vast areas like let's say Mongolia, or Central Australia where they have quite strong winds ... but proof me wrong. To develop a suspension that withstands all the shocks and impacts is the other thing.

Thankful for any feedback or info.

[gonzo]

All the inventions I know of either never left the drawing board or didn't work. There are small ones on wheels that do well on compacted and rather flat terrain.

[CatBuilder]

This idea was just completed with a small "land yacht" in Australia. You might be too late...



http://blog.cafefoundation.org/?p=2762

[JustACreative]

I've seen vehicles like that, but I'm thinking of even a bigger one, and one that can go off-road, but maybe I am too blue-eyed?

[Angélique]

This one left the drawing board......



Made in 1602 by Simon Stevin (Flemish guy) for the Dutch Prince Maurits. Picture by Jacques de Gheyn II from Antwerp.

This Land Yacht 'Zeilwagen' was capable to do Scheveningen - Petten, ca. 90 km over the beach, within 2 hours with 27 people on board. This 'Zeilwagen' and the prototype (also on the picture) was in long time use for entertainment of the guests of the Prince.

Please post a modern variant if you have...

See ‘‘Whike’’ for a one person recreational vihicle. It's a hybrid from wind and human power.

CatBuilder's picture looks like a ‘‘Duo Quest’’ with a kite.

Good Luck..!!
Angel

[kroberts]

I've seen what amounts to an ice boat with wheels on it, making a tricycle.

You would need a road free of bridges, overhead signs, trees, ....

[gonzo]

Where does the time and speed data come from? 45Kph for two hours seems incredible without bearings.

[michael pierzga]

You need to go West...then seek design guidance from the High Plains Drifters while chewing Peyote buttons.

[Angélique]

Originally Posted by gonzo

Where does the time and speed data come from? 45Kph for two hours seems incredible without bearings.

There is a lot of text on the picture. I think it's a description of the 'Zeilwagen' and a report of the 2 hour drive from Scheveningen to Petten.

But I couldn't read it. I got the data from the Dutch rijksmuseum.

Het Latijnse opschrift bovenaan de prent meldt dat de zeilwagen van Prins Maurits in slechts twee uur de afstand van Scheveningen naar Petten van '14 Hollandse mijlen' aflegde.

(The Latin inscription above the picture says the Land Yacht of Prince Maurits drove in just two hours the distance of '14 Dutch miles' from Scheveningen to Petten)

Distance Scheveningen Petten is ca. 78 km lineal but the beach has a curve. The ca. 90 km is my rough estimation, it could also be ca. 85 km. Which still is fast in 2 hours.

And knowing Simon Stevin (look him up) I wouldn't be suprised if it had bearings

Cheers,
Angel

PS

Just looked up 'Hollandse mijl' / 'Dutch mile' / 'miliare Germanicum'

A 'Hollandse mijl' is a one hour walk which is ca. 5 km.
But it also is the same as the French 'lieue marine' which is 5555 meter.
And it is also the same as 20,000 Amsterdam feet which is 5660 meter.
And it is also the same as 20,000 Rijnlandse feet which is 6280 meter.
(we have metric now )

So I guess my first rough estimation for Scheveningen - Petten, over the beach, ca. 85 ~ 90 km is about right...

[gonzo]

My research shows that the "Dutch Mile" was actually a kilometer. That seems to make more sense.

[Angélique]

Originally Posted by gonzo

My research shows that the "Dutch Mile" was actually a kilometer. That seems to make more sense.

That was after the introduction of the Dutch metric system in 1820.

The distance Scheveningen Petten was ca. 78 km lineal in 1602 and didn't change... So the dutch mile info from before 1820 make sence here...

Cheers,
Angel

[gonzo]

I see

[Tiny Turnip]

Great thread.

There is a narrow peninsula, Spurn Point, which 'hangs down' into the mouth of the Humber Estuary.
A railway was built from the mainland garrison, down the peninsula, to serve the garrison at the
end.

In the early 20th century, two wagons were fitted with sails, and were used as a practical form of transport
up and down the 3 miles or so of track, well exposed to prevailing winds, and with the
track providing both low friction and high keel effect.

http://beta.thisishullandeastriding....l/article.html









Although not the 'off road' individualist approach you're looking for, the Rail Sail approach does offer the advantages noted above.

More here, at other locations, UK and the Falklands:

http://www.copsewood.org/ng_rly/sailbogie/sailbogie.htm







The attached image is Spurn Point.

[Angélique]

Great post Tiny, thanks..!! But better post the big pic as an attachment I think, it destroys the page... have to drag from left to right and visa versa to read...

Cheers,
Angel

[Tiny Turnip]

Yes... I think you're right!