Where to go sand yachting in the Bay of the Somme?

A sand yachting is a wheeled machine powered by a sail. It is also a speed sport which is normally exercised over large beaches of sand. It is accessible to all ages and easier than cycling. Try this activity during your weekend or your holidays in Baie de somme.

History of the Char à voile

Called a wind chariot at the time, the pharaohs were already using this vehicle in the Egyptian desert. For the Chinese it was in 550 B.C. They made war wagons made of bamboo, with sails inflated by the wind that could carry up to 30 soldiers.

In 1807 Willy Coppen de Hontult built the first sand yachting and it was in 1898 that the Dumont brothers experimented with wagons equipped with a sail in Livande on the beach of Ronne. 

The tank then summer developed for competitions in the United States in Muroc, California and in Europe. 

It was after the Second World War that this sport developed, especially in the United States. Gradually the tanks improved in terms of design and aerodynamics.

Bertrand Lambert set the world record for speed with 151 km/h in 50 km/h wind.

How does a sand yacht work?

The sand yachting is powered by the wind. A force that is approximately perpendicular to the sail plane is generated by the contact of the wind on the sail. The steering of the machine is done in a standing position on a board with a windsurfing sail. You can change the direction of the sail by pressing down with your toes or heels, and the sail is adjusted by pulling the sail towards you with a boom.

How old do you have to be to go sand yachting?

This sport is accessible to all and gives a great feeling of freedom.
It can be practised at any age from 7 to 77 years old.

It should be noted that children can do the sand yachting in a tandem flight with an adult from 5 years and in single-seaters at the age of 12 years.

Where to go sand yachting in the Baie de Somme?

Enjoy an unforgettable adventure with family and friends on 20 km of beach between the Bie of Authie and the Bay of the Somme ! Don't miss it, it's really an exceptional setting in the middle of nature on an idyllic dune line.

Practice tanking in Normandy during your next holidays. There are many beaches where to do sand yachting in this region. It is ideal for practising sand yachting with its beaches of sand as far as the eye can see.

Introduction to sand yachting

There are many schools of sand yachting who offer introductory sessions.

The advantage is that you will be supervised by a monitor with several learning phases.

The introduction to sand yachting can be included as part of a school and extra-curricular activity (integration day, day of seaside outdoor activities, discovery class)

The Ozone team

The school of Sailboat Ozone was born from a strong idea. Created by a group of enthusiasts, it is open to all in love the vastness of the open spaces, whether you are a beginner or an expert, the immensity of the beaches from Marquenterre and the Bay of the Somme.

Discover the natural gems of the Bay of the Somme accompanied by state-certified instructors.

Air Beach in Quend-Plage

This flying school from sand yachting offers on-course sessions or walks under the conduct of a state-qualified instructor. The sessions last 2 hours. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced skier, Air Beach invites you to participate in courses and workshops of sand yachting, à Quend-plage, with the family. 

Eolia in Fort-Mahon-Plage

Eolia is the 1st school of Sailboat created in FranceFrance is the world's leading tourist destination - 4 reasons in 1985. This establishment invites you to discover the authenticity of a territory on 25 km of beach whose sand yachting has been an identifying feature since the beginning of the 20th century. Depending on the conditions weathera hikingor a ride in sand yachting begins under the guidance of a state-certified instructor. This is done during your first introductory session, after approximately 1 hour learning.

Aéris in Fort-Mahon-Plage

Aéris is a school of sand yachting based in Fort-Mahon-Plage. With a fleet of two-seater and single-seater tanks, it allows you to experience the pleasure of this sport. sport to all audiences: children, adults, seniors and even people with disabilities

With a deliberately limited capacity, the school offers introductory or advanced courses in small groups, supervised by a a state-certified instructor.