Wind Powered Craft

howzit · Post by **howzit** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 7:03 pm

I have a photo (I believe from 1998) that shows a rather large wind-powered desert sailing vehicle. In the photo the vehicle is sailing along headed for BRC with perhaps thirty people aboard. Does anyone know if this craft still exists (perhaps stored in someone's garage)? Or have any additional information (owners, designers/builders)? I was considering building something similar, probably for 2007, but why reinvent the wheel? Also my distance (Hawaii) presents significant logistics problems: very difficult to develop the design here without a suitable area for testing and modification.

Any information will be greatly appeciated. Thanks!

howzit

BigCock · Post by **BigCock** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 7:09 pm

LONGPIG?!?!

HughMungus · Post by **HughMungus** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 7:47 pm

http://www.burningman.com/on_the_playa/ ... index.html

"Wind-powered vehicles that are allowed to operate within Black Rock City must meet certain criteria. They must have a pivoting mast, must operate while the sailor is in a standing position, and must weigh no more than 50 pounds."

Chai Guy · Post by **Chai Guy** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 10:33 pm

Are you talking about this death trap?:

You might want to talk to Pepe, that's his Opera stage the thing wrecked into.

For the full story go here:

http://www-cdr.stanford.edu/~petrie/burn.html

howzit · Post by **howzit** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 2:44 am

Wow. I saw the photo and followed the links (to the crash story and other photos... including before & after photos of Pepe's opera stage. This all may cause a major shift in the plans. Thanks for sharing the information, gentlemen.

I should probably play this out since I have several sailing friends (some burners, some simply interested in the idea) already making preliminary sketches of this project to see what sort of engineering it might take to bring it to reality. Already you have given me some very valuable information ... may I ask a few more questions?

I read this after following HughMungus's link:

Wind-Powered Vehicles that Do Not Conform to the Wind-Powered Guidelines

Kite-sailing vehicles, land yachts, and wind-powered vehicles that have a fixed mast and weigh more than 50 pounds are not allowed to operate within Black Rock City. You may take your wind-powered vehicle to the Black Rock Airport and operate/store it there.

Isn't the airport is outside the BRC fence? Wouldn't that create exit/re-entry problems? If we indeed build and bring such a craft to Burning Man, would we be free to access our craft at the airport (and bring along guests and other land yacht crew volunteers), going outside the fenced area of BRC via the airport gate to sail across the desert for a few hours, then return via the same gate? Would we need to stay within the bounds of the "Airport" (this seems ill advised if airplanes want to land there) ... but if so, how much area is considered to be within the bounds of the BRC airport? would we need to obtain permits from BLM ... (one permit or separate ones for everyone aboard?). Would we need orange&white checkered flags (or sail) and to remain in radio contact with those in control of approach to the runway? Could we bring a chase vehicle outside the fence with us, to render aid in the case of breakdown or to haul us back if the wind died? Could this be an art car? Regular vehicle (i.e., pickup truck)? This would all be do-able stuff... hurdles are made to be jumped over, right?

If we can get to the craft, use it, put it away and return to camp, it doesn't sound any different than going down to the harbor to sail on an ocean-going boat. And we could operate safely away from the crowds closer to the camping and art installation areas. But if it would be a mega hassle to exit/enter and we needed to obtain permits from BLM it might be too much hassle to get involved with.

Your feedback is GREATLY appreciated. Thanks.

howzit

Magikal · Post by **Magikal** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 7:03 pm

Well, I dunno as to how much sailing space is available out there (I don't think they let you blast along thru the empty playa, even if it's passable & not all muddy), but I know re-entry, WITH YOUR TICKET STUB, is no problemo. I was hanging around out at the airport in '05, looking to kipe a ride to take some aerial pix, and the signs were quite adamant about that. No tickee, no entree, and they send you back to the main gate, where you will have the privilidge of spending $300+ for a new ticket just to get back to your camp.