Land yacht sails shimmer across sands

THERE has been American interest in land yachting at Cefn Sidan Beach which could be a massive boost to the local economy.

The interest has grown following the Carmarthenshire Land Yachters’ Association No Barriers event recently which attracted 130 land sailors competing from as far afield as Aberdeen and Holland.

Sailor David Wilmer said the event had attracted huge interested from across Europe and the USA through feedback on Facebook and their website.

He said: “Pembrey Sands has become recognised in the last 10-years as one of the best land yachting beaches in Europe. Now it’s winning fans in America too.

“It’s so encouraging we are looking at hosting an international event and the Americans want to be involved.”

The land yachters have been proving quite a spectacle on Cefn Sidan through the summer to all Pembrey Country Park visitors.

County executive board member for leisure services Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “They shimmer across the desert sands of Cefn Sidan like a rainbow cloud of colourful butterflies. It is quite breathtaking.

“The land yachters are becoming a major Pembrey attraction while helping to boost the local economy.”

Visitors to Pembrey Country Park who chance upon and enjoy the spectacle of one their many events even throng Cefn Sidan’s dunes enjoying picnics while spectating.

No Barriers attracted a great variety of craft and raised a welcome £1,300 in park fees.

The event also injected £1,000’s into the local economy with all BBQ food sourced locally with suppliers from Laugharne to Burry Port.

Park manager Rory Dickinson said: “We need more of these kinds of varied events to ensure the future sustainability of the park.”

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BUTTERFLY WINGS: Shimmering sails of land yachts at Cefn Sidan resemble butterfly wings. Pix: Ron Cant