Blokart racing may be decidedly lesser known than its onwater relative but in Bermudian Tristan Loescher, the island has a star in the rapidly-growing sport.

Based in New Zealand, Loescher recently finished third at the 2022 Blokart World Championships, in Sanson, a small settlement in the Manawatu District of New Zealand.

“Collisions can be frequent during high-intensity racing, and this year’s event saw its fair share of capsizes, shattered masts, cracked axles and exploding tyres, with one such collision resulting in a serious outcome,” explained Loesher an internationally-recognised yachting instructor course who received certification as part of his professional development during the America's Cup Endeavour programme in 2016.

Loescher was a full-time member of the AC Endeavour teamthat travelled to Britain that same year, with the youngster then completing the Royal Yachting Association's instructor training course, which was funded by the America's Cup.

“I first started Blokarting while employed at Endeavour Community Sailing while the America’s Cup was based in Bermuda. Blokarting is a part of the Endeavour curriculum, with students having the privilege of Blokarting on the Friday of their week at the STEAM through sailing school.”

While there are many forms of land sailing, the Blokart production class is the exclusive ‘One Design’ class for land yachting, with all the vessels identical to allow for the true skills of the sailor to dictate the results.

This year marked to second time Loescher has taken part in the sport’s top competition, with the Bermudian also having taken part in the 2022 event, where he competed in the middle-weight category.

This time around class there were 130 competitors in attendance with Loescher taking on nine boats in his division.

”Within Blokart racing there are two classes, Production Class (One Design) and Performance Class, where pilots are permitted to modify their karts within certain parameters, explained Loescher.

Blokarts can also be sailed on ice with skates attached to the vessel rather than wheels.

The Blokart World Championships are normally held every 2 years in varying locations but this was the first to be held since 2018 as a result of the Covid pandemic.

”Challenging wind conditions ranged from 0-35+ knots throughout the event, causing race delays on light wind days, and speeds of over 80km/hr reached on heavy wind days,” added the young Bermudian. “Blokarts are totally reliant on the wind for both propulsion and stopping as they have no brakes.

“Pilots must be well versed in kart operations and sailing regulations in order to sail safely.”

Collisions can be frequent and the serious collision at the latest world championships described by Loescher resulted in 2 unconscious pilots, but for those risk-seekers out there it is a fully accessible sport with men, women, able-bodied, disabled, youth, and senior sailors all able to compete on a level playing field.

“The Blokart community is competitive, but very welcoming,” said Loescher. New-comers are always encouraged, and social events are organised by Blokart in the evenings post-racing. The events are often quite remotely located, allowing for epic camper van stays at these fabulous locations.

“The 2024 Blokart World Championships will be held in Ivanpah, California. I hope to see you there!”