The British Land Speedsail Association was set up in 1986 to look after the sport of Speedsailing in the UK. The intent was and remains to provide sites to sail, a race series, 3rd party liability insurance and to promote the sport. Blokarting was added in 2004.
Current chairman of the BLSA is Nick Dodge supported by Chris Moore (Membership Secretary) and another 7 Committee members, composed of active members of the BLSA. Chris is the man with ultimate knowledge of the racing rule book, which while kept as short as possible, still requires some knowing and decision-making ability. Chris is also the contact for all membership and insurance questions.
The BLSA works to ensure that the sports are taught, operated and performed in a safe way, with proper regard to use of equipment, other sailors and members of the public, and areas sailed in. While we cannot and do not seek to make membership compulsory, we think the benefits are enormous and membership only makes sense.
The BLSA aims to support its members at all levels and recognizes that not everyone in the BLSA wishes to race (though it’s great fun at all levels !). To this end, the BLSA attempts to devise a yearly calendar that incorporates social/fun events as well as race events and training.
Chris has managed to advance the cause of members by working with insurers to develop a great insurance scheme. It’s important to have insurance as most councils and land owners insist on it being in place and we can’t really help you if you haven’t got 3rd Party insurance cover. For 2008 we have moved this Insurance to Zurich Muncipal. This scheme provides better cover than most other sporting policies of this type available. It is a major achievement for both sports.
BLSA insurance gives you £5 million public liability cover against injury or damage to other person(s) or property. (It does not cover you or your kit.) You are also covered if you want to fly kites, board or buggy with kites. It covers you on a member to member basis as well, and covers you to some extent (call Chris to clarify !) if you organize events, as long as events are run to BLSA regulations.