ROSALEEN MACBRAYNE discovers that the zippy three-wheel blokart, launched only a year ago in Tauranga, has already won an international award and some hefty orders.
The blokart - a new toy for serious fun-lovers - is on a fast track to success for its Tauranga inventor, who has sold 800 of
them since its launch a year ago.
A cross between a land yacht and a go-kart, the compact contraption was born in classic New Zealand "blokes in sheds" tradition when Paul Beckett, aged 47, took a punt and built his first kart in his garage.
Now he has picked up a major international award for the zippy wind-powered three-wheeler.
Blokart was named best new summer hardware product at the international ispo sporting goods fair in Munich, Germany, the judges describing it as "perfect in every detail".
And, while Mr Beckett was dealing last week with the huge interest generated at the world's largest trade fair for sports equipment, his small staff at home was moving into larger premises at Mt Maunganui to cope with demand.
Mr Beckett's 23-year-old son, Matt, the production manager, and a former junior North Island class five land yacht champion, says the family knew the blokart was a good idea but were not prepared for the rapid reaction.
"It just seems to be getting bigger. It's not just a fun thing any more. It is really serious."
His father drew on a background in building, light engineering and design, plus experience in manufacturing fibreglass water sports equipment, to come up with the world winner.
It also helped that he was a pioneer in the Tauranga area for hang gliding, land yachting and commercial sea kayaking.
The beauty of the blokart is that, with a total weight of 25kg, the entire piece - including mast and sail - packs into a carry case for easy storage and transport. A smart design move enables the two back wheels to be fixed outside the bag so it can be pulled along.
Made of steel and fibreglass, the blokart is safe, light and durable - and it takes five minutes to assemble and rig, with no tools required.
Hand-steered, the mini land yachts can be driven by people of all ages and are suitable for folk with physical limitations.
Ideal for racing or recreation, the blokart has reached speeds of up to 90 km/h in high winds but can also roll along gently in a light breeze. All it needs is a flat surface, such as a beach, carpark or recreation field.
All the user requires is brief instruction in the techniques of land sailing, a protective helmet and to strap on the seat-belt in the colourful craft.
Launched at last year's Auckland boat show, the blokarts was a runaway success.
Interest has come from Australia, the United Kingdom, North and South America, South Africa and even Nepal.
America's Cup sailors, including Oracle racing team skipper Paul Cayard, are among the many fans. In a new application for their sport, they have organised little regattas around the cup village in Auckland.
Cayard says the land-sailing yacht, which costs just under $3000, is practical and a lot of fun.
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ROSALEEN MACBRAYNE discovers that the zippy three-wheel blokart, launched only a year ago in Tauranga, has already won an international award and some hefty orders.
The blokart - a new toy for serious fun-lovers - is on a fast track to success for its Tauranga inventor, who has sold 800 of
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