Algarve Blokarting

"What’s blokarting?" I hear you ask…

It’s an exciting new sport – and Algarve blokarting could be set to take off (not too literally, one hopes) in a big way.

A blokart is a 3-wheeled ‘car’ with a sail and a pilot’s seat – and that’s about it! They’re like sand yachts, but smaller and much more portable. Since they’re driven by wind, you need a bit of a bluster if you’re to enjoy yourself.

Blokart Sagres

The owner of the facility, Jim Dewhurst, is a Liverpudlian who gave up his café in Jersey once he’d discovered the delights of blokarting. (He claims that the sport even helped him to quit smoking).

Jim had already sampled the delights of Algarve vacations, visiting to surf and operating out of an auto-caravan. Having had a spin at blokarting in Sagres Forteleza car park, he decided to look around for the perfect spot.

Although there were initially problems with his choice of location for the blokarting track (it’s adjoining a Nature Park) the eco-friendly nature of blokarting finally won the day and – hey presto! – Blokart Sagres was born.

It’s reputed to be the world’s first private blokarting facility and is set in around 20,000 square metres of firm, red clay. Jim imports the cars from New Zealand, where they were developed and popularized, and plans to obtain more than the eight he presently owns.

As you will know if you have visited Sagres, it often sports a breeze (or better), so that is why Blokart Sagres promises to be a winner.

How it works

The main prerequisite is a good wind, which is why you’re encouraged to phone first before travelling. If it’s blowy, the track is open for business. It’s a very informal sort of affair… You can just turn up and try it out. Standard issue is helmet, gloves and knee/elbow pads, then you’re off!

Jim assures me that most people get the hang of it after only 5 minutes instruction. “It’s really easy”, he claims. What you need to know is how to use the sail, how to accelerate – and how to stop. Oh yes, and knowing how to turn comes in handy, too.

I understand that most “newbies” are able to race after only 30 to 40 minutes of instruction and practice

The more advanced lessons include how to maximise the wind’s driving power, and how to keep going during any lulls.

Jim has been visited by representatives of the British Land Speed Sailing Association (their approval was necessary in order to arrange insurance for the track). And some British journalists have been there to see what’s what, so who knows, you might be reading all about it in your tabloid of choice quite soon.

Who’s it for?

I’m assured by Jim that there really are few limits on age and ability. Children and older adults alike can wrest some enjoyment from the sport, as well as the gung-ho, 90+ km/hour blokarting devotees!

If you fancy trying something different during your Algarve vacation (or even if you’re an Algarve resident), why not give Algarve blokarting a go? I shall be calling in, once I’m settled in my new home. So I’ll get some more pics to put on this page – and even have a go, providing I remember a hair net!

(Telephone [00351]913 372 332 or 967 460 989 to find out whether Blokart Sagres is open before you set out).

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