The keel is the lowest element of the hull structure in keel yachts. Its task is to lower the center of gravity of the hull and increase the lateral resistance of the underwater part of the hull. This is to increase the stability of the yacht and improve its nautical properties (including the ability to sail upwind and course stability). The three most common types of keel are: false keel (integral ballast), bulb keel (suspended ballast) and fin keel (fin ballast), which differ in shape and efficiency.

What should you remember?

• thanks to the use of a heavy keel, ballast yachts are theoretically unsinkable,

• the consequence of using a keel is a significant increase in the yacht's draft, which makes it impossible to sail in shallow waters.