centreboard
Definition
- Noun:
- A retractable fin keel used on sailboats to prevent drifting to leeward: A centreboard is a flat, pivoting plate or fin that can be lowered through a slot in the hull of a sailboat. Its primary function is to provide lateral resistance against the water, counteracting the force of the wind that would otherwise push the boat sideways (a motion called leeward drift).
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The small dinghy is equipped with a centreboard for stability.
- Before tacking, the sailor lowered the centreboard to improve upwind performance.
- The centreboard was raised when entering the shallow harbour.
Advanced Usage
"To drop/raise the centreboard": Common phrases describing the action of deploying or retracting the centreboard.
- Drop the centreboard fully when sailing upwind.
- Remember to raise the centreboard before beaching the boat.
"Centreboard trunk/case": Refers to the housing or slot in the hull through which the centreboard is lowered and raised.
- Water was leaking into the boat through a crack in the centreboard trunk.
Variants and Related Words
- Centerboard: The American English spelling variant.
- Daggerboard: A related type of retractable keel that is lifted vertically rather than pivoting.
- Leeboard: A fixed board mounted on the side of a boat's hull to serve a similar purpose, often used on traditional or flat-bottomed boats.
- Keel: The main structural base of a ship; a centreboard is a type of retractable, supplemental keel.
Synonyms
- Retractable keel: A general term describing its function and mechanism.
- Sliding keel: Another descriptive synonym emphasizing its movable nature.
Related Phrases
- Centreboard up/down: A standard sailing instruction regarding the position of the centreboard.
- "Centreboard up!" the instructor shouted as they approached the shore.
Noun
-
a retractable fin keel used on sailboats to prevent drifting to leeward
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