Centreboard facts for kids

A centreboard helps a sailboat move forward without drifting sideways.

A centreboard (or centerboard in the US) is a special part on some sailboats. Think of it like a fin that can be moved up and down into the water. It helps the boat stay steady and sail in a straight line. Without it, the boat would just slide sideways in the water, especially when the wind blows.

How Does a Centreboard Work?

When a sailboat moves through the water, the wind pushes its sails. This push can make the boat want to slide sideways, which is called "leeway." The centreboard acts like a underwater wing. It creates a force that stops the boat from sliding sideways. This allows the boat to move forward efficiently.

Why Do Boats Need a Centreboard?

Centreboards are super useful for a few reasons:

• Sailing in Shallow Water: When the water is not very deep, like near a beach or in a river, the centreboard can be pulled up. This stops it from hitting the bottom.
• Better Sailing: In deeper water, the centreboard is lowered. This helps the boat sail better against the wind and keeps it stable.
• Easy to Transport: Boats with centreboards are often easier to put on a trailer and move around. This is because the board can be pulled up, making the boat flatter.

What Are Centreboards Made Of?

Centreboards can be made from different materials. On smaller boats, they are often made from strong plastics or a material called fibreglass. Fibreglass is light but very tough. On bigger boats, centreboards might be made from metal. These metal boards are often very heavy. Their weight helps to make the boat even more stable in the water.

Different Types of Centreboards

There are two main types of centreboards:

• Pivoting Centreboards: These boards are attached to the boat with a hinge. They swing up and down like a door. If they hit something in the water, they can swing up to avoid damage.
• Daggerboards: These are straight boards that slide directly up and down into a slot in the boat. They are like a dagger being pushed into a sheath. Daggerboards are often found on faster racing boats.

Who Invented the Centreboard?

The idea of a movable keel, which is what a centreboard is, was invented a long time ago. A British naval officer named Lt. John Schank (born around 1740) is often given credit for inventing the modern centreboard. He helped design ships that could sail in both deep and shallow waters.

See also

In Spanish: Orza para niños