Nautical Term: Even keel
Definition of Even keel
When a boat is said to be riding on an even keel, it means that the boat’s plane of flotation is either level with or parallel to the boat’s designed waterline.
For instance, consider a sailboat participating in a regatta. The sailboat’s design waterline specifies the ideal waterline for the boat when sailing under normal conditions.
During the regatta, the sailboat is repeatedly hoisting its sail and trimming it in response to the wind conditions. As a result, the sailboat’s plane of flotation may shift, causing the boat to either heel excessively or ride uncomfortably high in the water.
In order to ensure that the sailboat is riding on an even keel and maintaining its designed waterline, the boat’s crew must continually monitor the boat’s trim and make any necessary adjustments to the sail or the rudder in order to maintain the boat’s even keel and ensure that it is sailing efficiently and effectively under the prevailing wind conditions.
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