Vingekøl

Vingekøl is a term used in Danish to describe a type of keel found on sailboats. The primary function of a keel is to provide stability and prevent excessive leeway, which is the sideways drift of a boat due to wind. A vingekøl, which translates to "wing keel," is characterized by its distinct shape, often featuring one or more horizontal projections or "wings" extending from the main lower section.

These wings are designed to increase the keel's aspect ratio, meaning the ratio of its span to its chord. This increased aspect ratio can improve the hydrodynamic efficiency of the keel, enhancing its ability to generate lift and counteract leeway. The design of a wing keel can also contribute to a shallower draft compared to a conventional deep keel of the same lifting capacity, making it suitable for sailing in areas with less water depth.

Wing keels are typically made of lead or iron and are bolted to the hull of the sailboat. Their specific shape and size are determined by the boat's design, intended use, and performance goals. While they offer potential advantages in terms of stability and draft, they can sometimes be more complex to manufacture and may have different handling characteristics compared to traditional keel designs. The effectiveness of a vingekøl depends on various factors, including hull shape, sail plan, and sailing conditions.