In this article, we'll detail what makes the centerboarder such a special choice, its sailing benefits, its relative drawbacks and why it's ideal for sailors looking for freedom and security.
What is a centerboarder ?
A centerboarder is a sailboat whose fixed keel is replaced by a mobile, retractable centerboard, which can be fully retracted into the hull by pivoting on an axis. This means that, in the raised position, the yacht can navigate in very shallow areas, and even run aground without risk on a beach or sandbank. When lowered, the centerboard acts as an anti-drift plane, as with a keelboat, enabling the yacht to sail upwind, hull, without skidding. centerboarders Garcia Yachts meet the same stability requirements as keelboats.
Compared with keelboats, centerboarder offer far greater sailing freedom. In particular, it allows access to wild anchorages in shallow waters, to get as close as possible to a beach where others can't go, and in bad weather, a centerboarder can also take shelter in small anchorages, sheltered from the coast. aluminium models, such as those designed and produced by Garcia Yachtscombine sturdiness and safety, essential for offshore sailing.
Advantages and disadvantages of aluminium centerboarder
Versatile navigation
The first advantage of a centerboarder with a shallow draft is access to shallow water. Unlike keelboats, a centerboarder has access to beaches, lagoons and rivers. And with a safe aluminium hull , even the most adventurous sailors can venture into poorly mapped areas. For long-distance travelers, the centerboarder solution is ideal.
Smooth sailing
With the centreboard raised on downwind points of sail, a centerboarder offers a much smoother ride, thanks to the virtual absence of roll. In heavy seas, the boat can skid sideways, with no side-hook effect, and - the ultimate safety feature - remain maneuverable, even in breaking waves. Life on board is all the smoother and more comfortable, which is essential for long crossings lasting several days or even weeks.
Security
From a safety point of view, a centerboarder, thanks to its Shallow draft , can find shelter as close to the coast as possible, in a shallow cove, in the event of very bad conditions. A keelboat will be unable to do the same.
Upwind performance
In the minds of many, centerboarders offer poor upwind performance. But today's hulls have undergone a major evolution and have gained in performance. Of course, a centerboarder will never head as far upwind as a keelboat, but the great French naval architect Olivier Racoupeau has designed modern, stable and well-balanced hulls for the GarciaExploration that sail upwind honestly, thanks in particular to their optimized weight distribution, inertia and comfortable passage through the wave.
Care and maintenance
A centerboarder allows you to land on a beach. When blue water cruising, you can inspect your living works without having to take the boat out of the water. It also provides easy access to sacrificial anodes for checking and replacement. If the boat needs to be taken out of the water for wintering, it will always be easier to handle and find a place for a centerboarder.
Analuminium centerboarder to go where?
Offshore sailing and blue water cruising
A centerboarder is ideal for ocean-going adventurers, from the Northwest Passage to the Tropics. Its comfort at sea, especially downwind, is particularly well suited to this program.
Blog link to "Grand voyage" article
Coastal navigation and shallow waters
For those who don't plan to cross the ocean, the centerboarder is just as suitable, thanks to its Shallow draft , which allows access to the most isolated anchorages, close to shore or in rivers.
Difficult weather conditions
For sailors who are going to encounter strong wind and sea conditions, particularly in the Arctic and Antarctic, the centerboarder is also especially recommended, both for its seaworthy qualities in heavy seas, and for its ability to take shelter in inaccessible areas.
Blog link to "Hautes Latitudes" article
Around the world
Whensailing around the world, mostly on downwind points of sail, when weather hazards may be encountered, when the boat will need to be checked and sometimes wintered ashore, the aluminium centerboarder is undeniably the ideal solution.
Blog link to "Around the world" article
The centerboarder by Garcia Yachts
Garcia Yachts designsaluminium Twin rudders centerboarders for adventure. For all the qualities listed above, the shipyard is convinced that this is the best type of sailboat for exploring the world under sail, off the beaten track. Garcia Exploration cabin cruisers, available in 45, 52 and 60-foot versions, also offer exceptional on-board comfort, thanks in particular to their deck saloon, thermal insulation and incomparable finish quality.
Thealuminium centerboarder represents the quintessence of the cruising sailboat: freedom, safety and versatility. At Garcia Yachtswe are passionate about developing them for sailors in search of distant horizons. Whether it's an expedition in cold seas or an exploration of turquoise waters, our sailboats are designed to take their owners wherever their dreams take them.
