What is a pivoting board that can be lowered and used like a keel to keep a boat from slipping to leward?

• A. Daggerboard
• B. Centerboard
• C. Ballast
• D. Keel

Answer: (B)

A pivoting centerboard is a retractable board mounted along the boat’s centerline that swings down to act like a keel. When lowered, its underwater surface provides lateral resistance against the force of the wind, which reduces sideways drift (leeway) and lets the boat sail closer to the wind. It can be raised in shallow water or to reduce drag when not needed. A daggerboard also provides lateral resistance but slides up and down rather than pivoting, so it’s not described as a pivoting board used like a keel. Ballast is simply weight to stabilize the boat, and a fixed keel is heavy and non-retractable.