What the draught is
The draught is the part of the boat that sits below the water. It is measured from the waterline, where the water meets the hull, to the lowest point of the vessel. On a sailboat, that point is usually the keel.
Put simply: the draught tells you how much water the boat needs beneath her to float without catching on the bottom. If the water is shallower than the draught, the keel touches. That is why it is a safety figure.
Where it matters on our outings
Every outing sails with a qualified professional skipper. One of the things they keep an eye on is the draught. Close to the coast, where the bottom rises, they choose carefully the place and the moment to approach. Their experience decides which areas are safe.
This is most noticeable when anchoring. When the state of the sea allows, we stop for a swim, some snorkelling and the aperitif. Before dropping the anchor, the skipper checks there is plenty of water beneath the keel. This way the boat stays still and safe while you enjoy the dip.
The sea is not a stage. We do not sell an excursion, we share an experience. And part of that experience is trusting that whoever governs the sailboat knows these details and looks after everyone on board.
A detail to remember
The keel does not only set the draught. It also gives the sailboat stability. It runs down the middle of the hull like a large fin and acts as a counterweight, helping the boat not to capsize when the wind pushes the sails.
So the draught has two sides. On one hand it forces you to choose carefully where to approach the coast. On the other, that deep keel is what lets you sail under canvas with steadiness. A single detail that calls for care close to land and gives safety in the open sea.
