Twin keel

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Twin keels or bilge keels are two keels that emerge at an angle from the hull of a sailboat, at or near the bilges. The angle allows the boat to have a shallower draft while still allowing for minimum leeway while sailing. The placement of the twin keels also allows the boat to stand upright when out of the water without additional support, as opposed to a single-keeled boat that would fall over if water levels dropped. Twin-keeled boats are typically used in coastal areas that experience extreme changes in tide. When the tide is low the boat will sit on her keels and remain stable and upright. This configuration is especially useful for sailors in Britain and many parts of the Eastern United States.