Apparatus and method to optimize sailing efficiency

A keel for use in a sailing vessel comprising:

• a keel having a leading edge and a trailing edge;
• a keel tip area disposed near the end of the keel that is farthest away from said sailing vessel;
• a keel root area disposed near the portion of the keel that is closest to said sailing vessel;
• a first track disposed on a first side of said keel, adapted to receive a first slideable member;
• a second track disposed on a second side of said keel, adapted to receive a second slideable member;
• wherein said slidable members are each capable of sliding from said keel root area to said keel tip area;
• wherein said first track and said second track are disposed substantially parallel to said leading edge.

A keel for use in a sailing vessel comprising:

• a canting keel having a leading edge and a trailing edge;
• a keel tip area disposed near the end of the keel that is farthest away from said sailing vessel;
• a keel root area disposed near the portion of the keel that is closest to said sailing vessel;
• a first track disposed on a first side of said keel, adapted to receive a first slideable member;
• a second track disposed on a second side of said keel, adapted to receive a second hydrofoil member;
• wherein said slidable members are each capable of sliding from said keel root area to said keel tip area;
• wherein said first track and said second track are disposed substantially parallel to said leading edge.

A keel for use in a sailing vessel comprising:

• a removable keel having a leading edge and a trailing edge;
• a keel tip area disposed near the end of the keel that is farthest away from said sailing vessel;
• a keel root area disposed near the portion of the keel that is closest to said sailing vessel;
• a first track disposed on a first side of said keel, adapted to receive a first slideable member;
• a second track disposed on a second side of said keel, adapted to receive a second slideable member;
• wherein said slidable members are each capable of sliding from said keel root area to said keel tip area;
• wherein said first track and said second track are disposed substantially parallel to said leading edge.

A keel for use in a sailing vessel comprising:

• a canting keel having a leading edge and a trailing edge;
• a keel tip area disposed near the end of the keel that is farthest away from said sailing vessel;
• a keel root area disposed near the portion of the keel that is closest to said sailing vessel;
• a first track disposed on a first side of said keel, adapted to receive a first slideable member;
• a second track disposed on a second side of said keel, adapted to receive a second hydrofoil member;
• wherein said slidable members are each capable of sliding from said keel root area to said keel tip area.