It is named the ZERO keel system “because it has zero bolts and zero risk of falling off the hull. The intergral lead ballast that sits inside the Zero Keel bulb generates a very low centre of gravity and has a very positive effect to improve righting moment as well, so the AVS (Angle of Vanishing Stability; the point at which the yacht rolls back up after a knockdown), is an incredible 130deg, which is much higher than all other cruising yachts in production today of comparable size. This means that not only will a Kraken come back up the right way from a knockdown, but they can carry between 20-25% more sail area too, so you’ll sail more and motor less, which is better for the crew sailing her and the planet as well.

The lead ballast bulb is situated inside the base of a long and robust GRP fin keel that is moulded as an integral part of the hull. The leading edge and the bottom of the keel moulding are further strengthened with an extensive external multiaxial laminate incorporating Kevlar™ reinforcement.

This also gives maximum protection against impact while the length and shape of the keel ensure good directional stability and low drag.

Kraken chairman and experienced blue water sailor Dick Beaumont explains…

“Our ZERO keel design answers the prayers of every blue water sailor. If you’ve ever got a cold shiver down your spine wondering what would happen if your keel fell off hundreds of miles from the coast, you can rest in your bunk secure in the knowledge that with a Kraken Yacht that can never happen.”

On the design front Filip Sochaj, Krakens Head of Design explains.

Dick’s brief to Kevin Dibley, Kraken’s Designer was to develop a completely new concept in yacht design which married together all the safety benefits of an integral hull and keel with the hydrodynamic sailing performance of bulb shaped keel.

So now we had it all, a yacht with a keel that can never come off and yet sails like a dream.

Kevin enhanced his keel design to ensure optimum motion and comfort at sea by spreading the ballast weight over a much longer keel length than is normally found in modern yacht designs and after Pete Lawson of Hauraki Design, completed the structural engineering the Zero Keel was born. In summary Kraken Yachts believes that “No blue water yacht should be built without safety being its very first consideration. The Kraken hull and keel are one piece. It is impossible for them to be separated. It is perhaps the ultimate example of Kraken Yachts’ belt and braces attitude towards the requirements for safe blue water sailing.”

You can also take a look at what makes the Kraken 50 a superb luxury sailing yacht and how the ZERO keel supports this.