Jim,
First - do not post a real @ddress on the usenet, the spambots will grab
it.

Next - your plan to take a keel boat class is real good.

Finally - wing keels come in two kinds.
High level competition versions that have hydrodynamic elements at the
bottom of the keel to improve performance. To explain what these are
actually trying to do will take several pages and if you don't already
know how a sailboat works most of the discussion will be meaningless. -And-
Formed ballast added to the bottom of a short keel. Though the
manufactures try to make this look like a hydrodynamic element, the real
reason is to get ballast low without the penalty of deeper draft. These
do work better than a Sheel Keel (big wup). Like the version above, it
does provide a dynamic draft increase with angle of heal but it is not a
significant gain. The wings on this version keel are great for two
things- collecting all weeds you sail through - making the boat stand up
more easily when aground.

If you look up the PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) ratings for
boats built with conventional and wing keel, you will find that often
the wing is getting a boost because its performance is off from the deep
keel version.

Summation: Does it matter to you - NO If where you expect to sail is
not always deep water, then the wing is a great idea.

Enjoy the boat, but please be aware the sailing can be addictive, habit
forming and can cause you to be very irratable when you are surrounded
by people that have no clue (or clew).

Matt Colie A.Sloop "Bonne Ide'e" S2- 7.9 #1
Lifelong Waterman, Licensed Mariner and and Pathological Sailor

Jim wrote:

First of all, I am new here and brand new to sailing. I was recently
given a 20-year old Hunter 23 that has "the infamous wing keel". (Its
former owner was given an ultimatum by his 'mate' and told that he
could either keep her or the boat...and he figured that it was cheaper
to keep her. Thus I became the owner of a sailboat. (I know that
acquiring a boat before you have much on-water experience violates one
of the basic tenets of sailing....however, what's a guy to do when he
is GIVEN a sailboat.

While I have always had a big desire to learn to sail and to own a
sailboat, I have just now had the opportunity to do so. I have read
quite a bit and I will attend a Basic Keel Boat class in September.)
Over the last couple of years, I have read a few books and a number of
articles on sailing but there are many things that remain a mystery to
me. One of them is the wing(ed) keel, its purpose, and how it works.
Can someone explain it. Thanks in advance. Jim