Two-masted sailboats are wildly popular amongst sailors. Why? Because a two-masted sailboat looks classic, and timeless just like in the movies. They also offer perfect balance, which can be easily achieved by adjusting the masts in various ways.
In stronger winds, the main mast can be removed. Then the smaller mizzen mast can provide balanced and comfortable sailing even in poor weather conditions. Stability is essential, but what is a boat with 2 masts called?
Several sailboats have two masts. The most common types are the ketch, the yawl, the schooner, and the brig. In most cases, the design of the masts varies, but the basic structure remains the same. You can have the additional mast behind or in front of the main mast.
Sailing Boats with 2 Masts
If the extra mast is in front of the main mast, it is called a foremast, but if the additional mast is behind the main mast, it is called a mizzen mast.
Let’s review these two-masted sailing boats, starting with the ketch:
1. Ketch
Image credit: American Sailing Association
The mizzen mast of a ketch is almost as high as the main mast. The mizzen supports the mainsail. However, its primary function is to propel the sailboat forward, and it can sail the boat, especially in stronger winds.
This is very different from the mizzen mast of a yawl, which serves only to balance the rudder and not to propel the boat forward. This means that the mizzen mast of a ketch is larger than that of a yawl. In short, the mizzen mast of a ketch is technically a driving sail, while the mizzen mast of a dinghy is more of a balancing sail.
A ketch usually has an advantage over a sloop in downwind or high winds. This is because there is a greater variety of configurations than a typical sloop.
The mizzen mast gives you many options for depowering in strong winds and finding the perfect amount of sail. It can also help stabilize the sailboat under power, as the mizzen mast is in an excellent position.
A ketch has many practical advantages that can be ideal in most situations on the water. A ketch not only sails smoothly on a beam but is also easy to maneuver and gives you many options in different weather conditions and situations.
2. Yawl
Image credit: American Sailing Association
A yawl is one of the typical two-masted sailing boats. It has two masts: a mizzen mast and the main mast. The mizzen mast is usually much shorter than the main mast. So, it is a leaning sailboat where the main mast is in the front part of the boat while the mizzen mast is in the back part.
The mizzen mast of a yawl is used to improve the balance of the rudder and is located aft or behind the rudder.
It is easy to confuse a yawl with a ketch. Both have two masts, the main mast forward and the smaller mizzen mast. The difference between a ketch and a yawl is the position of the mast. In a yawl, the mizzen mast is behind the rudder, while in a ketch, it is in front of the rudder.
3. Brig
Like the two-masted sailing vessels mentioned above, the brig has two masts with a square main mast. The main mast can be square, partially square, or triangular. Some brigs have a battened mainsail on the main mast.
Historically, brigs were used by pirates. Their name derives from the Italian word “brigantine,” which translates to “pirate.” This type of sailing vessel was used by Mediterranean pirates in the 16th century before being converted into sailing ships.
The two common types of brigs:
- Brigantine:The foremast is usually partially square, while the main mast is triangular.
- Hermaphrodite brigantine:Also known as a schooner brig or half brig. The two masts are partially square, but the main mast is a gull and topsail, making it a half schooner.
In terms of speed and maneuverability, brigs are easy to handle and maneuver, which is why they were favored by pirates. Again, brigs tend to be larger than other two-masted or single-masted sailing vessels.
4. Schooner
Image credit: American Sailing Association
In a two-masted schooner (a schooner can have two or more masts), the bow mast is usually smaller than the stern mast, which is the main mast. Therefore, the main characteristic of a schooner is that the masts are about the same height, but the foremast is slightly smaller.
While a schooner is easier to sail than a sloop or a single-masted sailboat, it is not very fast. For this reason, most sailors prefer a sloop to a schooner, but it is a beautiful sight, especially when sailing under full sail.
Although the schooner with a square topsail is the most common, there are also vessels with diagonally set spritsails. Schooners with spritsails are not ideal in the larger seaways because the spritsail rig cannot be lowered, or it will become unmaneuverable. On the other hand, the spritsail rig is ideal for coastal waters because the topsail can take a strong breeze.
Takeaway
There are different types of two-masted sailing ships, so there is no one name that fits all of them. You can choose any of them because they will serve you well and help stabilize the boat, especially in strong winds.
See Also:
- What is a Sailboat Mast? Everything You Need to Know!
- How To Sail From California To Hawaii?
- How Long Does It Take To Sail Across The Atlantic?
Contents
- 1 Sailing Boats with 2 Masts
- 1.1 1. Ketch
- 1.2 2. Yawl
- 1.3 3. Brig
- 1.4 4. Schooner
- 2 Takeaway
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in sailing and maritime history, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to delve into the intricacies of two-masted sailboats, a subject that has captured the fascination of sailors and enthusiasts alike.
The allure of two-masted sailboats lies not only in their classic and timeless appearance, reminiscent of scenes from the movies, but also in their inherent advantages. The ability to achieve perfect balance through the adjustment of masts adds a practical dimension to their aesthetic appeal. In particular, the removal of the main mast in stronger winds, with the smaller mizzen mast taking over, showcases the adaptability and stability that define these vessels.
Now, let's dissect the various concepts embedded in the provided article:
Two-Masted Sailboats: A Closer Look
1. Types of Two-Masted Sailboats:
-
Ketch:
- Description: The ketch features a mizzen mast almost as high as the main mast. The mizzen serves a dual purpose—supporting the mainsail and propelling the sailboat forward, particularly in stronger winds. The larger size of the mizzen mast in a ketch distinguishes it from a yawl.
- Advantages: Ketches excel in downwind or high-wind conditions, offering a greater variety of configurations than a typical sloop. The mizzen mast provides options for depowering in strong winds and contributes to stabilizing the sailboat under power.
-
Yawl:
- Description: A yawl, another two-masted sailing boat, consists of a main mast and a shorter mizzen mast. The mizzen mast is positioned behind the rudder, contributing primarily to the balance of the rudder rather than propelling the boat forward.
- Distinction: The key difference between a yawl and a ketch lies in the position of the mizzen mast—in a yawl, it is behind the rudder, whereas in a ketch, it is in front of the rudder.
-
Brig:
- Description: The brig, a historical sailing vessel, features two masts, with the main mast often square. Brigs were historically used by pirates and come in two common types: brigantine and hermaphrodite brigantine.
- Types:
- Brigantine: Foremast is partially square, and the main mast is triangular.
- Hermaphrodite Brigantine: Both masts are partially square, with the main mast featuring a gull and topsail rig.
-
Schooner:
- Description: A two-masted schooner typically has a smaller bow mast and a larger stern mast, with both masts being of similar height. Schooners are known for their aesthetic appeal, though they may not be as fast as sloops.
- Characteristics: Schooners may feature square topsails or diagonally set spritsails, with the latter being suitable for coastal waters but less maneuverable in larger seaways.
2. Key Takeaway:
- The article concludes by emphasizing the diverse options available among two-masted sailing ships, each serving well to stabilize the boat, especially in challenging wind conditions.
In summary, the world of two-masted sailboats encompasses a rich tapestry of types, each with its unique characteristics and advantages, making them a fascinating subject for sailors and enthusiasts alike.
