ketch sailboat diagram

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What’s in a Rig? The Ketch

By: Pat Reynolds Sailboat Rigs , Sailboats

What’s in a Rig Series #4

Ketch rigs hold a special place in many a cruising sailor’s heart. There’s something dignified and majestic about them. They are two masted rigs with a main mast and a (smaller) mizzenmast – they carry a jib just like a sloop. Generally, ketches will be in the 40-plus foot range. The reasoning for this is that before sailing hardware and gizmotology (yes, we invented a word) was as advanced as it is now, designers were looking for ways to carry a good amount of sail, but make it manageable at the same time. This configuration served that purpose and while doing so also gave sailors quite a few options for various weather conditions and situations.

Ketch rig sailors speak of the balance that can be achieved with adjusting the various sails in a multitude of ways. There’s a more nuanced control that is achievable through the assortment of trimming permutations. Some take pride in the ability to lock the helm and steer the boat using just the relationship of the multiple sails.

Like cutter rigs, ketch advocates also sing praises for its characteristics in heavier winds. Many will break down the mainsail and go with the mizzen and foresail combo, which can make for a balanced and comfortable ride in more blustery conditions. Factor in reefing and there are a lot of options to depower and find the perfect amount of canvas to fly.

Many fans of the ketch will speak of the mizzenmast as a trusty old friend. It can help stabilize the boat under power, even act like a poor man’s bow thruster at times (a very poor man by the way). And for cruisers, it can also be utilized for more industrious purposes like using it as a crane to pick up a dinghy or some other heavy something or other. You’ll also see many wind generators, antennas and other stuff mounted on mizzenmasts because of their natural excellent positioning for such things.

So the ketch is a definitely a great choice for short-handed cruisers. It has many practical benefits and let’s face it – a pretty ketch, fully rigged and sailing peacefully on a beam-reach, heading somewhere better than where it was…that’s a defining image of what sailboat cruising is. Photo Pat Reynolds.

What's in a Rig Series:

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What Is a Ketch Sailboat?

‍ Ketch sailboats are a common sight in some areas, and they have numerous handling benefits. But what is a ketch, and how does it differ?

A ketch is a two-mast sailboat similar to a yawl. The mainmast is shorter than a sloop, and the mizzenmast aft is shorter than the mainmast. A ketch usually has a triangular mizzen sail and a triangular or square headsail.

In this article, we’ll cover the general characteristics of a ketch and how to distinguish it from other two-masted sailboats. Additionally, we’ll go over the benefits of the ketch rig and how it compares to the similar yawl rig. We’ll also overview the most common types of ketch sailboats on the water today.

We sourced the information used in this article from sailboat identification guides and rig design diagrams.

Table of contents

‍ General Description of a Ketch Sailboat

A ketch is a two-masted sailboat with a tall mizzenmast mast aft of the mainmast. A key characteristic of Ketch sailboats is that their mizzenmast is shorter than the mainmast.

The mainmast itself is typical and resembles a sloop mast. A ketch has a mainsail and one or more headsails on the mainmast, along with a single mizzen on the mizzenmast.

A ketch can easily be mistaken for a yawl, as these vessels have similar sail arrangements. Ketch sailboats can have square or triangular rigs, depending on the age and specific design of the boat.

A gaff headsail is usually accompanied by a triangular mizzen on a ketch, similar to a schooner.

Ketch Sailboat History

The ketch is a relatively old part of the sailing world. Based on the classic yawl design, the ketch was used extensively for workboats on the New England coast at the height of the sailing era.

Ketch sailboats were robust and easy to handle. They also tracked a naturally straight course due to their mizzen, which was used as a primitive form of self-steering. This was helpful for small fishing boats, as the crew didn’t need to attend to the rudder quite so often.

Ketch sailboats continued working the New England coast well into the era of steam. In the mid to late-1800s, ketch-rigged workboats were still a common sight in coastal areas.

Today, they persist as recreational and cruising sailboats, as their tough and stable rigs are still a practical option for boatbuilders.

Types of Ketch Sailboats

There are many types of ketch sailboats on the water. The ketch is not the most common kind of sailboat, but there are enough of them around to notice once in a while. Ketch sailboats were once utility boats, but they’ve been strictly used for recreational and cruising boats for the last 100 years or so.

The most common kind of ketch is the simple cruising ketch. These sailboats are typically made of fiberglass and resemble other cruising sailboats in almost every way.

Their interior accommodations are the same as a comparably-sized sloop, though cockpit space is limited due to the presence of a mizzenmast and rigging.

The ketch rig is a popular choice for motorsailers, especially heavy-displacement versions. The ketch is a stable design with quite a bit of power due to its additional mast, which allows the mainsail and boom footprint to be slightly smaller. The ketch is also highly controllable, which is great for closed-cockpit sailboats.

The ketch rig is also popular on classic sailboats. Specifically, the gaff-rigged ketch is a common sight in some classic boat circles—particularly on the East Coast of the United States. Wooden ketch-rigged boats were outfitted with both traditional square and modern triangular rigs.

There are a few smaller open-cockpit ketch sailboats around, and these are popular for cruising deeper water—but not far from shore. Open cruising ketch sailboats are usually less than 20 feet long and can be found most often around Chesapeake Bay.

Cutter Ketch Rig

A cutter ketch is simply a ketch rig with additional headsails. Because the mast is in the same position as a sloop, the ketch is easy to rig with additional forward sails. A typical cruising ketch can use a wide variety of headsails, including a spinnaker.

Ketch Vs Yawl

The ketch rig is very similar to the yawl, which also has a tall mainmast and an additional mizzenmast and mizzen aft. The yawl is a much older boat that originated in England or Scotland around the 17th century.

The yawl rig usually has a shorter mizzenmast that’s positioned further aft, as the mizzen boom usually extends beyond the stern of the boat. A ketch mizzen is positioned forward, usually a bit larger and more comparable to the size of the mainsail.

Yawl and ketch rigs are both quite stable. A ketch usually has a bit more power due to its larger mizzen, though the yawl is generally considered to be easier for a single person or a short-handed crew to handle.

Ketch Rig Benefits

There are numerous benefits to the ketch rig, especially when compared to tall Marconi/Bermuda rigs. The primary benefit is that, despite the additional mast and rigging, a ketch is exceptionally easy to handle.

A ketch spreads out its sail area between the headsail, mainsail, and mizzen. The additional mast and sail allow the mainmast to be shortened, which naturally makes the boat easier to control single-handed.

Ketch rigs offer additional precision, as you can adjust three sails independently to optimize performance for any given wind condition. The mizzen is in close proximity to the cockpit, and due to its small size, it’s easy to control.

Ketch rigs can also self-steer to some extent. The mizzen works the same way that a stabilizing sail on a fishing drift boat does and keeps the boat tracking on a straight course with or without constant rudder input from the crew.

The ketch rig also offers a level of redundancy that traditional single-masted sailboats don’t have. This is particularly attractive to long-range cruisers. A ketch has a shorter mainmast, which allows boatbuilders to use stronger materials and maintain the same weight.

A ketch can continue sailing if you lose a mainstay or suffer dismasting, as there’s an additional mast aft that probably won’t also go down. This extra level of safety is useful when conditions are rough, and it also gives you peace of mind when out on the open ocean.

Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Ketch Sailboats: The Ultimate Guide

An introduction to ketch sailboats:.

Ketch sailboats are a unique and captivating type of sailboat that offers a distinctive sailing experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the design, purpose, key features, rigging options, appropriate buyers and considerations, top brands, and conclude with why ketch sailboats are a remarkable choice for sailing enthusiasts.

Ketch Sailboats: Design and Purpose:

Ketch sailboats are characterized by their two-masted configuration, with a taller mainmast located forward and a shorter mizzen mast positioned aft. This design allows for a versatile sail plan, with various combinations of sails that provide excellent balance and handling. The purpose of ketch sailboats is to offer enhanced control, stability, and ease of handling, making them suitable for both coastal cruising and long-distance passages.

Hans Christian created incredible ketch sailboats, this one is sailing along the coast.

Ketch Key Features:

Enhanced maneuverability:.

The two-masted rig of a ketch sailboat allows for flexible sail combinations, including the option to sail with a mizzen alone. This versatility provides exceptional maneuverability, allowing sailors to adapt to different wind conditions and optimize performance.

Balanced Sailing:

The placement of the mizzen mast aft of the mainmast helps to balance the sail plan. This configuration reduces weather helm, making it easier to maintain a steady course and reducing the strain on the helm. The balanced sail plan also contributes to a comfortable and stable sailing experience.

Hans Christian Sailboat ketch interior view

Comfortable Accommodations:

Ketch sailboats often feature spacious interiors with well-appointed cabins, saloons, and galleys. The additional deck space between the mainmast and mizzen mast provides ample room for lounging and outdoor activities. These features make ketch sailboats ideal for extended stays on the water, offering comfort and livability for onboard living.

Flexible Sail Plan:

Ketch sailboats offer a range of sail combinations, including a mainsail, mizzen sail, jib, genoa, and staysail. This flexibility allows sailors to adjust the sail area to suit prevailing wind conditions, ensuring optimal performance and control.

Rigging on Ketch Sailboats:

Ketch sailboats typically feature a variety of rigging options, including:

Traditional Ketch: This rig configuration consists of a tall mainmast and a shorter mizzen mast, with a variety of sail combinations available.
Staysail Ketch: In a staysail ketch, an additional staysail is set between the mainmast and mizzen mast. This rig enhances sailing performance and allows for finer sail adjustments.

Stern view of a ketch sailboat at the dock

Appropriate Buyers and Considerations for Ketch Sailboats:

Ketch sailboats appeal to a range of sailors who value versatility, comfort, and balanced sailing. Consider the following factors when contemplating a ketch sailboat:

Experienced Sailors: Ketch sailboats require some experience and knowledge to optimize their sail plans and handling characteristics effectively. They are often favored by sailors with a desire for greater control and the ability to fine-tune the rigging for various wind conditions.
Cruising Enthusiasts: Ketch sailboats are well-suited for cruisers who plan to spend extended periods onboard. The spacious accommodations and comfortable living areas make them ideal for those seeking a comfortable and enjoyable cruising experience.
Long-Distance Voyages: With their stable and balanced sailing characteristics, ketch sailboats are a popular choice for long-distance passages. Their ability to handle various weather conditions and provide a smooth ride makes them reliable companions on offshore adventures.

Top Brands:

When considering a ketch sailboat, it is crucial to explore reputable brands known for their quality craftsmanship and sailing performance. Here are three top brands worth considering:

Cheoy Lee has established itself as a respected sailboat brand, and their ketch sailboats are highly regarded for their quality and performance. While Cheoy Lee ketch sailboats can primarily be found on the used market, they continue to attract attention from sailors and enthusiasts seeking vessels with solid construction and timeless designs.

One of the standout features of Cheoy Lee ketch sailboats is their exceptional build quality. These boats are known for their sturdy construction and attention to detail, ensuring durability and reliability on the water. Cheoy Lee’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the meticulous construction techniques and high-quality materials used in their ketch sailboats.

Cheoy Lee 44 ketch sailboat with sails up heeling

In terms of design, Cheoy Lee ketches often showcase classic lines and graceful profiles that exude elegance and charm. These timeless designs have a lasting appeal and contribute to the overall allure of Cheoy Lee sailboats. The use of teak woodwork, traditional deck layouts, and fine finishes further enhance the classic aesthetic of their ketch sailboats.

Interiors & Seaworthiness

Comfortable interiors are another hallmark of Cheoy Lee ketch sailboats. The cabins and living spaces are designed to provide a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for extended stays on the water. The layout and arrangement of the interior spaces prioritize functionality and convenience, allowing for comfortable living and entertainment onboard.

Seaworthiness is a key aspect of Cheoy Lee ketch sailboats. These vessels are known for their ability to handle various sea conditions with confidence and stability. Whether cruising coastal waters or embarking on offshore passages, Cheoy Lee ketch sailboats offer a solid and dependable sailing experience.

Due to their reputation and enduring popularity, Cheoy Lee ketch sailboats on the used market are often sought after by sailors who appreciate the brand’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and classic design. Owning a Cheoy Lee ketch sailboat allows sailors to enjoy the combination of traditional elegance and reliable performance that the brand is known for.

Mason Yachts is a renowned name in the world of sailboats, particularly for their expertise in building high-quality ketch sailboats. These vessels are sought after by sailors who value offshore capabilities, timeless designs, and meticulous craftsmanship.

One of the defining features of Mason ketch sailboats is their exceptional seaworthiness. These boats are designed and built to handle offshore sailing with confidence and reliability. The hulls are carefully constructed to withstand challenging sea conditions, offering stability and a smooth ride. Mason ketch sailboats are known for their ability to handle heavy weather and long-distance passages, making them a popular choice among sailors with a taste for adventure .

Mason 63 ketch sailboat with all sails up on a sunny day

Timeless design is another hallmark of Mason ketch sailboats. These vessels feature classic lines and graceful profiles that evoke a sense of elegance and traditional beauty. Mason Yachts pays meticulous attention to the aesthetics of their sailboats, ensuring that each vessel embodies a timeless appeal that stands the test of time.

Detail & Excellence

Attention to detail is a key aspect of Mason ketch sailboats. From the fine woodwork to the exquisite finishes, every aspect of the boat’s construction is executed with precision and care. The interior spaces are designed to provide comfort and functionality, with well-appointed cabins, spacious saloons, and thoughtfully arranged living areas. The craftsmanship and attention to detail contribute to the overall quality and luxurious feel of Mason ketch sailboats.

Mason Yachts’ commitment to excellence extends to every aspect of their sailboats, from the selection of materials to the rigging and onboard systems. The company is dedicated to building reliable and well-equipped vessels that can withstand the demands of offshore sailing. The attention to detail and the use of high-quality components ensure that Mason ketch sailboats are not only beautiful but also dependable and capable in any sailing conditions.

Hans Christian:

Hans Christian Yachts has established a strong reputation in the sailing community, particularly for its beautifully crafted ketch sailboats. Although primarily found on the used market, Hans Christian ketches continue to captivate sailors with their timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and robust construction.

One of the standout features of Hans Christian ketch sailboats is their classic elegance. These vessels are meticulously designed with graceful lines, teak woodwork, and meticulous attention to detail. The combination of traditional design elements and high-quality materials creates a sense of timeless beauty that sets Hans Christian sailboats apart.

Hans Christian ketches are well-regarded for their seaworthiness, making them a popular choice for bluewater cruising and long-distance voyages. The sturdy construction and solid build of these sailboats instill confidence in sailors, allowing them to navigate challenging sea conditions with ease. Hans Christian sailboats are known for their ability to handle offshore passages and provide a smooth and stable ride.

Hans Christian Ketch Sailboat at the dock

Comfortable and spacious interiors are another highlight of Hans Christian ketch sailboats. The cabins are thoughtfully designed and well-appointed, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere for extended stays onboard. The saloons provide a comfortable space for relaxation and socializing, while the functional galleys are equipped with the necessary amenities for onboard cooking. The interior layout of Hans Christian ketch prioritizes comfort and functionality, creating a home-like environment for sailors.

Craftsmanship and Capabilities

With their traditional ketch rig, Hans Christian sailboats deliver excellent sailing performance and stability. The two masts and multiple sails allow for versatile sail configurations, enabling sailors to adjust to various wind conditions. The balanced sail plan and well-balanced hull design contribute to the overall performance and maneuverability of these sailboats. Whether navigating calm coastal waters or tackling challenging offshore passages, Hans Christian ketch sailboats offer a reliable and enjoyable sailing experience.

The combination of craftsmanship, reliability, and offshore capabilities makes Hans Christian ketch sailboats highly sought after by sailing enthusiasts. The brand’s commitment to producing sailboats of exceptional quality and enduring appeal has earned them a dedicated following. Owning a Hans Christian ketch sailboat not only provides a means of exploration and adventure but also offers a connection to the rich heritage of traditional yacht design.

Ketch Sailboats Conclusion:

Ketch sailboats offer a unique sailing experience characterized by versatility, balance, and comfort. Their two-masted rigging provides enhanced control and maneuverability, making them suitable for both coastal cruising and long-distance passages. With flexible sail plans, comfortable accommodations, and reliable performance, ketch sailboats are an excellent choice for experienced sailors, cruising enthusiasts, and those embarking on long-distance voyages.

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The Equator

Understanding Ketch Sailing Basics

Sailing a ketch yacht is a unique experience that requires a high level of skill and expertise. A ketch is a type of sailboat that has two masts, with a smaller mast located at the stern. The smaller mast is known as the mizzenmast, and it is usually smaller than the main mast.

Ketch sailing is a popular activity among avid sailors, as it offers a range of benefits, including improved stability, increased speed, and excellent maneuverability. To master the art of ketch sailing, you need to understand some of the basics of ketch sailing. Here are some essential tips to get you started:

Tips for Sailing a Ketch Yacht

Understand the wind direction and adjust your sails accordingly. Ketch sailing involves adjusting your sails to the wind direction to maximize your speed and maneuverability. This requires a keen understanding of wind direction and the ability to make quick adjustments to your sails.

Keep an eye on the weather conditions. Sailing a ketch yacht requires you to be aware of the weather conditions at all times. If the weather is too rough, it can be dangerous to sail, so it’s essential to keep an eye on any changes in the weather and adjust your sails accordingly.

Practice your maneuvering skills. Maneuvering a ketch yacht can be challenging, so it’s essential to practice your skills regularly. This includes docking, anchoring, and navigating in tight spaces.

The Art of Ketch Sailing

Ketch sailing is both an art and a science. It requires a high level of skill, experience, and expertise. To sail a ketch yacht successfully, you need to understand the principles of sail trim, navigation, and weather forecasting.

Principles of Sail Trim

Sail trim is one of the most critical aspects of ketch sailing. It involves adjusting the sails to maximize your speed and performance. Proper sail trim is essential to maintain optimal boat balance, which helps to improve stability and speed.

Here are some tips to help you master the art of sail trim:

Adjust your sails based on the wind direction.
Use telltales to monitor your sail trim.
Use the traveler to adjust the position of the boom.

Navigation Techniques

Navigation is another crucial aspect of ketch sailing. It involves using charts, compasses, and other instruments to navigate safely through the water. To sail a ketch yacht successfully, you must understand the basics of navigation.

Here are some essential navigation techniques to help you get started:

Use charts and maps to plan your route.
Use a compass to navigate and maintain your heading.
Use your GPS to monitor your progress and location.

Weather Forecasting

Weather forecasting is an essential skill for any sailor, and it’s especially important for ketch sailors. Understanding the weather can help you avoid dangerous conditions and make the most of favorable winds.

Here are some tips for understanding weather forecasting:

Monitor the weather forecast regularly.
Look for signs of changing weather conditions.
Learn how to read cloud formations and barometric pressure.

Advanced Ketch Sailing Techniques

Once you master the basics of ketch sailing, you can begin to explore more advanced techniques. These techniques can help you improve your speed, performance, and maneuverability.

Advanced Sail Trim Techniques

Advanced sail trim techniques involve adjusting your sails to optimize your speed and performance. These techniques require a high level of skill and experience and can be challenging to master.

Some advanced sail trim techniques include:

Using the boom vang to control sail shape.
Adjusting the draft of your sails.
Using a spinnaker or gennaker to improve your downwind performance.

Advanced Navigation Techniques

Advanced navigation techniques can help you navigate more challenging conditions and explore new areas. These techniques require a deep understanding of navigation principles and a high level of skill.

Some advanced navigation techniques include:

Using electronic navigation systems.
Using radar to navigate in fog or low visibility.
Navigating in challenging conditions, such as heavy seas or strong currents.

Advanced Maneuvering Techniques

Advanced maneuvering techniques can help you navigate in tight spaces and improve your overall sailing skills. These techniques require a high level of skill and experience and can be challenging to master.

Some advanced maneuvering techniques include:

Using a bow thruster to improve your maneuverability.
Docking in challenging conditions, such as high winds or strong currents.
Anchoring in challenging conditions, such as deep water or rocky bottoms.

Sailing a ketch yacht can be a rewarding and challenging experience. It requires a high level of skill, experience, and expertise. To master the art of ketch sailing, you need to understand the basics of sail trim, navigation, and weather forecasting. As you gain more experience, you can begin to explore more advanced techniques, such as advanced sail trim, navigation, and maneuvering techniques.

Sailing a ketch yacht is an art that takes time and practice to perfect. But with dedication and hard work, you can become a skilled and accomplished ketch sailor. So, set sail, explore new waters, and enjoy the thrill of ketch sailing!

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What is a Ketch Sailboat?

Ketch boats are frequently seen in certain regions and offer various advantages in terms of handling. However, what is a ketch and how does it stand out?

A ketch is a sailboat with two masts. The mainmast is shorter than the mast on a sloop, and the mizzenmast aft is shorter than the mainmast.

Ketches are a type of sailing vessel that have been around for centuries. They are known for their unique design, which features two masts – the main mast located towards the front of the vessel and a smaller mizzen mast located towards the back.

Understanding the Definition of a Ketch

Ketch rig is a type of sailboat that has two masts, with the main mast located forward and the smaller mizzen mast positioned aft. The ketch rig offers a variety of sail combinations to be used depending on wind conditions, making it one of the most versatile rigs available. The ketch rig allows for easy handling in all weather conditions, and its balance makes it ideal for long-distance cruising and offshore sailing.

The versatility of the ketch rig lies in its ability to use different sail combinations. For example, when sailing upwind or close-hauled, the mainsail and jib are typically used. When reaching or running downwind, the mizzen sail can be added to increase speed and stability. This flexibility allows sailors to adjust their sails according to changing weather conditions.

The ketch rig also offers excellent balance due to its two-mast configuration. The smaller mizzen mast positioned aft helps balance out the larger main mast located forward, providing increased stability in rough seas. This balance makes it easier for sailors to handle their boats in challenging conditions.

Ketches and Yawls: Understanding the Difference

Mizzen mast position: the main difference.

The primary difference between a ketch and a yawl is the position of the mizzen mast. In a ketch, the mizzen mast is located forward of the rudder post, while in a yawl, it is located aft of the rudder post. This difference in placement has several implications for how each type of sailboat rig handles on the water.

Larger and More Sail Area

Ketches are typically larger than yawls and have more sail area. This extra sail area allows them to generate more power and speed when sailing downwind or reaching. Ketches also tend to be heavier than yawls, which makes them more stable in rough seas. However, this added weight can make them slower to accelerate and maneuver in tight spaces.

Technical Analysis: Comparing Ketch vs Yawl Rigs

When comparing ketch vs yawl rigs from a technical standpoint, there are several factors to consider beyond just their size and sail area. One important consideration is the center of effort, which is the point where all the forces generated by the sails converge. In a ketch rig, the center of effort is typically farther forward than in a yawl rig, which can make it more difficult to balance when sailing upwind.

Another factor to consider is how each type of rig handles in different wind conditions. Ketches tend to perform better in light winds because they have more sail area to catch any available breeze. However, as the wind picks up, their heavier weight and larger size can make them more difficult to handle. Yawls, on the other hand, are better suited for heavy weather because their smaller size and aft-mast position give them better balance and control.

Variations of Ketch Sailboats

Although not frequently seen, the ketch is a type of sailboat that catches one’s attention due to its unique features. They are known for their classic design, spacious interiors, and comfortable cruising capabilities. These boats have been used for centuries as working watercraft, particularly in fishing and cargo transport, due to their ability to carry large loads and navigate in shallow waters. Here are some variations of ketch sailboats that you should know about.

Traditional Ketch Rig

The traditional ketch rig is characterized by having two masts, with the smaller mizzen mast located aft of the main mast. This rig has a triangular mainsail and a quadrilateral mizzen sail. The mainsail is usually larger than the mizzen sail, which provides balance and stability to the boat. This type of rig is commonly found on older sailing vessels.

Schooner-Rigged Ketch

The schooner-rigged ketch features two or more headsails instead of just one like other types of ketches. This rig allows for greater flexibility in adjusting sails according to wind conditions. It also gives the boat more speed when sailing downwind.

Gaff-Rigged Ketch

The gaff-rigged ketch features a gaff rig on both the main and mizzen masts. The sails are typically made of canvas, which gives them a classic look. This type of rig is often found on traditional wooden boats.

The Origin of the Word Ketch

Etymology is a fascinating field that allows us to trace the origins and evolution of words. The word “ketch” is no exception, with its roots dating back to Middle English. In this section, we will delve deeper into the history of the word “ketch” and explore how it came to be associated with a particular type of vessel.

The Middle English Connection

To understand the origin of the word “ketch,” we need to look at its linguistic roots. The word is believed to have originated from the Middle English word “cacchen,” which means “to catch.” This connection makes sense when you consider that ketches were originally designed for fishing purposes.

Samuel Pepys’ Diary

The first recorded use of the word “ketch” was in 1667 in Samuel Pepys’ diary . Pepys described a small two-masted vessel as a “ketch,” providing us with an early example of how the term was used in context. It’s interesting to note that even in Pepys’ time, ketches were already being used for both commercial and recreational purposes.

Ketches: A Historical Overview

17th century origins.

In the 17th century, ketches were developed as a response to the need for more efficient and versatile sailing vessels. The design of ketches allowed them to carry more cargo and sail faster than other types of ships at the time. With their two masts, ketches were able to accommodate a larger sail area while still being easy to handle with a smaller crew.

The early ketch designs were primarily used for fishing and trading, as they could easily navigate shallow waters and enter ports that larger ships could not. Their ability to sail close to the wind made them ideal for coastal trading routes.

Golden Age of Piracy

During the Golden Age of Piracy in the 18th century, ketches became popular among pirates due to their versatility and speed. Pirates would use ketches for raiding other ships, as well as transporting stolen goods back to their hideouts.

One notable example is the infamous pirate Blackbeard’s ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge. This ship was originally built as a French slave ship but was later captured by Blackbeard and converted into a powerful ketch with 40 guns.

Decline in Popularity

As steam-powered ships began to rise in popularity in the 19th century, traditional sailing vessels like ketches began to decline in use. However, they continued to be used for coastal trading and fishing due to their ability to navigate shallow waters and small harbors.

Resurgence in Popularity

In the 20th century, there was a resurgence in popularity among recreational sailors due to their ease of handling and versatility. Ketch designs were modified with modern materials such as fiberglass hulls and aluminum masts which made them easier and cheaper to build. Today, a few modern sailboat designs are based on traditional ketch designs.

Benefits of Ketches

The ketch rig offers several advantages over larger sloops .

More Balanced Sail Plan One of the main benefits of a ketch is its more balanced sail plan. With two masts, a ketch can distribute its sails more evenly than a sloop, making it easier to handle in rough weather conditions. The smaller mainsail on a ketch also means less heeling (tilting) in strong winds, which can make for a more comfortable ride. The shorter mast height allows ketches to navigate under lower bridges and in shallower waters.costs over time.
Versatility Ketches offer greater versatility than sloops due to their ability to carry multiple sails with different configurations. This allows sailors to adjust their sail plan based on wind direction and strength, giving them greater control over their boat’s performance. Ketches are also better suited for long-distance cruising as they can carry more gear without sacrificing stability.
Ease of Handling Ketches have more complex rigging and sail plans than sloops, making them a bit harder to handle. However, despite having an extra mast and rigging, ketches are still pretty easy to manage.
Reducing Weather Helm with the Mizzen Sail When sailing upwind, weather helm can be an issue that requires constant attention from the helmsman. Weather helm occurs when there is too much pressure on the sails forward of the mast, causing the boat to turn into the wind. The mizzen sail can be used to balance out this pressure by creating an opposing force aft of the mast. This reduces weather helm and makes it easier for the helmsman to steer with less effort.
Aft Cabins For those who enjoy overnight stays on board, ketches offer more privacy and comfort thanks to their aft cabins. These cabins are located at the back of the boat and provide a quieter space away from the main living areas. They also tend to be larger than forward cabins on other types of sailboats.

What is the purpose of a ketch?

A ketch sailboat is designed to provide better balance and control than other types of sailboats. It has two masts, with the larger main mast located towards the front and a smaller mizzen mast towards the back. This configuration allows for greater sail area and better maneuverability, making it easier to handle in challenging conditions.

Can one person sail a ketch?

It is possible for one person to sail a ketch, but it depends on the size and complexity of the boat. Smaller ketch sailboats can be handled by a single sailor with some experience, but larger vessels will require a crew or advanced sailing skills.

What is the largest sailing ketch in the world?

The largest sailing ketch in the world is currently the 107-meter “Black Pearl,” which was launched in 2018. The Black Pearl is a hybrid sailing yacht that features a combination of sail and diesel-electric propulsion, making it one of the most technologically advanced and luxurious ketches in the world.

What is a 3-masted sailboat called?

A 3-masted sailboat is typically called a schooner if it has two or more fore-and-aft rigged masts, or a barquentine if it has a square-rigged sail on the foremast and fore-and-aft sails on the other masts.

Can you sail a ketch without the Mizzen?

Yes, it is possible to sail a ketch without the mizzen sail, but it may affect the balance and maneuverability of the boat. In general, it is recommended to use all sails on a ketch to achieve the best performance and control. However, in certain conditions, such as high winds, it may be necessary to reduce sail area by taking down the mizzen or other sails.

What are some popular ketch sailboat models?

Some popular ketch sailboat models include the Amel Maramu, the Hallberg-Rassy 43, and the Tayana 37.

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Guide to Understanding Sail Rig Types (with Pictures)

There are a lot of different sail rig types and it can be difficult to remember what's what. So I've come up with a system. Let me explain it in this article.

What are the different types of sail rig? The sail rig is determined by the number of masts and the layout and shape of sails. Most modern ships are fore-and-aft rigged, while old ships are square-rigged. Rigs with one mast are sloops and cutters. Ketches, yawls, brigs, and schooners have two masts. Barques have three masts. Rigs can contain up to seven masts.

'Yeah, that's a gaff brig, and that a Bermuda cutter' - If you don't know what this means (neither did I) and want to know what to call a two-masted ship with a square-rigged mainsail, this article is definitely for you.

Sailboat in front of NYC with Bermuda mainsail and Jib

The Ultimate Guide to Sail Types and Rigs (with Pictures)

First of all, what is a sail rig? A sail rig is the way in which the sails are attached to the mast(s). In other words, it's the setup or configuration of the sailboat. The rig consists of the sail and mast hardware. The sail rig and sail type are both part of the sail plan. We usually use the sail rig type to refer to the type of boat.

Let's start by taking a look at the most commonly used modern sail rigs. Don't worry if you don't exactly understand what's going on. At the end of this article, you'll understand everything about rig types.

Diagram of most common rig types (Bermuda sloop, gaff cutter, gaff ketch, gaf schooner, full rigged ship)

The sail rig and sail plan are often used interchangeably. When we talk of the sail rig we usually mean the sail plan . Although they are not quite the same. A sail plan is the set of drawings by the naval architect that shows the different combinations of sails and how they are set up for different weather conditions. For example a light air sail plan, storm sail plan, and the working sail plan (which is used most of the time).

So let's take a look at the three things that make up the sail plan.

The 3 things that make up the sail plan

I want to do a quick recap of my previous article. A sail plan is made up of:

Mast configuration - refers to the number of masts and where they are placed
Sail type - refers to the sail shape and functionality
Rig type - refers to the way these sails are set up on your boat

I'll explore the most common rig types in detail later in this post. I've also added pictures to learn to recognize them more easily. ( Click here to skip to the section with pictures ).

How to recognize the sail plan?

So how do you know what kind of boat you're dealing with? If you want to determine what the rig type of a boat is, you need to look at these three things:

Check the number of masts, and how they are set up.
You look at the type of sails used (the shape of the sails, how many there are, and what functionality they have).
And you have to determine the rig type, which means the way the sails are set up.

Below I'll explain each of these factors in more detail.

The most common rig types on sailboats

To give you an idea of the most-used sail rigs, I'll quickly summarize some sail plans below and mention the three things that make up their sail plan.

Bermuda sloop - one mast, one mainsail, one headsail, fore-and-aft rigged
Gaff cutter - one mast, one mainsail, two staysails, fore-and-aft rigged
Gaff schooner - two-masted (foremast), two mainsails, staysails, fore-and-aft rigged
Gaff ketch - two-masted (mizzen), two mainsails, staysails, fore-and-aft rigged
Full-rigged ship or tall ship - three or more masts, mainsail on each mast, staysails, square-rigged

The first word is the shape and rigging of the mainsail. So this is the way the sail is attached to the mast. I'll go into this later on. The second word refers to the mast setup and amount of sails used.

Most sailboats are Bermuda sloops. Gaff-rigged sails are mostly found on older, classic boats. Square-rigged sails are generally not used anymore.

But first I want to discuss the three factors that make up the sail plan in more detail.

Ways to rig sails

There are basically two ways to rig sails:

From side to side, called Square-rigged sails - the classic pirate sails
From front to back, called Fore-and-aft rigged sails - the modern sail rig

Almost all boats are fore-and-aft rigged nowadays.

Square sails are good for running downwind, but they're pretty useless when you're on an upwind tack. These sails were used on Viking longships, for example. Their boats were quicker downwind than the boats with fore-and-aft rigged sails, but they didn't handle as well.

The Arabs first used fore-and-aft rigged sails, making them quicker in difficult wind conditions.

Quick recap from part 1: the reason most boats are fore-and-aft rigged today is the increased maneuverability of this configuration. A square-rigged ship is only good for downwind runs, but a fore-and-aft rigged ship can sail close to the wind, using the lift to move forward.

The way the sails are attached to the mast determines the shape of the sail. The square-rigged sails are always attached the same way to the mast. The fore-and-aft rig, however, has a lot of variations.

The three main sail rigs are:

Bermuda rig - most used - has a three-sided (triangular) mainsail
Gaff rig - has a four-sided mainsail, the head of the mainsail is guided by a gaff
Lateen rig - has a three-sided (triangular) mainsail on a long yard

The Bermuda is the most used, the gaff is a bit old-fashioned, and the lateen rig is outdated (about a thousand years). Lateen rigs were used by the Moors. The Bermuda rig is actually based on the Lateen rig (the Dutch got inspired by the Moors).

Diagram of lateen, gaff, and bermuda rig

Other rig types that are not very common anymore are:

Junk rig - has horizontal battens to control the sail
Settee rig - Lateen with the front corner cut off
Crabclaw rig

Mast configuration

Okay, we know the shape of the mainsail. Now it's time to take a look at the mast configuration. The first thing is the number of masts:

one-masted boats
two-masted boats
three-masted boats
four masts or up
full or ship-rigged boats - also called 'ships' or 'tall ships'

I've briefly mentioned the one and two mast configurations in part 1 of this article. In this part, I'll also go over the three-masted configurations, and the tall ships as well.

A boat with one mast has a straightforward configuration because there's just one mast. You can choose to carry more sails or less, but that's about it.

A boat with two masts or more gets interesting. When you add a mast, it means you have to decide where to put the extra mast: in front, or in back of the mainmast. You can also choose whether or not the extra mast will carry an extra mainsail. The placement and size of the extra mast are important in determining what kind of boat we're dealing with. So you start by locating the largest mast, which is always the mainmast.

From front to back: the first mast is called the foremast. The middle mast is called the mainmast. And the rear mast is called the mizzenmast.

Diagram of different mast names (foremast, mainmast, mizzenmast)

What is the mizzenmast? The mizzenmast is the aft-most (rear) mast on a sailboat with three or more masts or the mast behind the mainmast on a boat with two masts. The mizzenmast carries the mizzen sail. On a two-masted boat, the mizzenmast is always (slightly) smaller than the mainmast. What is the purpose of the mizzen sail? The mizzen sail provides more sail area and flexibility in sail plan. It can be used as a big wind rudder, helping the sailor to have more control over the stern of the ship. It pushes the stern away from the wind and forces the bow in the opposite way. This may help to bring the bow into the wind when at anchor.

I always look at the number of masts first, because this is the easiest to spot. So to make this stuff more easy to understand, I've divided up the rig types based on the number of masts below.

Why would you want more masts and sail anyways?

Good question. The biggest advantage of two masts compared to one (let's say a ketch compared to a sloop), is that it allows you to use multiple smaller sails to get the same sail area. It also allows for shorter masts.

This means you reduce the stress on the rigging and the masts, which makes the ketch rig safer and less prone to wear and tear. It also doesn't capsize as quickly. So there are a couple of real advantages of a ketch rig over a sloop rig.

In the case of one mast, we look at the number of sails it carries.

Boats with one mast can have either one sail, two sails, or three or more sails.

Most single-masted boats are sloops, which means one mast with two sails (mainsail + headsail). The extra sail increases maneuverability. The mainsail gives you control over the stern, while the headsail gives you control over the bow.

Sailor tip: you steer a boat using its sails, not using its rudder.

The one-masted rigs are:

Cat - one mast, one sail
Sloop - one mast, two sails
Cutter - one mast, three or more sails

Diagram of one-masted rigs (bermuda cat, bermuda sloop, gaff cutter)

The cat is the simplest sail plan and has one mast with one sail. It's easy to handle alone, so it's very popular as a fishing boat. Most (very) small sailboats are catboats, like the Sunfish, and many Laser varieties. But it has a limited sail area and doesn't give you the control and options you have with more sails.

The most common sail plan is the sloop. It has one mast and two sails: the main and headsail. Most sloops have a Bermuda mainsail. It's one of the best racing rigs because it's able to sail very close to the wind (also called 'weatherly'). It's one of the fastest rig types for upwind sailing.

It's a simple sail plan that allows for high performance, and you can sail it short-handed. That's why most sailboats you see today are (Bermuda) sloops.

This rig is also called the Marconi rig, and it was developed by a Dutch Bermudian (or a Bermudian Dutchman) - someone from Holland who lived on Bermuda.

A cutter has three or more sails. Usually, the sail plan looks a lot like the sloop, but it has three headsails instead of one. Naval cutters can carry up to 6 sails.

Cutters have larger sail area, so they are better in light air. The partition of the sail area into more smaller sails give you more control in heavier winds as well. Cutters are considered better for bluewater sailing than sloops (although sloops will do fine also). But the additional sails just give you a bit more to play with.

Two-masted boats can have an extra mast in front or behind the mainmast. If the extra mast is behind (aft of) the mainmast, it's called a mizzenmast . If it's in front of the mainmast, it's called a foremast .

If you look at a boat with two masts and it has a foremast, it's most likely either a schooner or a brig. It's easy to recognize a foremast: the foremast is smaller than the aft mast.

If the aft mast is smaller than the front mast, it is a sail plan with a mizzenmast. That means the extra mast has been placed at the back of the boat. In this case, the front mast isn't the foremast, but the mainmast. Boats with two masts that have a mizzenmast are most likely a yawl or ketch.

The two-masted rigs are:

Lugger - two masts (mizzen), with lugsail (a cross between gaff rig and lateen rig) on both masts
Yawl - two masts (mizzen), fore-and-aft rigged on both masts. Main mast is much taller than mizzen. Mizzen without a mainsail.
Ketch - two masts (mizzen), fore-and-aft rigged on both masts. Main mast with only slightly smaller mizzen. Mizzen has mainsail.
Schooner - two masts (foremast), generally gaff rig on both masts. Main mast with only slightly smaller foremast. Sometimes build with three masts, up to seven in the age of sail.
Bilander - two masts (foremast). Has a lateen-rigged mainsail and square-rigged sails on the foremast and topsails.
Brig - two masts (foremast), partially square-rigged. The main mast carries small lateen-rigged sail.

Diagram of two-masted rigs (gaff yawl, gaff ketch, gaff schooner, and brig)

The yawl has two masts that are fore-and-aft rigged and a mizzenmast. The mizzenmast is much shorter than the mainmast, and it doesn't carry a mainsail. The mizzenmast is located aft of the rudder and is mainly used to increase helm balance.

A ketch has two masts that are fore-and-aft rigged. The extra mast is a mizzenmast. It's nearly as tall as the mainmast and carries a mainsail. Usually, the mainsails of the ketch are gaff-rigged, but there are Bermuda-rigged ketches too. The mizzenmast is located in front of the rudder instead of aft, as on the yawl.

The function of the ketch's mizzen sail is different from that of the yawl. It's actually used to drive the boat forward, and the mizzen sail, together with the headsail, are sufficient to sail the ketch. The mizzen sail on a yawl can't really drive the boat forward.

Schooners have two masts that are fore-and-aft rigged. The extra mast is a foremast which is generally smaller than the mainmast, but it does carry a mainsail. Schooners are also built with a lot more masts, up to seven (not anymore). The schooner's mainsails are generally gaff-rigged.

The schooner is easy to sail but not very fast. It handles easier than a sloop, except for upwind, and it's only because of better technology that sloops are now more popular than the schooner.

The brig has two masts. The foremast is always square-rigged. The mainmast can be square-rigged or is partially square-rigged. Some brigs carry a lateen mainsail on the mainmast, with square-rigged topsails.

Some variations on the brig are:

Brigantine - two masts (foremast), partially square-rigged. Mainmast carries no square-rigged mainsail.

Hermaphrodite brig - also called half brig or schooner brig. Has two masts (foremast), partially square-rigged. Mainmast carries a gaff rig mainsail and topsail, making it half schooner.

Three-masted boats are mostly barques or schooners. Sometimes sail plans with two masts are used with more masts.

The three-masted rigs are:

Barque - three masts, fore, and mainmast are square-rigged, the mizzenmast is usually gaff-rigged. All masts carry mainsail.
Barquentine - three masts, foremast is square-rigged, the main and mizzenmast are fore-and-aft rigged. Also called the schooner barque.
Polacca - three masts, foremast is square-rigged, the main and mizzenmast are lateen-rigged.
Xebec - three masts, all masts are lateen-rigged.

Diagram of three-masted rigs (barque, full rigged ship)

A barque has three or four masts. The fore and mainmast are square-rigged, and the mizzen fore-and-aft, usually gaff-rigged. Carries a mainsail on each mast, but the mainsail shape differs per mast (square or gaff). Barques were built with up to five masts. Four-masted barques were quite common.

Barques were a good alternative to full-rigged ships because they require a lot fewer sailors. But they were also slower. Very popular rig for ocean crossings, so a great rig for merchants who travel long distances and don't want 30 - 50 sailors to run their ship.

Barquentine

The barquentine usually has three masts. The foremast is square-rigged and the main and mizzenmast fore-and-aft. The rear masts are usually gaff-rigged.

Faster than a barque or a schooner, but the performance is worse than both.

The polacca or polacre rig has three masts with a square-rigged foremast. The main and mizzenmast are lateen-rigged. Beautiful boat to see. Polacca literally means 'Polish' (it's Italian). It was a popular rig type in the Mediterranean in the 17th century. It looks like the xebec, which has three lateen-rigged masts.

Fun fact: polaccas were used by a Dutch sailor-turned-Turkish-pirate (called Murat Reis).

The xebec is a Mediterranean trading ship with three masts. All masts are lateen-rigged. I couldn't find any surviving xebecs, only models and paintings. So I guess this rig is outdated a long time.

A boat with three or more masts that all carry square-rigged sails is called a ship, a tall ship, or a full-rigged ship. So it's at this point that we start calling boats 'ships'. It has nothing to do with size but with the type of rigging.

More sails mean less stress on all of them. These ships use a lot of sails to distribute the forces, which reduces the stress on the rigging and the masts. Square sails mean double the sail area in comparison to triangular sails.

They are quite fast for their size, and they could outrun most sloops and schooners (schooners were relatively a lot heavier). The reason is that tall ships could be a lot longer than sloops, giving them a lot of extra hull speed. Sloops couldn't be as large because there weren't strong enough materials available. Try making a single triangular sail with a sail area of over 500 sq. ft. from linen.

So a lot of smaller sails made sense. You could have a large ship with a good maximum hull speed, without your sails ripping apart with every gust of wind.

But you need A LOT of sailors to sail a tall ship: about 30 sailors in total to ie. reef down sails and operate the ship. That's really a lot.

Tall ships are used nowadays for racing, with the popular tall ship races traveling the world. Every four years I go and check them out when they are at Harlingen (which is very close to where I live).

Check out the amazing ships in this video of the tall ship races last year near my hometown. (The event was organized by friends of mine).

What is the difference between a schooner and a sloop? A schooner has two masts, whereas the sloop only has one. The schooner carries more sails, with a mainsail on both masts. Also, sloops are usually Bermuda-rigged, whereas schooners are usually gaff-rigged. Most schooners also carry one or two additional headsails, in contrast to the single jib of the sloop.

What do you call a two-masted sailboat? A two-masted sailboat is most likely a yawl, ketch, schooner, or brig. To determine which one it is you have to locate the mainmast (the tallest). At the rear: schooner or brig. In front: yawl or ketch. Brigs have a square-rigged foremast, schooners don't. Ketches carry a mainsail on the rear mast; yawls don't.

What is a sloop rig? A sloop rig is a sailboat with one mast and two sails: a mainsail and headsail. It's a simple sail plan that handles well and offers good upwind performance. The sloop rig can be sailed shorthanded and is able to sail very close to the wind, making it very popular. Most recreational sailboats use a sloop rig.

What is the difference between a ketch and a yawl? The most important difference between a ketch and a yawl are the position and height of the mizzenmast. The mizzenmast on a yawl is located aft of the rudder, is shorter than the mainmast and doesn't carry a mainsail. On a ketch, it's nearly as long as the mainmast and carries a mainsail.

Pinterest image for Guide to Understanding Sail Rig Types (with Pictures)

There are a wonderful lots of DIY changeability shows on the cable airwaves these days.

Rick the rigger

There are SO many errors on this site it really should be taken down.

First major mistake is to say you are no longer afraid of the sea.

One that truly gets up my nose is the term ‘fully’ rigged ship. It’s a FULL rigged ship!! Your mast names are the wrong way round and just because there may be 3 it doesn’t automatically mean the one in the middle is the main.

I could go on and totally destroy your over inflated but fragile ego but I won’t. All I will say is go learn a lot more before posting.

Shawn Buckles

Thanks for your feedback. If you like to point out anything more specific, please let me know and I will update the articles. I’ve changed fully-rigged to full-rigged ship - which is a typo on my part. I try to be as concise as I can, but, obviously, we all make mistakes every now and then. The great thing about the internet is that we can learn from each other and update our knowledge together.

If you want to write yourself and share your knowledge, please consider applying as a writer for my blog by clicking on the top banner.

Thanks, Shawn

Well, I feel that I’ve learned a bit from this. The information is clear and well laid out. Is it accurate? I can’t see anything at odds with the little I knew before, except that I understood a xebec has a square rigged centre mainmast, such as the Pelican ( https://www.adventureundersail.com/ )

Hi, Shawn, You forgot (failed) to mention another type of rig? The oldest type of rig known and still functions today JUNK RIG!

Why are so many of the comments here negative. I think it is wonderful to share knowledge and learn together. I knew a little about the subject (I’m an Aubrey-Maturin fan!) but still found this clarified some things for me. I can’t comment therefore on the accuracy of the article, but it seems clear to me that the spirit of the author is positive. We owe you some more bonhomme I suggest Shawn.

As they say in the Navy: “BZ” - for a good article.

Been reading S.M. Stirling and wanted to understand the ship types he references. Thank you, very helpful.

This site is an awesome starting point for anyone who would like to get an overview of the subject. I am gratefull to Shawn for sharing - Thanks & Kudos to you! If the negative reviewers want to get a deeper technical knowledge that is accurate to the n-th then go study the appropriate material. Contribute rather than destroy another’s good work. Well done Shawn. Great job!

Good stuff Shawn - very helpful. As a novice, it’s too confusing to figure out in bits and pieces. Thanks for laying it out.

First of all I have to say that Rick ‘the rigger’ is obviously the one with the “over inflated but fragile ego” and I laughed when you suggested he share his knowledge on your blog, well played!

As for the content it’s great, hope to read more soon!

Alec Lowenthal

Shawn, I have a painting of a Spanish vessel, two masted, with. Lateen sails on both masts and a jib. The mainsail is ahead of the main mast (fore) and the other is aft of the mizzen mast. Would this be what you call lugger rig? I have not seen a similar picture. Thanks, Alec.

Thank you for your article I found easy to read and understand, and more importantly remember, which emphasises the well written.. Pity about the negative comments, but love your proactive responses!

This vessel, “SEBASTIAN” out of Garrucha, Almería, España, was painted by Gustave Gillman in 1899.

Sorry, picture not accepted!

Thank you for a very informative article. I sail a bit and am always looking for more knowledge. I like the way you put forth your info and I feel if you can’t say anything positive, then that person should have their own blog or keep their opinions to their-self. I will be looking for more from you. I salute your way of dealing with negative comments.

Thank you for a great intro to sailing boats! I searched different sailboats because I use old sails tp make bags and wanted to learn the difference. Way more than I ever expected. Thanks for all the work put in to teach the rest of us.

Your description of a cutter is lacking, and your illustrations of “cutters” are actually cutter-rigged sloops. On a true cutter, the mast is moved further aft (with more than 40% of the ship forward of the mast). A sloop uses tension in the backstay to tension the luff of the foresail. The cutter can’t do this.

Also, a bermuda-rigged ketch will have a line running from the top of the mainmast to the top of the mizzenmast.

wow great guide to rig types! thanks

Interesting guide, however I am confused about the description of the brig. You say the main mast on a brig can have a lateen sail, but in your picture it looks like a gaff sail to me. How is it a lateen sail?

Hi Shawn, thank you for taking the time to share this information. It is clear and very helpful. I am new to sailing and thinking of buying my own blue water yacht. The information you have supplied is very useful. I still am seeking more information on performance and safety. Please keep up the good work. Best Regards

mickey fanelli

I’m starting to repair a model sailboat used in the lake I have three masts that have long been broken off and the sails need replacement. So my question is there a special relationship between the three masts I do have reminents of where the masts should go. they all broke off the boat along with the sails I can figure out where they go because of the old glue marks but it makes no sense. or does it really matter on a model thank you mickey

Cool, total novice here. I have learnt a lot. Thanks for sharing - the diagrams along with the text make it really easy to understand, especially for a beginner who hasn’t even stepped on a sailing boat.

Daryl Beatt

Thank you. Cleared up quite a few things for me. For example, I was familiar with the names “Xebecs” and “Polaccas” from recent reading about the Barbary War. I had gathered that the two Barbary types were better suited to sailing in the Med, but perhaps they were less able to be adaptable to military uses,(but one might assume that would be ok if one plans to board and fight, as opposed to fight a running gun duel). Specifically, the strangely one sided August 1, 1801 battle between the USS Enterprise under Lt. John Sterett and the Polacca cruiser Tripoli under Admiral Rais Mahomet Rous. On paper both ships seemed nearly equal in size, guns and crew, but pictures of the battle are confusing. While the Enterprise is usually rendered as the familiar schooner, the polacca Tripoli has been pictured in radically different ways. Thus the Wikipedia picture by Hoff in 1878 used to illustrate the Battle shows a Brig design for Tripoli, indicating 77 years later, polaccas were no longer common.

Lee Christiansen

I am curious as to what you would call a modern race boat with a fractional jib,not equipped for full masthead hoist? Thanks Lee

Thanks Guy: The information and pictures really eliminate a lot of the mystery of the terminology and the meanings. Also appreciate the insight of the handling idiosyncrasies “hand” (staff) requirements to manage a vessel for one that has not been on the water much. I long to spend significant time afloat, but have concern about the ability to handle a vessel due to advancing age. The Significant Other prefers to sit (in AC comfort)and be entertained by parties of cruise line employees. Thanks again for the information.

Gordon Smith

Your discussion made no mention of the galleon, a vessel with either square-rigged Fore and Main masts and a shorter lateen-rigged Mizzen, or, on larger galleons, square-rigged Fore and Main masts, with a lateen-rigged Mizzen and a lateen-rigged Bonaventure mast, both shorter than either the Fore or Main masts. Also, it was not uncommon for a galleon to hoist a square-rigged bowsprit topsail in addition to the usual square-rigged spritsail.

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Ketch sailing: Jib and jigger

Philippa Park
July 14, 2015

This week our blogger Jonty Pearce recounts the benefits of ketch sailing

Jonty Pearce

Carol and I are both admirers of the ketch rig. Some Yachting Monthly readers may have seen my article on the rig (Six reasons to sail a ketch, May 2014) so I won’t repeat all I wrote then apart from briefly mentioning some of the basic advantages of ketches – their sail plan options, heavy weather versatility, ability to set a riding sail at anchor, use of the mizzen boom as an outboard crane, and the handiness of the mizzen mast as a handhold and mount for kit such as a radar or wind generator.

Much as we enjoy the prettiness and practical aspects of our ketch, the ability to sail ‘jib and jigger’ outweighs all other benefits. For those lazy days when we can’t be bothered with the mainsail or when the wind is higher than for comfort we love to sail with just a foresail and mizzen sail. It does away with the big heavy flappy mainsail attached to a heavy boom crashing from side to side and leaves us with a beautifully balanced sail plan that we can easily control without leaving the cockpit. OK, there is no countering the argument that sailing without a mainsail leaves the boat underpowered in lighter winds, or that the loss of the slot effect between the genoa and the main lessens Aurial’s pointing ability, but for days of high wind or when we just want to drift the absence of the mainsail outweighs the disadvantages.

All too often we have found ourselves on passage when the forecast underestimated the local wind strength, or when we have decided to battle on through adverse conditions with a deadline to meet. When it comes to needing to reef we start by taking in a couple of rolls in the genoa before pulling down the first and then second reef slabs in the main, with progressive reduction of the genoa to match. With further wind increases, we put in the third deep reef in the main or more likely drop it altogether, leaving us sailing jib and jigger under foresail and mizzen alone.

Eventually we might put a reef in the mizzen and change the genoa to a stormsail, but usually the foam luff in our new genoa keeps the reefed sail flat enough to avoid the trip forwards on a bouncing foredeck to rig the inner forestay. Thus dressed and beautifully balanced we can make over 7 knots in a force 6 or 7 with a light helm and little fuss. And because our mainsail reefs at the mast, the accessibility of the mizzen just behind the cockpit means that we never need to go out on deck. Much of the stress of high wind sailing is averted – less heel, no fighting weather helm at the wheel, and making the coffee becomes a pleasure.

On our first sail of the season we were in a relaxed mood and the wind was fitful. I had woken with a bad back, so we ended up drifting up Milford Haven in a variable wind with just the genoa and mizzen. The sun shone, Carol helmed, and I sat back against the cushions while we coasted along. In such lazy moods without the option of the mizzen we would probably have ended up motoring – instead we were free to listen to the wildlife along the shore and had time to sink into the peace of the lovely countryside. Yes, we do relish the joys of ketch sailing!

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Sailing Rig Configurations Explained, Mocked, & Pondered

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Exploring sailing rig configurations. Fatty’s first boat was a wooden double-ender sloop purchased when he was 15 years old

Chances are your boat has the rig it needs. If it doesn’t—buy a new boat, don’t replace the rig. Alas, there are many misconceptions about various rig configurations. Thus, I feel it might be fun to add to the misinformation.

It’s kinda my job.

Let’s explore some sailing rig configurations

The vast majority of modern sailboats sold today are sloops—with good reason.

Sadly, contrarians such as myself abound. They refused to accept the most popular way as best—insisting unto death that ‘mob rule’ is stupid and that they know better.

That said, I personally like ketch rigs. There, I blurted it out and revealed what an idiot I am. There are almost no ketches sold today. One of the primary complaints is that they are slow.

That’s okay, my wife points out I’m a tad slow myself. But what sane sailor is in a big rush? Not I. And, once the wind pipes up, ketches really come into their own.

Fatty loves his ketch rig, especially in a blow. Exploring sailing rig configurations

Ketches have two masts, the small one aft. To put it crudely, they are sloops with a small mainsail-type sail aft (but forward of where the rudderpost bisects the waterline).

The advantages of a Ketch Rig are:

All the sails are small and manageable
The rigging and sheet loads are lower,
The rigs tend to be lower in aspect and thus are more easily stayed,
The mizzen acts as an air rudder and dialing in or out weather helm is as easy as tweaking its sheet,
A mizzen staysail can be deployed and is easily doused. Plus, it is nearly as large as the mainsail but weighs almost nothing,
The mizzen mast is a convenient place for radar, wind generator, and various other gear to be mounted and,
Instead of reefing the mainsail, that difficult-to-handle sail can be completely doused for a passing squall with jib & jigger (headsail and mizzen) pulling nicely in the heavy air.

Yawls are basically ketches with smaller mizzens that reside aft of where the rudderpost bisects the waterline . If you are a fan of yawls, you believe their mizzens are just the perfect size to do their job—and no more.

Yawls tend to be faster—with bigger mainsails and lower windage in comparison to a ketch.

Ketch fans disparage yawls as half-breeds with all the trouble, weight, and expense of a ketch—without any of the benefits.

Yes, at various ‘wooden boat regattas for wooden boat freaks’, fists often fly between the ‘ketchers and the yawlies’—often egged on by the local schooner trash.

Schooners are, according to one trouble-making Downeaster in Maine, just backwards ketches. Their foremast is smaller, their aft mainmast is far taller.

The result is a rig that was perfect for the pilot boats that used to have to stay offshore outside windy NYC in winter because their large-area mainsails hove-to so well in a gale. The negative side is that their foretriangle is low and small—killing their ability to point high while sailing to weather.

While vessels over seventy feet are often still schooner rigged, on a thirty-foot schooner all those sails interfere with each other—to trim one sail is to be forced to trim them all.

Are there other choices? Sure! The free standing ‘ Cat Ketch ’ has had a resurgence of interest recently. Ditto, the Aero rig, which perches the bowsprit on the leading edge of a rotating mast.

Multihulls sport some interesting spars. Cool Change of New Zealand features two masts, one on each hull directly athwart ship of each other. It’s designer says they don’t blanket each other while either close reaching or broad reaching—but if he wants to instantly reduce the force on his hull, he just beam reaches and the windward sail cancels out the leeward automatically.

Interesting!

The best is the simplicity of running ‘wing and wing’ with such a rig—full strength with the fully exposed sails winged out, and lesser strength with the sails winged in (and partially blanketing each other).

Are their variations of the above? Of course—hundreds.

For instance, a sloop has a larger main than working jib.

But if the single mast is placed further aft and the main and headsail are about the same size—then the rig is called a cutter. (Please note: Adding an inner forestay and staysail to a sloop doesn’t make it a cutter—it is a double-headsail sloop.)

Of course, since caveman days the local boat designers have attempted to expand the rig, balance that expanded rig with effective lateral resistance (keel), and minimize the superfluous hull.

The result of that ancient design brief are the recent America’s Cup foiling catamarans—or, even better and more minimal—a foiling kite surfer.

As long as there is wind, there will be sailors looking aloft and thinking to themselves, I can do better. With each advance in technology (carbon-fiber, canting keels, foils), new vistas of engineering opportunity open up.

The result is boats going faster and faster—though not necessarily better or safer.

But for every ‘extreme’ sailor, there is a traditional counterpart. I sail around and around the world on low-tech, slow vessels precisely because they are so safe, stodgy, and dependable.

Speed costs money, and speed kills both on the road and at sea. It’s the old story of the turtle and the hare. Robin Knox Johnson won the first single-handed race around the world aboard the slowest boat on the course because he was able to keep plugging away.

Each to his own. And that’s why every sailor in every sailor’s bar in the world looks out into the harbor at his vessel and thinks with delight … ain’t she pretty! And then glances at his fellow boater’s craft, frowns, and thinks, how stupid can you get?

Editor’s Note: Cap’n Fatty and Carolyn are currently in mid Pacific—attempting to figure out what all those strings do on their 43-foot ketch Ganesh .

Cap’n Fatty Goodlander and his wife Carolyn are currently on their fourth circumnavigation. Fatty is the author of numerous marine books. Visit: fattygoodlander.com for details.

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Does A Ketch Sailboat Make A Good Cruising Boat?

A ketch sailboat most certainly does make a good cruising boat! With the total sail area split between 3 sails (or 4 in the staysail ketch version shown below), sail handling is easier for a shorthanded crew than it would be on a sloop of similar size.

But could it be a Yawl?

It's easy to confuse a ketch sailboat with a yawl so perhaps we should clear that up before we go any further. Both are two-masted rigs with a mainmast foremost and a smaller mizzen mast aft.

It's generally accepted that the difference between the two types comes down to the location of the mast in relation to the rudder post. In a yawl the mizzen is aft of the rudder post and in the ketch, it's forward.

But the real difference is one of purpose. The mizzen on a yawl is intended to help trim the boat, in capable hands giving them the ability to follow a compass course despite minor wind shifts.

This was a very handy feature in the days when commercial fishing was done under sail, but these days efficient autopilots and navigation aids have made this less important and the yawl has generally fallen out of favour.

: Mizzen mast ahead of the rudder post

: Mizzen mast aft of the rudder post

The Mizzen Sail on a Yawl or Ketch Sailboat

The mizzen sail of a ketch is larger than that of a yawl and is there to add drive. And so it does - off the wind.

On the wind though, the mizzen is likely to add nothing but drag, being back-winded most of the time by the mainsail.

In these conditions the mizzen sail may as well be dropped, at which point the ketch becomes in effect an under-canvassed sloop.

The Mizzen Staysail

Off the wind a ketch is at its most efficient, particularly so if cutter rigged and with a mizzen staysail set.

That's the sail set between the head of the mizzen mast and the foot of the main mast, as on the Westerly 33 shown here.

But all the additional hardware - mizzen mast, sails, winches, standing and running rigging - comes with a considerable cost burden.

But there are benefits to be had from a split rig of a ketch:~

First, they offer greater flexibility for sail reduction, allowing a jib and mizzen configuration in strong winds;
secondly, at anchor where with the mizzen set as a steadying sail, the boat will lay comfortably head-to-wind.

The Triatic Backstay

Although you'll see many ketch sailboats with a triatic backstay tensioned between the two mastheads, each mast should be stayed individually.

Whilst this stay is ideally placed to act as an insulated SSB radio aerial, in the event of the loss of one mast it's almost guaranteed to result in the loss of the other.

A staysail ketch like the Amel 54 shown above will carry the following suit of working sails:

mizzen staysail;

A cruising sloop of a similar size has only two sails to make up the same sail area, which would be considerably more difficult for a short-handed crew to handle.

So, in answer to the original question, although they're not the best choice for windward sailing, the ketch can make an ideal cruising sailboat.

Lastly, the mizzen mast on a ketch sailboat provides an ideal place to mount your radar scanner and wind generator. And as one old sea-dog once told me, a convenient thing to lean against when you're smoking your pipe.

A Few Examples of Ketch Rigged Cruising Boats

What are the Pros & Cons of a Ketch?

Spread of Sail: Ketches have their sail area distributed over a higher number of sails, which means the size of each sail is generally smaller when compared to a sloop. This is useful when conditions are rough, as it's easier and safer to handle smaller sails.
Rig Options: The ability to switch between sail configurations makes ketches versatile. You can use only the mizzen and jib in a strong wind, only the main in moderate wind, and all sails in a light wind.
Downwind Efficiency: Ketches tend to perform well when sailing downwind, as the mizzen sail helps to catch additional wind.
Balance: The mizzen sail aids in stabilizing the boat which is useful when minimizing roll at anchor and helps balance the boat under sail.
Emergency Steering: The mizzen sail can be used for emergency steering if the rudder or main steering system becomes damaged.
Cost: Ketches often cost more due to the additional rigging and hardware needed for the extra mast and extra sails.
Maintenance: More rigging and more sails also mean more maintenance. Ketches may require more effort and cost to uphold.
Windward Performance: Ketches are often outperformed by sloops or cutters when sailing upwind.
Maneuverability: The extra mast can complicate tacking and jibing maneuvers, particularly in heavier winds.
Space Occupancy: The mizzen mast in a ketch can limit the space available in the cockpit or aft areas.

It's important to note the pros and cons can vary based on the specific design of the ketch. Certain designs may mitigate some of the cons, and other pros may become more apparent in certain types of conditions.

What are the ideal sailing conditions and environments for a ketch sailboat?

Ketch sailboats are particularly suited for long-distance cruising and offshore sailing because of their stability, versatility in sail arrangements, and downwind performance. They perform best in moderate to heavy wind conditions where the additional mizzen sail can provide extra balance, power, and control.

These boats shine when sailing downwind or on reaches, where their additional sails can make full use of the wind. They also work well in heavy wind conditions where reducing sail area is necessary, as their multiple smaller sails can provide more manageable options.

In terms of environments, ketches tend to thrive in areas with consistent winds and open water, such as offshore or coastal cruising routes. Their stability and easy handling can be advantageous in rough sea states or when navigating rolling swells.

However, it's worth mentioning that the performance of a ketch can depend on the specific design of the boat, the skipper's sailing skills and the crew's ability to manage and adjust the sails on board.

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04-02-2012, 14:28
	to sail on a Colvic Watson 32 . Enjoyed the sail today but found that on a close haul with Foresail, Main and Mizzen maintaining a good speed, we were unable to bear off the and found it required full to just keep the bow from hunting into the . Can someone explain how to adjust the so that we could easily bear off to a beam reach and reduce the angle? Would the mizzen be acting against the balance and be pushing the stern down wind and hence the bow to windward? Thanks

04-02-2012, 14:37
Boat: Hermann Lazyjack 32 schooner

04-02-2012, 15:01
Boat: Custom 41' Steel Pilothouse Cutter	. You will develop a sense of what to hoist when by trying different sail combos on the same course and conditions...a mile between buoys with a beam wind is a good start. Ketches are great but they require a bit more thinking to get the most of them. Your is pretty heavy and probably a challenge in light air, but in heavy air you will see that the can reduce sail and "keep on keeping on" in fine fashion while sloops are reefing down or heading for the moorings. Good luck. I'm sure we'd love some "action" photos. . Can't sleep? Read for fast relief. Can't read? Avoid , because it's just personal reviews of sea books.

04-02-2012, 18:24
Boat: Sabre 402	made it advantageous to have a mizzen because it added sail area without affecting the rating. Downwind, the mizzen and mizzen staysail (some even have a mizzen spinnaker) can add speed, but upwind, many owners don't even bother to hoist their mizzens. As you have found, it can upset the balance of the and keep you from heading off. Operating in the backwind of the , it usualy has to be trimmed so flat to keep it from luffing that it doesn't help push the boat forward much, but creates dragfrom luffing, no matter how tight you strap it. We sailed an H-28 ketch for about ten years, cruising and . It even had a "mule" sail that was rigged between the top of the mizzen and the top of the main. Didn't set that very often! At , though, having the mizzen point us definitely into the wind kept yawing to a minimum and made sleeping much more comfortable.

04-02-2012, 18:49
Boat: 50-ft steel Ketch

04-02-2012, 20:42
Boat: Custom 41' Steel Pilothouse Cutter	. Can't sleep? Read for fast relief. Can't read? Avoid , because it's just personal reviews of sea books.

04-02-2012, 21:04
Boat: Koch Muiden, 37 foot ketch	and love our mizzen. Practical, aesthetic and aerodynamic. We also experience some (heading up, coupled with ten degrees or more of helm) and balance this by easing the mizzen, and the main, but in many cases, we sail with headsail and mizzen. No main. That way the mizzen is more effective, acts as a steadying sail and we can balance the boat with or unfurling the headsail. We can raise and lower the mizzen safely from the (as we can also control the headsail) allowing us sufficient sail in rolly conditions of sea and swell. To set the main, as with reefing, we need a crew on the top at the base of the main and this is a very unstable position. However on good days - all sail is up and she reaches and runs on the quarter like a dream. Our fastest sail ever however was in the D'Entreacasteau channel (Tasmania) in 25 knots of wind with half a headsail and full mizzen - doing 8.5 knots! The mizzen is also a place for our wind , second aerial, radome, TV , aft and boarding and BBQ floodlight, and soon a pair of large ships hooters under the mizzen bracket. And aesthetically, two masts look great! Richardhttp://www.cruisersforum.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

05-02-2012, 08:31
	on the mizzen? Seems like they would get a LOT of from the main??

09-02-2012, 14:02
	with the first suitable window. That should give us some practical experience. However, it may be a few months before we get the weather. Will keep reading about sailing in the mean time! Cheers.

11-02-2012, 06:36
Boat: Sabre 402	up as far as the Faroes. The book starts without him knowing how to sail.

20-08-2013, 10:39
Boat: Whitby 42 Ketch	???

20-08-2013, 11:34
Boat: Pearson, 424, 42', Sarah	??? " I have a on my 424 Ketch and have made two crossings of the Atlantic primarily steered by the . I encountered two significant, but manageable issues with this configuration. . Remove the vane. Tack the boat onto the new course and trim the sails. Re-install the vane. Disengage the autopilot and re-engage the Monitor. This is a cumbersome procedure, but a minor inconvenience on an off-shore where tacks are not the norm. from the boat effectively. This happened to me one night after we tacked with the mizzen furled. In the dark I just forgot about the furled mizzen, and the Monitor kept letting the boat go off-course. I engaged the autopilot and started investigating the problem and eventually noticed the mizzen boom to windward of the Monitor. I tacked the furled mizzen over the Monitor vane using the topping . When I re-engaged the Monitor all was back to normal. So there can be issues with a windvane and a ketch rig, but for most off-shore sailing they are not major issues. When sailing in shore or when having to tack often I either furl the mizzen or steer by autopilot. John

20-08-2013, 11:49

Boat: Catalina 42

12-02-2015, 10:41
Boat: 1973 Allied Princess 36' Ketch

23-02-2015, 10:31
Boat: Skookum Pilothouse Ketch 34'	is . So that is what I tried. I chose to douse the jib almost as soon as I deployed it. Just overwhelmed. So much going on. Still with just the main and mizzen, the boat was balanced and easy sailing. I tacked a couple times, playing with the , staying on a close reach. The conversation went a little like this...What happens when I do this? I'm. What happens when I do that? I'm, OOH NO! Ok, that's better, OH NO, again. About an hour later, I was suddenly unable to tack. It would cross to irons and then untack. I tried a couple times and then decided if was enough. I am pretty sure it was the mizzen trim. I will try again Thursday. Can any of you describe sail trim for a ketch and how to use the mizzen to my advantage? I still need to use the tiller to tack, yes? Where is my mizzen trim on a close reach when I begin my tack? In tight, or spilling air? Come on you Old Salts! Bring it! Bobby S/V Wandering Star Tacoma, WA Sent from my SGH-M919 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

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America's Cup sailboats have progressed from deep-keel monohull J-class Yachts, to regal Twelve Meters, to rambunctious wing-sailed catamarans. The rule now restricts boats to a single hull, but allows retractable, hydraulically actuated foils. Top speeds of 40 knots are common. (Photo/Shutterstock)

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Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear

A Sunny Look at Ketches

My affinity for cruising ketches like the Allied Seawind II we feature this month runs contrary to the view of their many detractors. Their criticism goes something like this: Ketches were popular in early days of cruising when undersized winches and friction-bound hardware conspired to make handling large sails a chore. With efficient winches and modern hardware, split rigs are obsolete on boats under 50 feet, they say.

Having wrestled down the main on more than a few 40-footers with state of-the-art everything, I don’t buy this argument, but Ill let it stand. Nor will I quibble over complaints about a ketchs handicap to windward-which in my view is overstated, at least with regards to the better designs.

You can poke around the cruising blogosphere and find plenty of resident ketch-haters, and indeed, some of the complaints have merit; the added weight and expense of the ketchs extra rigging are irrefutable knocks. But having lived aboard and sailed a much-beloved, 32-foot William Atkin ketch for 10 years, Im not interested in joining the chorus. Ill instead celebrate the rigs attractions, especially to the short-handed cruiser.

Smaller sails are easier to handle. In squally weather, start with a reef tucked in the main, then just furl the mizzen or jib as needed without leaving the cockpit, upsetting helm, or wrestling more reefs into the main.

Ride the invisible rail. The fore-and-aft distribution of sails simplifies the task of achieving a rock-steady helm.

Impress your sloop-sailing friends with fancy ketch tricks. Sail backward through the mooring field (spin circles if you have a sharpie), nose casually up to anchor, hove-to with jig and jigger.

Barrel westward on a reach. Turbo-charge off-wind sailing by setting a mizzen staysail.

Dont fear a dismasting. Having two independently stayed masts increases your odds of having at least one spar to use for jury rigging. (This advantage does not apply to ketches with triatic stays like the lovely Sea Witch.)

Sail in good company. Some famous ketches to consider: Steinlager 2 (1990 Whitbread winner), Suhaili (Robin Knox Johnstons Golden Globe race winner), Joshua (Bernard Moitessiers beloved, steel globe-trotter), Wanderer IV (Eric and Susan Hiscocks storied last boat), Colin Archers heroic little rescue boats . . . the list goes on.

Draw longing sighs from those ashore. There is something about having a main and mizzen working together that kindles romantic visions of South Sea islands.

Another nice thing about ketches is that many have reached an age when they are true bargains. Here are a few familiar ketches worth considering:

L. Francis Herreshoffs classic H-28, Gary Hoyts unstayed Freedom 40, Charlie Morgans Bahama-mama Out Island 41, Ted Brewers Whitby 42 (aka Brewer 12.8), the Cheoy Lee Offshore 41, any of William Gardens iconic ketches, the Swedish-built Hallberg-Rassy 42, Atkins Ingrid 38 (and her related offspring), John Hannas iconic Tahiti ketch, Holman & Pyes Bowman 57, and two S&S designs, the Swan 57 and Tartan TOCK.

Im sure PS readers have many other boats to add to the list as evidence that reports on the death of the cruising ketch have been greatly exaggerated.

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Sailboat Guide

Pearson 365 Ketch

Pearson 365 Ketch is a 36 ′ 5 ″ / 11.1 m monohull sailboat designed by William Shaw and built by Pearson Yachts between 1976 and 1982.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
LOA: Length overall in feet
Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

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Home » Strong wind downwind with unstayed Masts, Cat Ketches and Cat Yawls, more safety and efficiency

Strong wind downwind with unstayed Masts, Cat Ketches and Cat Yawls, more safety and efficiency

In general our thinking about angle of heel downwind is passive – however we can take active control – also a neat trick for more power from cat ketches and yawls with or without unstayed masts and for all boats with unstayed masts.

More info about the Goat Island Skiff Plans

I was only able to make the trip because of Chuck and Sandra from Duckworks putting me up and John Goodman, the owner/builder of the Green Goat Island Skiff “GIR”. It was a particular pleasure to sail with John (left in pic below). He because he is a very good sailor and was interested to make as much from the learning curve the conditions provided as I was.

Though one of the smaller boats in the fleet it was able to perform equal or faster than larger boats. Part of it is the boat is lighter and simpler than most of the other boats. And it has gained a reputation for high average speed. The other thing was we were doing something in a very different way to all the other boats.

Strong Winds – Mostly Downwind. … A good chance to experiment

The winds were strong (25mph – 20knots plus) and from the stern. It meant lots of high speed running and broad reaching. Points of sail where control can be difficult as the boats roll around badly as they encounter large waves.

Why sailing by the lee is NOT a no go zone or something to avoid

Sailing by the lee is traditionally something we are all warned about. But getting used to it has really significant handling and safety benefits for boats with unstayed masts.

The more you use it the more understandable and predictable the boat behaviour becomes.

Raceboats with unstayed masts have been using these techniques for years and switch between regular sailing to by the lee sailing continuously on the downwind legs to add speed and control.

Building up experience by sailing by the lee in moderate conditions allows us to really see the different stages and hints that the sail will give you before it does anything silly. And if you do gybe accidentally, the sail is completely depowered on the other side.

This attitude to by the lee sailing makes gybing safer – Read More!

Goosewinging correctly – sailing fast by the lee in unstayed sailboats

Most sailors have some idea of goosewinging. Particularly as many boats move to much cheaper and easier to handle unstayed rigs. Many will goosewing when the wind is from behind. Most do it the wrong way.

Normally the crew will flip the mizzen over to the opposite side. This is the wrong thing to do for best performance and in many conditions for safety.

A better choice is to allow the mizzen to flip over to the side it wants and forcefully gybe the mainsail to the other side.

The following diagram explains why in most conditions it is better to gybe over the mainsail.

In the left image the mizzen is partially blocking the wind from the mainsail.

In the right the mainsail is completely exposed to fast moving fresh air. Or, even better, it can be in the stream of accelerated air that passes either side of the blockage caused by the mizzen. Racing sailors will know a similar effect when you go either side of an island. Or, when there is a big bunch of boats just to one side of direct upwind behind you.

So that is for speed. But the important thing I want to show is also how it is good for SECURITY and makes sailing faster.

RELATED LINK – All our Lug Rig Articles – over 20 directly useful articles on setting up and thinking about lug rigs.

Control of heel and powering up through sailing by the lee

Because almost all the sailing in the Texas 200 is with strong winds from behind we had hours each day to play with different settings. For years I have used Sailing By The Lee to maximise speed. But I had heard A second advantage of sailing by the lee has two stages of explanation. This part also applies to cat rigs that are unstayed.

The diagram above shows what happens to the heel vector as the mainsail is trimmed in and out. The boat will heel one way when you pull the mainsheet in and the other when you ease it out.

We used this actively when sailing the Goat to give the boat the angle we wanted. If the boat starts heeling in the wrong way or becomes unstable this method gives you a powerful method to bring the boat upright.

Video showing Active heel Control from a “By the Lee” angle.

We didn’t have to worry about the boat rolling or heeling uncontrollably in the fast running and broad reaching conditions. In the video I get the windward and leeward side mixed up – very easy to do when sailing by the lee. But it still shows how new to using the method we were.

The reason this is such a powerful method is that at all times the mainsail has full power. The following diagram shows why.

In the left diagram with the mainsail on the conventional side you can also control the heel by sheeting the mainsail in and out. However there is a limit because the sail loses its power as it is eased – it starts to luff. Just when you need the power to pull the boat upright you lose the power to do so.

When by the lee the (boat on the right) power increases dramatically as you trim in the mainsail. The the sail moves from stalled to having smooth flow from leech to luff reversing the normal flow direction.

From a speed perspective it gives control to avoid a nasty roll in the wrong direction. Simply by pulling in or easing the sheet suddenly a few feet. But whichever way you are forcing the boat to heel the mainsail is developing full power the whole time.

This understanding feeds into methods of the “Safe Gybe” – Click this link.

Limitations of sailing by the lee

During the Texas 200 we started off with a fairly gung ho attitude. “full mainsail or one reef” and then towards the end we were usually deciding between second and third reef. There was so much power available using this method our normal sailing speed above 8 mph at any time. Most of the time around 10 mph (just under 9 knots) with extended sprints up to 12 or 14 mph.

Here we would ease the mainsail to push the boat upright.

Very good speed for a little boat – and it was consistent speed – not momentary. The only boats the little Goat Island Skiff was unable to overhaul were the catamarans in the event.

The downside of the by the lee method is as the wind increases there comes a point where the boat is going so fast in the waves that it overtakes a wave at such speed that it digs its nose into the wave in front deeply. Happily with the balanced volumes of the Goat hull this does not produce any veering or helm loads. Quite unlike 1980s style planing boats that have wide transoms.

If this happened consistently we simply stopped, sheeted in the mizzen to hold the boat on a close hauled course. Then put another reef in the mainsail.

If we were not sure that another reef was the best choice we would gybe the mainsail. Putting the main on the leeward side and accept that the sail would lose power when eased – something we counted on.

Related Article The Safe Gybe and the Fast Gybe

2 thoughts on “Strong wind downwind with unstayed Masts, Cat Ketches and Cat Yawls, more safety and efficiency”

Hey MIK, good to see you survived our lovely heat.

I am really curious how your opinion has changed or remained the same regarding the yawl rig (or the cat ketch by extension) in comparison to a single sail.

I do know that on the old sharpies, they would let the sail fly forward of them mast when running just to stabilize. Did you try that?

In a more specific vein, now that you have spent some serious time in the sailing conditions we have down here, what do you think would be a good choice for a generally comfortable sailing boat for single handing these conditions? Keep in mind that the wind you experienced was not exceptional in this area. You should see it when it really gets blowing.

Hi David, The single sail is by far the best solution for off the beach sailing – you can rig in minutes and get going. The boat is less cluttered, significantly cheaper and less labour.

However for a distance event or cruising having the ability to hold the nose to wind or the boat abeam of the wind does allow reefing much more easily. In the Texas 200 it would be mostly possible to pull ashore to reef if the wind had come up – but this would require a degree of thought and calculation and probably conservatism before crossing some of the larger bodies of water – like Matogorda Bay etc.

All in all I was very happy to be sailing the yawl version for this event.

Best wishes Michael

How to Heave To On A Sailboat

If you’re wondering how to heave to on your sailboat, and why you might want to, then you’re reading the right article!

Heaving to is an important safety technique that every sailor should know, and practice regularly. But do you know how to heave to, and under what conditions might need to use this manoeuvre?

In this article we take a deep dive into the practice of heaving to – exploring how to enter a hove-to state on different kinds of sailing vessels, when and why to use this technique, and taking a look at some historical examples of instances where heaving to has saved lives.

You can trust us to tell you everything you need to know about the heave-to manoeuvre, because we are seasoned sailors with RYA-accredited qualifications and thousands and thousands of miles under the keel, hard-won in every sea state imaginable. We have also heaved to quite a few times ourselves!

Before we get into the mechanics of how to heave to, let’s take a quick look at what this technique is and aims to achieve.

What is heaving to, why heave to in sailing, how does heaving to work, how to heave to in a sailboat, how to heave to in a sloop.

How to heave to in a cutter
How to heave to in a ketch

How to heave to on a catamaran

Heaving to as a storm tactic.

Heaving to is a manoeuvre that sailors can use to slow their vessel down to a near-crawl, while fixing the helm and sail positions so that the crew no longer need to actively steer the boat or manage the sails.

When performed correctly it will also place the bow of the boat at angle up into the waves, allowing her to ride them smoothly and producing maximum comfort for all aboard. It should also minimise leeway.

As we’ll see in a moment, the exact technique to achieve these outcomes varies by the kind of sailing boat you have – principally, by her sail plan.

You may occasionally hear power-boaters use the term “heave to” to simply mean throttle back and come to rest. In this article, we’ll mostly be talking about the technique of heaving to under sail instead.

Heaving to is an important safety manoeuvre commonly used to sit out heavy weather, allowing the crew to go below, take a rest and get warm and dry. A correctly hove-to boat can sit out most kinds of weather, just bobbing along on the top of it.

Heaving to can also be used as a low-effort way to simply wait in position for a time, such as when waiting for tides to turn, a squall to blow past ahead, or for a bridge to open.

Some sailors have been known to heave to just to have a cup of tea and a biscuit!

Another application is stopping the boat in a hurry while under sail. For this reason, it’s used in some man-overboard recovery techniques. Naturally, you can dump the sheets to achieve a similar outcome, but that doesn’t apply reverse thrust in the way that backing a sail does.

When it comes to MOB scenarios you could heave to in order to stop the boat rapidly, then engage the engine, throw the sails down and proceed to recover the MOB under power.

Or, if you intend to recover the MOB under sail, you can approach them while hove-to in order to drift up to them slowly.

Not everyone agrees that heaving to is the correct way to initiate an MOB; a lot of sailors advocate for letting the sheets fly instead, forgetting about the flapping canvas and getting the motor on as soon as possible.

You’ll see a lot of complicated explanations online for how heaving to actually works. We think most of them overcomplicate things, and generally prefer to explain it like this:

Heaving to works by backing the headsail so that it fights the mainsail. If you get it right the two sails cancel each other out and the boat stays more or less static, despite being powered up.

That’s not quite the whole story, but it’s by far the easiest way to visualise what’s happening on a hove-to boat.

To initiate a heave-to, you proceed as though you are going to tack the boat, but do not tack the headsail sheets or adjust the headsail in any way. The main, of course, will self-tack, but the headsail (or storm sail ) needs to be blown backwards through the triangle formed by the mast and the forestay, and end up backed – with the belly facing inboard – rather than outboard as it usually would.

Still with us? If you’re lost, think about it like this: you are literally just performing a normal tack without tacking the headsail sheets. At the end of the manoeuvre, you will have a normal, correctly tacked main, but a headsail that is backed and still sheeted as though you were still on the opposite tack.

The result of this is that the mainsail powers the boat forwards normally, but the headsail is backed and resisting it, pushing it backwards; so the boat achieves a state of near-equilibrium and simply drifts.

You should only be travelling at around a knot, but the boat is still powered-up and stiff rather than at the mercy of the waves, and therefore orders of magnitude more comfortable than if you had put the sails away.

That’s the flavour of it: now let’s look at exactly how to heave to on a sailboat, step-by-step.

When heaving to, we’re always trying to achieve the same thing: to get the headsail and the mainsail balancing each other out, so that the boat is still powered-up and comfortable, but no longer making any headway.

Generally speaking, we achieve that either by tacking a sail, but not the boat; or the other way around – by tacking the boat, but not one of the sails. Either way, we end up with one sail fighting the other, and the boat comes to a stop.

The exact procedure to enter a hove-to state is different for different kinds of sailing vessel and rig, so let’s start with the simplest scenario: you are a sloop, with one mast, a mainsail and a jib.

There are two ways for a single-masted sailing vessel such as a sloop to begin a heave to. For both of them, you want to be travelling upwind.

The first way is to literally heave the jib over to the “wrong” side of the boat, i.e. the windward side. This means releasing the leeward sheet and manually hauling the sail through the gap between the forestay and mast using the windward sheet.

It sounds complicated when you spell it out like that, but it’s literally the same set of steps you would follow to tack the headsail, just like normal- except you don’t tack the boat.

The jib moves, the wind doesn’t, so the jib ends the manoeuvre backed and pushing backward against the main; which is still on the correct tack, powered up and propelling the boat forwards.

The alternative is to tack the boat but not the jib.

In other words, the helmsman swings the wheel to wind; the bow of the boat tacks as you would expect, but at the point the crew would normally scramble to release one jib sheet and tension the other to tack the headsail (the moment your helmsman booms “lee ho!” , if you’re that sort of boat) – you instead do nothing.

The jib ends up backed again, because nobody tacked it. The main self-tacks and re-powers on the new tack, and the two still end up counteracting each other. Personally, we feel this is much easier, as you don’t have to manually heave the jib back through the gap between the forestay and mast – you just turn the helm.

Tacking the boat also slows you down a lot right away, which is one of the goals of heaving to in the first place.

Whichever of these two methods you use, the next step is to turn the wheel to windward – as though you are trying to tack back again. Of course, you will not have the speed or drive to do this with a backed headsail.

The purpose of turning the helm to wind like this is threefold:

One, we need to stay head-to-wind to keep the headsail backed. If we bear away, the headsail will fill and we will exit our heave-to.

Two, heaving to doesn’t truly stop the boat. You will still be making a knot or two through the water. This is actually desirable, because you will also be making leeway. By pointing upwind, we aim to use that knot of speed to counteract the leeway and remain more or less stationary over ground.

Thirdly, we want the bow of the boat to be facing up into the waves, at an angle, because that’s a lot more comfortable for the crew than taking them on the beam.

Start by turning the wheel to wind by hand and finding the point at which the boat settles down and maintains a steady course to wind and wave. You can lash the wheel there if you desire, and then you’re free to go below.

If she doesn’t want to settle down, or you’re making too much headway over ground, you may need to ease the sheets or even take a reef in the main.

It’s important to try heaving to in different conditions so that you know how your particular vessel performs, before you need to perform the manoeuvre in anger. Old, heavy-displacement, full-keel boats are often much easier to heave to than modern fin-keelers.

How to heave to on a cutter or Solent rig

Cutters and Solent-rigged sailboats have a single mast, like a sloop, but they have two headsails. The addition of an extra headsail makes heaving to a little more difficult.

The primary headsail on a cutter is usually a large genoa that attaches at the masthead and runs to the bow, or often to a bowsprit enabling a larger sail. This is usually the sail we will be backing in order to heave to.

The second headsail on a cutter is usually called a staysail, and attaches about a quarter of the way down from the masthead. This second, smaller headsail is often set up to be self-tacking.

When you want to tack a sloop, you only need to pull the headsail through the very large gap between the forestay and mast. When you want to tack the genoa on a cutter, you have to fit that extremely large sail through the much smaller gap between the outer and inner stays.

The upshot of all this is that it’s harder to back the sail on a cutter. You can either drag it laboriously through the gap using the winch, or someone can go forward and manhandle it along – but that’s not always the safest in heavy weather.

When it comes to a Solent rig, it’s usually much easier. A Solent does have two headsails, but the outer one is usually a cruising chute and the inner one is the jib. As such, to heave to on a Solent-rigged boat, you perform the exact same steps as on a sloop.

How to heave to on a ketch or a yawl

Twin-masted sailboats, such as ketches, can also heave to.

These vessels have a main mast and a second, smaller mast called a mizzen, and can fly sails from both masts. The difference between a ketch and a yawl is the size and position of this aft mast.

Most ketches and yawls fly a headsail, a mainsail, and then a smaller mainsail from the mizzenmast called a mizzen sail. In other words, only the main mast has a headsail.

You do get mizzen staysails that sit between the main and mizzen masts but they’re rare. To all intents and purposes, we’re dealing with three sails here, and two of them – the main and mizzen – are self-tacking.

The principle to heave to on a ketch or yawl is similar to a sloop: we’re still looking to balance the sails, by backing the headsail and leading the main powered up.

Because the mizzen behaves like a small main, we treat it like one and let it self-tack along with the main. As a result, in our hove-to position, we have a backed jib, and a main and mizzen flying regularly.

We now turn the wheel to windward and use the tension on the mizzen sheet to adjust how high or low we point into the wind and waves. We can also use the tension on the main sheet to influence how much headway we make.

Most catamarans actually can’t heave to. When a monohull heaves to, part of what makes it work is the action of the sails pivoting around the keel – and the keel provides drag and dimension stability that reduce leeway.

Catamarans don’t have keels. At least, not deep keels with heavy ballast bulbs. They can have fixed, stubby little mini-keels, or long retractable daggerboards – but either way, their keels act like the fins on a surfboard rather than ballast. They also have two of them – they just don’t behave in the same way as monohulls.

Cats do have a few heave-to-adjacent manoeuvres that they can turn to in a storm, though. The first is to deeply reef the main, drop the traveller all the way to leeward, and then pull the mainsheet in hard. Lash the helm so that the cat is on a safe, close-hauled course. If you get it right, you should be drifting sideways calmly at about half a knot, with your bows into the waves at an angle.

This is sometimes called “parking” a cat. Performance cats with daggerboards, when performing this manoeuvre, should leave both boards about halfway down.

Performance cats also have the option to pull the boards right up and skate freely over the surface of the waves; either with or without sail power.

Performance cats are fast, so as long as there’s enough room to run, they also have the option to turn down wind and match the cadence of the wave train – creating a smooth ride with minimal wave impacts. They also ride higher on the waves as they accelerate, effectively creating more reserve buoyancy.

When sailing in heavy weather in a catamaran, however, it’s important to remember that cats don’t heel and it can be harder to tell when one is overpowered. They also don’t spill wind and self-compensate in the way that a heeling monohull does, so it’s wise to reef early and often.

Heaving to as a storm tactic exploded in popularity, particularly in the RYA syllabus, after the 1979 Fastnet disaster.

The 605-mile race is held once every two years off the coast of the UK. In 1979, it was struck by a terrible storm; more than a hundred boats capsized and 19 people died.

Hundreds more would certainly have been lost if not for the brave actions of an unbelievable, impromptu volunteer search and rescue operation – the largest ever in peacetime – consisting of more than 4,000 members of the public and pleasure boat owners.

It was later discovered that every single boat that had heaved to had emerged from the storm completely unscathed. Every boat that capsized or been knocked down had either attempted to carry on sailing, or had used a different technique called “laying ahull”.

In the aftermath of these events, the RYA took it upon itself to disseminate the information that heaving to saves lives, and they continue to recommend it as a storm tactic today.

As noted earlier in the article, not all boats actually can heave to, but if your boat is capable, it’s certainly a valuable trick to keep up your sleeve. It’s a good idea to read up on how sailing your sailboat in a storm just in case you need to employ other tactics.

In conclusion, heaving to is an important safety technique that every monohull sailor should be aware of. At a basic level, it provides you with a window of calm and safety to gather your thoughts and take some refreshments. At the extreme end of the scale, it could save your life in a storm one day.

It’s important to practise heaving to before you need to use the technique for real, because every boat performs a little differently. This goes double if you intend to incorporate heaving to into your man overboard protocol.

Heaving to isn’t a particularly difficult technique, but you do need to try it out a couple of times in order to get comfortable with the sail and trim your particular vessel requires to settle down into a nicely hove-to state.

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COMMENTS

What's in a Rig? The Ketch
The Ketch. What's in a Rig Series #4. Ketch rigs hold a special place in many a cruising sailor's heart. There's something dignified and majestic about them. They are two masted rigs with a main mast and a (smaller) mizzenmast - they carry a jib just like a sloop. Generally, ketches will be in the 40-plus foot range.
What Is a Ketch Sailboat?
A ketch is a two-masted sailboat with a tall mizzenmast mast aft of the mainmast. A key characteristic of Ketch sailboats is that their mizzenmast is shorter than the mainmast. The mainmast itself is typical and resembles a sloop mast. A ketch has a mainsail and one or more headsails on the mainmast, along with a single mizzen on the mizzenmast ...
Ketch
The name ketch is derived from catch. [2] The ketch's main mast is usually stepped further forward than the position found on a sloop. [3]The sail plan of a ketch is similar to that of a yawl, on which the mizzen mast is smaller and set further back.There are versions of the ketch rig that only have a mainsail and a mizzen, in which case they are referred to as cat ketch.
15 Surprising Benefits of a Ketch Rig (and 7 Cons)
The ketch rig is an especially effective rig for larger boats (40ft and up). Just a quick recap: the ketch is a two-masted sailboat that has a mainmast (front) and shorter mizzenmast (aft or back). Both masts carry a mainsail. The sail on the mizzenmast is also called the jigger. Your mizzensail provides all kinds of benefits.
Ketch Sailboats: The Ultimate Guide
This design allows for a versatile sail plan, with various combinations of sails that provide excellent balance and handling. The purpose of ketch sailboats is to offer enhanced control, stability, and ease of handling, making them suitable for both coastal cruising and long-distance passages. Courtesy of Yacht World.
Ketch Sailing Techniques: Mastering the Art of Sailing a Ketch Yacht
A ketch is a type of sailboat that has two masts, with a smaller mast located at the stern. The smaller mast is known as the mizzenmast, and it is usually smaller than the main mast. Ketch sailing is a popular activity among avid sailors, as it offers a range of benefits, including improved stability, increased speed, and excellent maneuverability.
A One-sided Defense of the Cruising Ketch
Impress your sloop-sailing friends with fancy ketch tricks. Sail backward through the mooring field (spin circles if you have a sharpie), nose casually up to anchor, hove-to with jig and jigger. Barrel westward on a reach. Turbo-charge off-wind sailing by setting a mizzen staysail. Don't fear a dismasting.
What is a Ketch Sailboat?
A ketch is a sailboat with two masts. The mainmast is shorter than the mast on a sloop, and the mizzenmast aft is shorter than the mainmast. Ketches are a type of sailing vessel that have been around for centuries. They are known for their unique design, which features two masts - the main mast located towards the front of the vessel and a ...
Guide to Understanding Sail Rig Types (with Pictures)
The two-masted rigs are: Lugger - two masts (mizzen), with lugsail (a cross between gaff rig and lateen rig) on both masts. Yawl - two masts (mizzen), fore-and-aft rigged on both masts. Main mast is much taller than mizzen. Mizzen without a mainsail. Ketch - two masts (mizzen), fore-and-aft rigged on both masts.
Ketch sailboats
The ketch is a traditional sailing vessel that has its origins in Holland. It was originally used as a fishing boat, but was later adapted for use as a pleasure craft. The ketch is characterized by its two masts, with the main mast being taller than the aft mast. The sails are also asymmetrical, with the mainsail being larger than the headsail.
PEARSON 424 KETCH
It takes into consideration "reported" sail area, displacement and length at waterline. The higher the number the faster speed prediction for the boat. A cat with a number 0.6 is likely to sail 6kts in 10kts wind, a cat with a number of 0.7 is likely to sail at 7kts in 10kts wind. KSP = (Lwl*SA÷D)^0.5*0.5
Ketch sailing: Jib and jigger
Carol and I are both admirers of the ketch rig. Some Yachting Monthly readers may have seen my article on the rig (Six reasons to sail a ketch, May 2014) so I won't repeat all I wrote then apart from briefly mentioning some of the basic advantages of ketches - their sail plan options, heavy weather versatility, ability to set a riding sail at anchor, use of the mizzen boom as an outboard ...
CRUISING SAILBOAT RIGS: Ketches, Yawls, and Schooners
Mizzens on yawls also tend be rather short. On a ketch the mizzen is forward of the rudder and is usually significantly taller. In a classic schooner rig, the taller mainmast is aft and the shorter foremast is forward. On some schooners, however, the masts may be the same height. For many years it was axiomatic that a split rig must be best for ...
Sailing Rig Configurations Explained, Mocked, & Pondered
Fatty loves his ketch rig, especially in a blow. Ketches have two masts, the small one aft. To put it crudely, they are sloops with a small mainsail-type sail aft (but forward of where the rudderpost bisects the waterline). The advantages of a Ketch Rig are: All the sails are small and manageable; The rigging and sheet loads are lower,
Does A Ketch Sailboat Make A Good Cruising Boat?
So, in answer to the original question, although they're not the best choice for windward sailing, the ketch can make an ideal cruising sailboat. Lastly, the mizzen mast on a ketch sailboat provides an ideal place to mount your radar scanner and wind generator. And as one old sea-dog once told me, a convenient thing to lean against when you're ...
Understanding Sailboat Rigging Diagrams: Exploring All Types
There are several types of sailboat rigging diagrams, each depicting a specific rigging configuration. One commonly used diagram is the standing rigging diagram, which illustrates the fixed elements of a sailboat's rigging, such as the mast, shrouds, and stays. This diagram helps sailors understand the placement and tension of these essential ...
Ketch Sailing for Beginners
Boat: Hermann Lazyjack 32 schooner. Posts: 70. Re: Ketch sailing for beginners. As you suggest, the mizzen tends to push the stern downwind, with the result that the bow is pushed up into the wind. Try easing the mizzen. The "balance" you are looking for is to balance the tendency of the jib/genoa to push the bow off the wind, with the mizzen ...
A Sunny Look at Ketches
Impress your sloop-sailing friends with fancy ketch tricks. Sail backward through the mooring field (spin circles if you have a sharpie), nose casually up to anchor, hove-to with jig and jigger. Barrel westward on a reach. Turbo-charge off-wind sailing by setting a mizzen staysail. Dont fear a dismasting.
Pearson 365 Ketch
A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize. Formula. 41.24. <40: less stiff, less powerful.
TAHITI KETCH
It takes into consideration "reported" sail area, displacement and length at waterline. The higher the number the faster speed prediction for the boat. A cat with a number 0.6 is likely to sail 6kts in 10kts wind, a cat with a number of 0.7 is likely to sail at 7kts in 10kts wind. KSP = (Lwl*SA÷D)^0.5*0.5
Strong wind downwind with unstayed Masts, Cat Ketches and Cat Yawls
The following diagram shows why. In the left diagram with the mainsail on the conventional side you can also control the heel by sheeting the mainsail in and out. However there is a limit because the sail loses its power as it is eased - it starts to luff. Just when you need the power to pull the boat upright you lose the power to do so.
How to Heave To On A Sailboat
One, we need to stay head-to-wind to keep the headsail backed. If we bear away, the headsail will fill and we will exit our heave-to. Two, heaving to doesn't truly stop the boat. You will still be making a knot or two through the water. This is actually desirable, because you will also be making leeway.
MARINER 36 (GARDEN) KETCH
It takes into consideration "reported" sail area, displacement and length at waterline. The higher the number the faster speed prediction for the boat. A cat with a number 0.6 is likely to sail 6kts in 10kts wind, a cat with a number of 0.7 is likely to sail at 7kts in 10kts wind. KSP = (Lwl*SA÷D)^0.5*0.5