Which term describes a two-masted vessel where the foremast is shorter than the mainmast?

Which term describes a two-masted vessel where the foremast is shorter than the mainmast?

• A. Ketch
• B. Brigantine
• C. Schooner
• D. Sloop

Answer: (C)

Identifying sail rig by mast heights: a schooner is a two-masted vessel where the foremast is shorter than the mainmast. Both masts carry fore-and-aft sails, with the taller mainmast giving most of the sail area and drive, while the shorter foremast keeps the rig balanced and easier to handle in a range of conditions. This setup is especially common for cruising and performance-focused sailing because it provides good stability and manageable sail plans. Two-masted rigs differ in how the masts and sails are arranged. A brigantine has a square-rigged foremast and a fore-and-aft rig on the mainmast, so it’s not simply about one mast being shorter. A brig features two square rigs. A ketch uses two masts with a mizzen aft of the mainmast, not defined by the foremast being shorter. A sloop has only one mast.

Identifying sail rig by mast heights: a schooner is a two-masted vessel where the foremast is shorter than the mainmast. Both masts carry fore-and-aft sails, with the taller mainmast giving most of the sail area and drive, while the shorter foremast keeps the rig balanced and easier to handle in a range of conditions. This setup is especially common for cruising and performance-focused sailing because it provides good stability and manageable sail plans.

Two-masted rigs differ in how the masts and sails are arranged. A brigantine has a square-rigged foremast and a fore-and-aft rig on the mainmast, so it’s not simply about one mast being shorter. A brig features two square rigs. A ketch uses two masts with a mizzen aft of the mainmast, not defined by the foremast being shorter. A sloop has only one mast.