square rigged
Sails across masts
Square rigged describes a sailing vessel with rectangular sails set perpendicular to the hull, hanging from horizontal yards.
This rigging dominated ocean-going ships for centuries: a square-rigged clipper, the square-rigged warships of the British Navy.
The term contrasts with fore-and-aft rigged vessels, whose sails align with the ship's length.
Fast ship or trimmer
- galleonLarge historical sailing ship
- carrackLarge 15th-century merchantman
- man-of-warArmed sailing vessel
- frigateMedium-sized naval warship
barque · merchantman · Armada · Age of Discovery · exploration · colonialism · trade routes · spice trade
clipper
Fast ship or trimmer
- galleonLarge historical sailing ship
- carrackLarge 15th-century merchantman
- man-of-warArmed sailing vessel
frigate · barque · merchantman · Armada · Age of Discovery · exploration · colonialism · trade routes · spice trade · triangular trade
mainsail
Principal vessel canvas
- topsailSail above another sail
- topgallantThird-level square sail
- royalOf monarchs
moonraker · course · foresail · spanker · reefing · furling · setting sail · canvas · sailcloth · leech
yardarm
Outer spar end
ratlines · capstan · clew · sheets · tack · deadeyes · lanyards · crosstrees · backstays · topmast