Rig Types: What Are Sloop, Ketch and Yawl?
The families created by mast count and layout – from the simplicity of a sloop to the flexibility of a ketch, each rig has its own character.
A yacht’s rig type is defined by how many masts she has and how the sails are divided up. In truth, it is a choice of character: fewer ropes or more flexibility, the best upwind performance or easy handling with small sails in all weathers?
The table below sets out the main rigs by mast arrangement and character. The vast majority of modern boats are sloops because they are simple and efficient.
Rig types
Rig | Mast | Distinguishing feature | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
Sloop | One | A mainsail and a headsail | Simple, low-maintenance, best upwind performance |
Cutter | One | More than one headsail | A passagemaker’s choice, flexible in rough weather |
Ketch | Two | Mizzen mast ahead of the rudder stock | Splits the sail plan, flexible in all conditions |
Yawl | Two | Small mizzen mast abaft the rudder | For balance, with a small mizzen |
Schooner | Two+ | After mast taller than the foremast | Classic and suited to larger boats |
A split rig (ketch, yawl) breaks the same sail area into smaller sections: for an ageing couple, it offers the flexibility of ‘small sails in all weathers’, plus the bonus of the mizzen helping the boat lie head to wind at anchor. The price is extra mast-and-rigging maintenance and a little performance.
When deciding to buy, the practical question is this: who is going to set the sails, and how many of you will there be? A short-handed crew and comfort first points you towards a sloop (often with roller furling), while offshore plans and a desire to cope in all weathers may steer you towards a cutter or a ketch. Whatever the rig, the rule is the same: budget for a rig survey for every mast you have.