Mechanisms — fore-and-aft sail

Recent Blogs

Schooner Rig diagram
Schooner Rig
Schooner rig explained — how the fore-and-aft two-mast layout drives offshore sail-training vessels, with sail-area math, worked example, and trade-offs.
Topsail Schooner diagram
Topsail Schooner
How a Topsail Schooner works — fore-and-aft rig with square topsails on the foremast, sail plan math, real vessels like the Pride of Baltimore II,...
Sloop diagram
Sloop
Sloop rig explained — how the single-mast fore-and-aft sail plan works, why sailors choose it, with worked example sizing for a 9 m cruising yacht.
Sliding Gunter diagram
Sliding Gunter
Learn how the Sliding Gunter rig works, why sailors use it on dinghies and tenders, and how to size the yard, halyard and traveller for...
Brigantine diagram
Brigantine
Brigantine sailing rig explained: how the two-masted square-and-fore-and-aft sail plan works, why crews picked it, and how to size it for sail-training vessels.
Barkentine diagram
Barkentine
Barkentine sailing rig explained — how the square-rigged foremast and fore-and-aft main and mizzen work together for shorthanded ocean trade and sail training.