
A ketch is a two-masted sailboat whose mainmast is taller than the mizzen mast (or aft-mast). The main mast is usually stepped in the same position as in a sloop, and the mizzen is forward of the rudder post.
The sail-plan of a ketch is similar to that of a yawl, on which the mizzen mast is generally smaller and set aft of the rudder post.
With multiple headsails it one could use the term cutter-ketch.
References:
« Back to Glossary Index