Singlemast

Singlemast is a term used in sailing to describe a vessel that has only one mast. It encompasses a broad range of rigs and hull forms, from small dinghies to cruising yachts. It is contrasted with mult mast configurations such as ketch (two masts) and schooner (two or more masts, with fore and aft masts).

On single-masted vessels, the common sail plans are the sloop rig and the cutter rig. A sloop rig places a mainsail on the aft side of the mast and a single headsail (jib or genoa) forward of the forestay. A cutter rig also uses a single mast but carries two or more headsails, typically a staysail and a jib, with the sail area balanced for varying wind conditions. Rigging can be further categorized by masthead versus fractional arrangements: in a masthead rig the forestay attaches at the top of the mast, while in a fractional rig the forestay attaches below the top, altering headsail size and handling.

The term singlemast does not specify hull type or size, and it covers various one-masted configurations, including the gunter rig, a historic setup that uses a short mast with a tall mainsail achieved via a horizontal yard or gaff.

Usage and history: The single-masted configuration is among the oldest and simplest, widely used on dinghies, day sailers, and cruising yachts. Its popularity stems from ease of handling and cost-effective rigging, especially for short-handed crews. Modern examples include Laser and Sunfish dinghies and many cruiser-racers that adopt a single-mast arrangement.