Szkúner

Szkúner is a Hungarian term referring to a schooner, a type of sailing vessel characterized by its fore-and-aft sails. Typically, a schooner has at least two masts, with the foremast being shorter than or equal in height to the mainmast. Both masts are rigged with fore-and-aft sails, meaning the sails are set parallel to the length of the ship. This rig allows schooners to sail efficiently on a broader range of points of sail compared to square-rigged vessels, particularly when sailing upwind.

Historically, schooners were widely used for various purposes, including fishing, trading, and sometimes as naval vessels. Their versatility and maneuverability made them popular for coastal trade and longer voyages. The design of schooners evolved over time, leading to different types such as the topsail schooner, which also carries square sails on its foremast, and the staysail schooner, which relies solely on fore-and-aft sails. The term "szkúner" in Hungarian directly translates to this specific type of sailing craft. While not as common in modern times as they once were, schooners remain a significant part of maritime history and are still appreciated for their classic lines and sailing qualities.