Yawl

A yawl is a two-masted sailing vessel with a mainmast forward and a smaller mizzenmast aft. In a yawl, the mizzenmast is positioned behind the rudder post, unlike a ketch where the mizzenmast is forward of the rudder post. The typical sail plan features a mainsail on the mainmast and a smaller mizzen sail on the mizzenmast, with the possible addition of jibs or staysails.

The rig is valued for balance and ease of handling with a relatively small crew. The small mizzen sail can help helm balance and reduce weather helm when the mainsail is reefed. Yawls have been used for cruising and racing, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and remain common on traditional and veteran yachts for heritage and seaworthiness.

In modern practice, yawl rigs are less common than sloops or ketches but persist on classic designs and some cruising yachts. They may be chosen to allow a larger mainsail while retaining a small mizzen for balance, or for traditional aesthetics.

The term yawl also refers to a small boat carried by a larger vessel, usually on the stern. A yawl boat serves as a tender or utility craft and is typically rowed or motorized independently of the main vessel.