ketches

Ketches are two-masted sailing vessels defined by a mainmast forward of a shorter mizzenmast. The mizzenmast is located behind the mainmast but forward of the rudder post, and both masts typically carry fore-and-aft sails. The standard ketch rig places a mainsail on the mainmast and a smaller mizzen sail on the mizzenmast, though some examples may carry additional fore-and-aft sails such as staysails or a small jib.

Compared with a yawl, a ketch's mizzenmast is ahead of the rudder post; in a yawl the mizzenmast is aft of the rudder and often carries a smaller mizzen sail. Compared with a sloop, a ketch has two masts rather than one, allowing a broader range of sail plans. The ketch rig is valued for ease of handling and versatility, especially for long-distance cruising where crews may be small or variable.

Historically, ketches have appeared on working vessels and cruising yachts since at least the 18th or 19th centuries. In modern times they remain popular among traditional-minded or long-range cruisers because the split sail plan enables more manageable handling while still providing ample sail area for favorable winds and downwind progress. The mizzen sail can aid steering balance and permit sail configurations that reduce the load on the mainsail during heavy weather.

Disadvantages can include more complex rigging, higher maintenance, and sometimes reduced upwind performance compared with comparable single-mast sloops. The choice of a ketch over a yawl or sloop depends on factors such as voyage length, crew size, and preferred handling characteristics.