lateen

Lateen refers to a triangular fore-and-aft sail widely used on traditional sailing vessels in the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean, and beyond. The sail is set on a long spar called a yard that is mounted diagonally from the mast. The sail’s leading edge is fastened to the mast, and the opposite corner is attached to the yard; when hoisted, the sail forms a triangle that can be trimmed to wind angles ranging from broad reach to close-hauled.

Operation and advantages: The lateen rig is controlled by sheets and a halyard, with the yard supporting the sail and allowing it to pivot at the mast. This fore-and-aft configuration enables the vessel to sail relatively close to the wind and to tack efficiently, which improved maneuverability compared with early square-sail rigs. It also tends to require less crew for handling than some square-sail rigs, though it demands skilled sail handling and rig tuning.

History and spread: The lateen appears in historical sources from the Mediterranean by late antiquity and is often associated with Arab sailors who developed it for long-distance and monsoon trade routes. From the medieval period it spread to Europe, where it became standard on many ships such as caravels and galleys, and it was widely adopted on coastal vessels in the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean, including dhows and feluccas.

Legacy: The lateen remains a defining feature of traditional sailing craft. While modern vessels seldom rely exclusively on lateen rigs, the design continues in traditional boats, teaching rigs, and some racing or tourist craft for its distinctive performance and historic appeal.