tvåmastiga

Tvåmastiga is a Swedish adjective meaning "two-masted". It is used to describe vessels, most commonly sailing ships, that have two masts. The arrangement of the masts can vary, with common configurations including a fore-and-aft rig with the taller mast aft (like a ketch or yawl) or a square-rigged setup. The term is primarily used in maritime contexts and historical shipbuilding.

The presence of two masts allows for a more complex sail plan than a single-masted vessel, potentially enabling greater speed and maneuverability. Historically, two-masted vessels ranged from smaller sailing boats to larger merchant ships and warships. The specific design and purpose of a two-masted ship would dictate the size, type, and placement of its masts and sails.

In modern times, two-masted sailing yachts are popular for cruising and racing, offering a balance of performance and ease of handling. The term "tvåmastiga" therefore continues to be relevant in contemporary discussions of sailing and boatbuilding. It is a descriptive term that clearly communicates a fundamental aspect of a vessel's design.