Changes

The '''spanker''' is the large [[gaff-rig]]ged sail that appeared on the mizzen (rear or aft mast) of nearly all square-rigged [[European]] sailing ships during the 18th century and lasted until the end of the age of sail. It was developed to aid sailing before a following wind.

The '''spanker''' is the large [[gaff-rig]]ged sail that appeared on the mizzen (rear or aft mast) of nearly all square-rigged [[European]] sailing ships during the 18th century and lasted until the end of the age of sail. It was developed to aid sailing before a following wind. It replaced the [[lateen]] sail that had previously occupied the aft mast - its advantage being that it did not interfere with the setting of square rig sails on the same mast.

[[Category: Sailing ship types]]

[[Category: Sailing ship types]]