312 bytes added
, 20:45, February 12, 2009
The '''spanker''' is the large [[gaff-rig]]ed 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.
[[Category: Sailing ship types]]