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A '''barque''' (U.S. bark) is a sailing ship with at least three masts, all of which are square rigged, except for the aft-most (the mizzen) which is fore and aft rigged. Fore and aft sails (staysails) could be set between the masts and it was common during the height of the age of sail to see four or more gibs set from the foremast to the bowsprit.

A '''barque''' (U.S. bark) is a sailing ship with at least three masts, all of which are square rigged, except for the aft-most (the mizzen) which is fore and aft rigged. Fore and aft sails (staysails) could be set between the masts and it was common during the height of the age of sail to see four or more gibs set from the foremast to the bowsprit.

The form originated in the [[Middle Ages]] with a [[lateen sail]] instead of [[gaff-rig]] on the mizzen. Over the years the original single large square sails on each of the main- and foremast separated into the smaller sails of the “classic” 18th and 19th century sailing ship. A three masted barque could be sailed with less than 20 crew and it became the workhorse of the cargo trade for long voyages well into the age of steam – steel or composite steel and wood hulled barques with up to six masts were still being built in the 20th century, mainly for the South American nitrate trade. Many are still in operation as sail training vessels in the world’s navies or act as floating museums.

The form originated in the [[Middle Ages]] with a [[lateen sail]] instead of [[gaff-rig]] on the mizzen. Over the years the original single large square sails on each of the main- and foremast separated into the smaller sails of the “classic” 18th and 19th century sailing ship. A three masted barque could be sailed with less than 20 crew and it became the workhorse of the cargo trade for long voyages well into the age of steam – steel or [[composite ship|composite]] steel and wood hulled barques with up to six masts were still being built in the 20th century, mainly for the South American nitrate trade. Many are still in operation as sail training vessels in the world’s navies or act as floating museums.

[[James Cook]] chose barque rigged colliers (coal carriers) for his voyages of discovery for their sturdiness and versatility.

[[James Cook]] chose barque rigged colliers (coal carriers) for his voyages of discovery for their sturdiness and versatility.