Difference between revisions of "Spanker"
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| − | 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]] | ||
Revision as of 06:50, August 29, 2012
The spanker is the large gaff-rigged 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.