Changes

A '''brig''' was a two masted square-rigged sailing vessel which also carried a large [[gaff-rig|gaff]] sail (brig-sail or spanker) on the aft mast (mainmast). It also carried staysails (gibs) from the foremast to the bowsprit and late in its career was capable of setting “studding” sails on extensions to the yards which, allied with the a narrow hull and sharp (or clipper) bow,  gave the brig a fair turn of speed in the right conditions.

A '''brig''' was a two masted square-rigged sailing vessel which also carried a large [[gaff-rig|gaff]] sail (brig-sail or [[spanker]]) on the aft mast (mainmast). It also carried staysails (gibs) from the foremast to the bowsprit and late in its career was capable of setting “studding” sails on extensions to the yards which, allied with the a narrow hull and sharp (or clipper) bow,  gave the brig a fair turn of speed in the right conditions.

The brig grew out of the [[Mediterranean]] [[brigantine]] in the 16th to 17th centuries as a relatively short-haul cargo vessel suited to [[Atlantic] conditions. Being relatively small, it was relatively cheap to operate because of small harbour dues and ease of handling. It was also used by navies as a despatch and training vessel and carried up to about 20 guns.

The brig grew out of the [[Mediterranean]] [[brigantine]] in the 16th to 17th centuries as a relatively short-haul cargo vessel suited to [[Atlantic] conditions. Being relatively small, it was relatively cheap to operate because of small harbour dues and ease of handling. It was also used by navies as a despatch and training vessel and carried up to about 20 guns.