| There are many different types of sail boats, | | | | The catboat is also characterized by its mast |
| ranging from tiny one person boats to tall ships | | | | being placed well towards the bow of the boat. |
| which can carry hundreds of sailors. Sailboats can | | | | Ketch - A ketch has two masts - a main mast |
| be classified primarily by their sail configuration and | | | | and a mizzen mast. A ketch may also use jib sails |
| hull type. | | | | in front of the main mast. |
| Sloop - The sloop is the most common sail | | | | Schooner - A schooner is a boat with two or |
| configuration, consisting of a mainsail and foresail. | | | | more masts, and the second mast is at least as |
| There are several variations on the basic sloop | | | | tall as the first mast. This differentiates a |
| design, such as adding more than one foresail, or | | | | schooner from a ketch, as the mizzen mast on a |
| the fractional rig. A fractional rig sloop is one | | | | ketch is shorter than the main mast. |
| where the foresail does not extend all of the way | | | | In addition to sail type, sail boats can be classified |
| to the top of the mast - this can give the boat | | | | by hull type. Most sail boats are mono or single hull |
| better performance in some conditions. | | | | boats, but some are multi hull or catamaran hull |
| Catboat - This design has one mast, like the | | | | designs. |
| sloop; unlike the sloop, it does not carry a headsail. | | | | |