A
ketch is a sailing craft similar to a
sloop with an additional
mizzen mast[?] behind the main mast. This holds a small triangular sail. The ketch is often confused with a
yawl but the ketch has the mizzen mast forward of the
rudder post[?] whereas the mizzen on a yawl is aft of the rudder post. The ketch is popular among long distance cruisers as the additional sail allows for a better balance. It also allows sailing on mizzen and jib only without introducing excessive lee helm.
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