Ketch

A fore-and-aft-rigged sailing vessel with a mainmast and a smaller mizzen mast abaft it.

In the conventional distinction, the ketch’s mizzen mast is stepped forward of the rudder stock, whereas a yawl’s smaller mizzen is stepped aft of it. The mizzen sail contributes materially to the ketch’s sail plan and can help balance the vessel.

Ketch rigs allow sail area to be divided among smaller individual sails and offer several combinations for changing conditions. Mast position, sail proportions and modern steering arrangements vary, so the complete rig rather than one visual feature should be considered when identifying the vessel.