Yawl (Sailing Rig)

A two-masted fore-and-aft sailing rig with a small mizzen mast stepped abaft the rudder post or steering axis.

The mainmast carries most of the sail area, while the smaller mizzen helps balance, steering and manoeuvring and may steady the vessel at anchor. The precise steering reference matters on modern craft whose rudder arrangements do not use a traditional post.

A yawl is distinguished from a ketch principally by the mizzen’s position, with a ketch’s normally forward of the rudder post or steering axis. Historical regional usage and small-boat types can differ, so rig plan and mast position should confirm the term.