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Top 10 Biggest Sailing Yachts In The World

The top 10 largest sailing yachts in the world have a combined length of 944.5 meters.

These include the Sea Cloud, which is almost a century old, and the much anticipated Oceanco’s 127m Project Y721 set to launch in 2022.

Read on for our list of the world’s top 10 largest and biggest yachts.

1. Sailing Yacht A | 142.8m

Sailing Yacht A tops this list, measuring in at 142.8m. At 12,558GT, it is also the heaviest sailing yacht on our list, measuring 5 times more than the second-largest sailing yacht.

Sailing Yacht A, built by  Nobiskrug  in 2017, blends impressive sailing and motor yacht designs into a highly innovative vessel.

The boat features three 100m freestanding masts higher than London’s Big Ben, making her an eye-catching vessel. 

2. Sea Cloud | 109.5m

Sea Cloud has sailed the high seas since 1931. The 2532 GT vessel was built for Edward F Hutton and heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post by German shipbuilder Friedrich Krupp.

The 109.5m sailing yacht has interchanged ownership several times and was rebuilt in 1978 by new German owners. The vessel is available for charter to provide guests with a luxury sailing experience. 

3. Black Pearl | 106.7m

Black Pearl was designed to cross oceans with just the power of the sail. The vessel is 106m in length and is striking with her black sails, weighing in at 2,864 GT.

She was delivered in 2018 and built by  Oceanco . The vessel features an advanced solar system. She also has a high-tech DynaRig setup by Dykstra Naval Architects .

4. EOS | 92.92m

EOS was built for American media and movie mogul Barry Diller under a shroud of secrecy. The three-masted Bermuda rigged schooner was launched by  Lürssen  Yachts in Germany in 2006 and refitted at Dutch Royal Huisman Shipyard in 2011.

Since her launch, she has remained one of the most private vessels in the world. EOS weighs in at 1500 GT.

5. Athena | 90m

Athena was delivered in 2004 by Royal Huisman Shipyard. The 1103 GT vessel is unique, with its advanced engineering and spacious interior that is uniquely sized for a sailing yacht.

She features naval architecture by Dykstra Naval Architects and Pieter Beeldsnijder Design. The 90m Athena was built for US software developer Jim Clark.

6. Maltese Falcon | 88m

The Maltese Falcon is one of the most photographed yachts of all time. The 88m yacht has an advanced automated square-rigged DynaRig and three rotating carbon fiber masts.

The 15 square sails hold 25,800 feet of canvas, giving her unprecedented performance, speed, and maneuverability. The yacht was built by renowned sailing yacht builder  Perini Navi . 

7. Aquijo | 86m

 Aquijo is an 86m sailing yacht built by Vitters Shipyard and Oceanco and launched in 2016. She is the largest ketch-rigged sailing yacht in the world, with her main mast reaching 88.4m into the air.

She displaces 1538 GT. Her exterior design and naval architecture were designed by Tripp Design Naval Architects . 

8. Sea Eagle II | 81m

Sea Eagle II was delivered in 2020 from Royal Huisman. The impressive sailing yacht is the shipyard’s largest by volume, displacing 1150 GT.

The three-masted schooner has a carbon Panamax rigging by Rondal and was built in collaboration with designer Mark Whiteley and Dykstra Naval Architects. She is also the world’s largest aluminum sailing yacht.

9. M5 | 77.6m

M5 was launched as Mirabella V in 2004 and delivered to American yachtsman Joe Vittoria. M5 is still the largest sloop in the world to this day.

The impressive yacht was built by Vesper Thorneycroft in England and has undergone several refits. In 2013, she was refitted by Pendennis and extended by 3.2m. She was refitted again in 2019.

10. Badis I | 70m

Badis I was built by Perini Navi and delivered under the name Sybaris in 2016. Philipe Briand consulted with the famous shipbuilder on naval architecture.

PH Design contributed her wooden veneer interior, accommodating 12 guests. Badis I is one of the largest yachts Perini Navi has delivered from their Italian shipyard.

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10 largest sailing ships in the world

The world's largest sailing ships have captivated mankind for centuries, being symbols of elegance, adventure and freedom on the high seas. As engineering and technology have advanced, sailing ships have grown in size and magnificence, reaching new dimensions in the world of sailing. In this list we present the great sailing ships that sail the planet today.

Sailing Yacht A

This impressive sailing yacht has a length of 142.81 meters. As such, it holds the title of the largest sailing yacht in the world. This one was built in Germany in 2015 and features an innovative and luxurious design. It has three masts in which the tallest mast reaches 100 meters.

It is a sailing yacht, and the sails unfurl from the masts at the push of a button.

It is worth between 400 and 500 million euros.

Jeff Bezos' 500 million superyacht is 127 meters long. It has three masts that reach up to 70 meters in height, making it the largest sailing vessel in the world.

It is one of the newest, having been delivered to the CEO of Amazon earlier this year.

It has a capacity of 18 guests and 40 crew members.

Sea Cloud Spirit

Its 125.7 meters in length and 17.20 meters in beam make it the second largest sailing yacht on the planet. Sea Cloud was designed by Cox & Stevens and built many years ago in Kiel, Germany. The sails (over 4,000 square meters) can be seen on any of her three masts, the tallest of which is 60m high. The yacht was rebuilt in 1978 by new German owners.

On board there is room for more than fifty passengers, in addition to the 85 crew members.

The ship is owned by a German luxury cruising company that owns the 1931 Sea Cloud and the 1999 Sea Cloud II.

Black Pearl

With a length of 106.7 meters, the Black Pearl is one of the largest sailing yachts in the world and technologically is among the most advanced in the world. It was built in 2016 and stands out for its elegant design and hybrid propulsion system. Regarding the masts, like the other two sailboats it has three.

These masts are self-rotating to adjust the sails that reach 75 meters in height, with 2,877 square meters of sail area.

As a curiosity, it is said that this sailboat can cross the Atlantic with only 20 liters of fuel, a sailing milestone. Another differential feature would be the material of the sails, the fabric is made of dracon and flexible solar panels have been added to generate energy on board to feed the electrical system.

This sailing yacht, which until 2017 was the second largest in the world, is 93 meters lon g. It was launched in 2006 and is characterized by its elegant design and extensive on-board amenities. The Eos, like all these large sailing yachts, has three masts in addition to an engine that allows it to sail at a maximum speed of 16 knots.

This 90-meter-long sailing yacht is known for its impressive three-masted rig (the largest mast reaches about 60m in height) and its classic styling. It was built in 2004 and acquired for a price of around 100 million euros. IT offers a high level of comfort and luxury and its beautiful design has won several awards , such as best sailing yacht (over 40 meters) in 2004 and best sailing yacht interiors in 2005.

Maltese Falcon

With a length of 88 meters, the Maltese Falcon is famous for its innovative system of rotating masts , which house fifteen sails for a total sail area of 2,400 square meters. It was launched in 2006 and is one of the world's largest, most recognizable and distinctive sailing yachts in existence. This sailing yacht was subsequently acquired for an approximate amount in excess of 85 million euros.

This 85.9 meter long, 14.50 beam sailing yacht combines elegance and luxury with high performance. It was built in 2016 and stands out for its modern design and spacious entertainment areas. With capacity for 12 guests and 17 crew , this is a sailboat that you can currently rent with an approximate price of five hundred thousand euros per week.

At 70 meters in length, the Sybaris is one of the great luxury sailing yachts that combines elegant design with exceptional performance. It was launched in 2016 and boasts a wide variety of high-end features and amenities.

A year later, in 2017, it was awarded as the best sailboat of the year at the World Superyacht Awards.

It has a 72m carbon Rondal main deck and a 62m mine setting a total of 3,000 square meters of sail.

This 67.2-meter sailing yacht stands out for its contemporary design and focus on sustainability. It was built in 2011 by New Zealand shipyard Alloy Yachts in a record 29 months. Unlike many luxury sailing yachts on this list, Vertigo has two masts, but can sail faster than many in its class , specifically 20 knots. It has a luxurious interior and offers an exceptional sailing experience.

In conclusion, the 10 largest sailing ships in the world represent a perfect combination of engineering, beauty and maritime prowess . These impressive vessels have taken sailing to a new level, defying expectations and leaving an indelible mark on maritime history.

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World’s two tallest masts of sailing yacht Salute and superyacht M5 serviced by Marine Results

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Written by Chelsea Smith

Marine Results, an international rigging and structural inspection company has just carried out service work on the masts of sailing yacht M5 and superyacht Salute – two of the world’s tallest masts.  Marine Results inspected the rig of fast cruising sloop Salute which has the world’s tallest aluminium mast at a towering 75 metres.  But even that measurement was dwarfed by the next project on the schedule, that of the giant 89 metres high rig belonging to the 75m yacht M5 (ex Mirabella) .  Sailing yacht M5 is not only the world’s largest sailing sloop but she has the world’s tallest carbon rig.

Marine Results personnel work on the gigantic M5 sailing yacht mast.

“We have worked extensively with both yachts since they were launched,” comments Jon Morris of Marine Results. “Following completion of the two most recent projects we reflected that we had just carried out work on the world’s two largest rigs in their particular construction category.  We are pretty proud of that achievement and the way that it illustrates our capabilities.”

In the case of the 56m Perini Navi yacht Salute, Marine Results carried out an extensive inspection after the team un-stepped the rig at the Perini Navi yard in La Spezia, where she was originally built.  Marine Results then worked with Perini’s mast division to complete the inspection on the mast and rigging systems. Marine Results specialises in a range of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques to check for concealed stressing and damage.

The second of the two record breakers, the M5 yacht had her mast pulled out as part of a substantial one-year refit at Pendennis Shipyard in Cornwall.  Marine Results was called in to unstep the rig prior to an extensive modification programme which is expected to last until the end of 2012.

“Unstepping the rig was no small job,” said Morris. “The rig weighs a colossal 46 tonnes. To give you an idea of the size of the job, when we removed the boom vang, this alone was 9.5 metres long and weighed 900 kg.

“One of our strengths is our ability to deploy our teams around the world to carry out service work on dozens of the world’s most advanced racing and cruising superyachts,” concludes Jon Morris.  Marine Results is based in Hamble, England and La Ciotat, France .

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "World’s two tallest masts of sailing yacht Salute and superyacht M5 serviced by Marine Results".

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Sailing yacht M5 (ex Mirabella V) leaves Pendennis after comprehensive refit

Successful sea trials for Ron Holland-designed mega yacht M5

Sailing yacht M5’s 89m mast re-stepped at Pendennis by Marine Results

Refit of the 75m superyacht M5 (ex Mirabella V) at Pendennis well underway

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Perini Navi’s new 60m sloop Perseus^3 boasts the world’s largest single sail

• Elaine Bunting
• May 26, 2015

The new Perini Navi sloop Perseus^3 has the world's third largest carbon mast and her A2 spinnaker is the world’s largest single sail, bigger than all the giant Maltese Falcon’s 15 sails combined. Mike Owen and Rob Peake report

Perseus^ 3 is the second in Perini Navi’s new 60m series, launched earlier this year and in Palma for her first regatta and she is likely to turn heads, if only for her sheer scale.

This line is designed with performance much higher in mind than any previous Perini flybridge yachts, as already demonstrated by Seahawk, the first of the range, at the Bucket this year and last. Perseus^3 (Perseus Cubed) clearly goes a step or two further.

She is sloop rigged and her carbon mast stands third tallest in the world. Her Doyle inventory comprises a whopping 10,000m2/107,640ft2 of sails, and her A2 spinnaker is the world’s largest single sail, measuring 2,602m2/28,010ft2. For scale, this one sail alone is bigger than all the giant Maltese Falcon’s 15 sails combined.

The new 60m Perini Navi, Perseus^3

Doyle reports that initially there was simply no existing fabric capable of this job, so they developed their own new cloth, blending Polyester with Dyneema to give the cloth high strength and tear resistance, as well as light weight and enough softness for easy handling.

Future Fibres was responsible for the 16.4-tonne mast, one of the three tallest ever built, saying: “We have managed to produce a tube with a perfect exterior surface and a flawless Clearcote gloss carbon finish with zero filler – which can add up to three per cent to the weight of a mast.”

A new rig load monitoring system will use strain gauges to detect the loads acting on the carbon fibre rig components.

To manage this massive sailplan, Perini has been busy creating its own new generation of fast, quiet captive winches and furlers with variable-speed motors, a max loading of 30 tonnes for headsail, and varying line speeds aboard between 40 and 110 metres a minute. Forward there’s a carbon sprit, also a first for Perini, for the huge flying sails, the Code 0 calling for Future Fibres’ largest ever top-down furler.

But Perseus^3 has more than one focus. Her owner sailed his previous Perini, the 50m/164ft Perseus (now Silencio) in a circumnavigation with his young family. They enjoyed the cruising and also competed in the Hamilton Island Race Week. Charter was useful, too. All this will continue with Perseus^3 , perhaps just faster.

There’s a top bluewater and race-experienced permanent crew on board, vital to the safe handling of such an immense rig, and the accommodation is well suited for private and charter use.

Bruce Brakenhoff of Perini Navi USA explains: “When it came to planning his new, second Perini, the owner said: ‘I really love cruising, having my family aboard the boat, having a successful charter boat and I really love doing Buckets, so I want a boat that has as few compromises as possible to cover all of those bases.’

“When we started from that blank sheet of paper, not only with the engineering systems and changes like chainplate relocation for the sloop rig, I remember a meeting with Ron Holland with the owner saying what else can we do to make this even faster? Ron had just delivered a twin-rudder boat he’d had good experience with and suggested this. The owner thought it a great idea.

“But at the same time as it’s fast, this boat will be as popular a charter boat because it has a fantastic layout, an amazing owner’s suite, a humungous flybridge, and it’s got a pool, one of those lap pools where you swim against the jets – the thing’s like eight metres wide, it’ll turn into the biggest spinnaker pit you’ve ever seen!”

That could come in handy with that huge spinnaker.

With a centreboard Perseus^3 still can cruise in the Bahamas, but she will not manage the Panama Canal as she is too tall to fit under the Bridge of the Americas.

LOA 60m 197ft

LWL 50.4m 164ft

Beam 11.4m 37ft 5in

Draught 4.3-12.3m 14-39ft

Displacement 570 tonnes

What Is A Boat With 2 Masts Called? (5 Options)

The mast is the tall vertical pole that supports the sails, and some sailboat designs can have one or more masts. These types of sailboats are often used for cruising and racing, and they come in a variety of designs. In this article, we'll help you easily identify the different types of boats with two masts.

Popular two-masted sailboats include:

Ketches and yawls are more stable, while schooners, brigs, and brigantines are faster and more maneuverable. Rigging configurations vary, with some having square sails on both masts, and others having fore-and-aft sails on one or both masts.

One of the most important features of a two-masted sailboat is its sail plan. A ketch has a mainsail and a mizzen sail, while a schooner has multiple sails on each mast. Let's find out the sail plan for other types of two-masted sailboats and what other features they differ from each other.

• The mainmast and mizzenmast have different functions, with the former propelling the boat forward and the latter providing balance and stability.
• If you're looking for a 2-masted sailboat that is comfortable and easy to handle, a ketch or yawl might be a good choice.
• If you're looking for a 2-masted sailboat that is fast and maneuverable, a brigantine or schooner might be your best option.
• A brig has square sails on both masts, while a brigantine has a square sail on the foremast and a fore-and-aft sail on the mainmast.

On this page:

How to recognize each sailboat, famous two-masted sailboats.

Below are the five most common types of two-masted sailboats and how you can quickly identify each:

In a two-masted sailboat, the mainmast usually carries the driving sail, which is responsible for propelling the boat forward. Meanwhile, the mizzenmast usually carries the balancing sail, which helps to balance the boat and keep it stable in different wind conditions.

Some sailboats are designed for speed, while others prioritize maneuverability and ease of handling. If you're looking for a sailboat that is comfortable and easy to handle, a ketch or yawl might be a good choice. These sailboats are generally more stable and easier to handle than other types of sailboats.

If you're looking for a sailboat that is fast and maneuverable, a brigantine or schooner might be a good choice . These sailboats are generally more difficult to handle than other types of sailboats, but they offer a thrilling sailing experience.

You can read more on two-masted sailboats in this article.

How to recognize a ketch:

• a medium-sized sailboat (30 ft and up) with two masts
• a smaller mast in back
• a taller mast in front
• both masts have mainsails
• sails are fore-and-aft rigged

Sail design of a ketch

A ketch has two masts, with a taller mizzenmast located more towards the middle of the boat and behind the main mast. You can identify a ketch through this article.

The sail design of a ketch allows for more sail area options and versatility in different wind conditions.

The two masts allow for a variety of sail configurations that can be adjusted depending on the wind conditions, making the ketch more versatile and adaptable in different sailing conditions.

Performance and maneuverability of a ketch

A ketch can be efficient and fast, especially when sailing downwind, due to the mizzen mast helping to balance the boat and reduce load on the main sail. The smaller size of the mizzen sail can be useful in strong winds, providing a smaller area of sail to catch the wind.

Maneuvering a ketch can be challenging due to more lines and rigging, but skilled sailors can learn to handle it with practice.

Rigging configuration of a ketch

The rigging configuration of a ketch allows for more control over sail trim and balance, with the main sail attached to the main mast and the smaller mizzen sail attached to the mizzen mast. The sails can be adjusted independently of each other, allowing for versatility in different sailing conditions. The mizzen sail can be used to balance the boat and keep it on course in light winds, or reduce the load on the main sail in stronger winds.

The ketch rig also allows for finer control over the shape of the sails, with the mizzen sail used to adjust the angle of attack of the main sail and balance the boat when sailing close to the wind.

How to recognize a schooner:

• a sailboat with mostly two masts
• a smaller mast in front
• a taller mast in the back
• mainsails have gaff-rigging (spar on top of the sail)

Sail design of a schooner

A schooner is a two-masted sailboat with the mainmast taller than the foremast, and triangular-shaped sails. The sails on the forward mast are smaller than those on the aft mast. Here's how to recognize a schooner .

Schooners can be sailed with a smaller crew due to the ease of adjusting the sails, and are often used for racing due to their speed and agility.

Schooners can also be used for cruising, but are less maneuverable than yawls and ketches due to their size.

Performance and maneuverability of a schooner

A schooner can be fast, especially in light winds, and its rigging configuration allows it to sail close to the wind, making it a good choice for long-distance cruising.

Schooners can cover a lot of ground quickly due to their ability to sail at a greater angle to the wind than some other types of sailboats.

Maneuvering a schooner can be relatively easy with a skilled crew, as the sails can be adjusted quickly and easily, allowing for easier turning and maneuvering than some other types of sailboats.

Rigging configuration of a schooner

The rigging configuration of a schooner allows for a greater variety of sail configurations due to the two masts and different sizes of the sails on each mast. This allows for versatility in different wind conditions, with the sails set up in different ways to catch more wind or provide more power.

Schooners can sail faster and more efficiently in light winds due to the ability to adjust the sails on each mast. In stronger winds, the sails can be adjusted to reduce sail area and prevent the boat from being overpowered, through reefing or changing the sail configuration.

How to recognize a yawl:

• a sailboat with two masts
• a main mast in front
• a much smaller mast in the back
• back mast doesn't carry a mainsail

Sail design of a yawl

A yawl is a two-masted sailboat with a shorter mizzenmast located behind the mainmast, usually behind the rudder post. The smaller mizzen sail on the aft mast can be used to balance the boat and provide additional power in light winds, while the larger mainsail on the main mast can be used for more power in stronger winds.

The advantage of a yawl is that it allows for more flexibility in sail handling.

Performance and maneuverability of a yawl

A yawl can be slower than other types of sailboats due to the additional weight of the second mast and rigging, but can be more stable and easier to handle in rough seas.

Yawls are a popular choice for cruising and long-distance sailing due to their stability.

Yawls can be easily maneuvered even with a small but skilled crew, making them suitable for cruising.

Rigging configuration of a yawl

The rigging configuration of a yawl provides several advantages, including:

• Balance : The smaller mizzen sail on the aft mast helps to balance the boat and reduce weather helm (the tendency of the boat to turn into the wind). This makes the boat easier to steer and more comfortable to sail.
• Flexibility : The smaller mizzen sail can be used to help control the boat in a variety of wind conditions, while the larger mainsail on the main mast provides more power in stronger winds.
• Safety : The mizzen sail on the aft mast can be used as a backup sail in case the main sail on the main mast is damaged or needs to be taken down. This provides an added level of safety and security when sailing offshore or in rough conditions.
• Ease of handling : The smaller mizzen sail on the aft mast can be used to help turn the boat quickly and with more control, making it easier to navigate in tight spaces or tricky conditions.

How to recognize a brig:

• a square-rigged foremast
• a mainmast that is either square-rigged or square-rigged and gaff-rigged

Sail design of a brig

A brig is a two-masted sailboat with square sails on both masts. The square sails are used to generate driving force when sailing downwind and are typically made of heavy canvas or durable materials. The sails are attached to the masts and yards using a series of ropes and lines known as the rigging.

The square sails on a brig are divided into smaller sections known as "panels," which can be adjusted individually to suit changing wind conditions.

Brig may also have one or more triangular-shaped fore-and-aft sails attached to the foremast, which can be adjusted using running rigging. Here's how to identify a brig.

Performance and maneuverability of a brig

The square-rigged sails of a brig allow it to sail closer to the wind than other types of sailing vessels, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and change direction quickly. This makes a brig ideal for naval warfare and piracy, where speed and maneuverability are essential for success.

The design of a brig allows for a smaller crew than other types of ships of similar size, which can make it easier to operate and maintain. Fewer crew members also means less weight and less space taken up by supplies and equipment, contributing to the ship's speed and maneuverability.

Rigging configuration of a brig

The rigging configuration of a brig typically includes square sails on both masts, which provide significant driving force when sailing downwind. However, this type of rig can be less effective when sailing upwind, as the sails are not as efficient at generating lift as a triangular sail.

One advantage of the brig's rigging configuration is that the square sails can be adjusted individually to suit changing wind conditions. The fore-and-aft sails can be used to fine-tune the vessel's speed and direction.

How to recognize a brigantine:

• a two-masted sailboat that is similar to a brig, but with a different rigging configuration
• a sailboat with a square-rigged foremast and a fore-and-aft rigged mainmast
• mainmast is typically taller than the foremast
• sails on the mainmast are fore-and-aft rigged, while the sails on the foremast are square-rigged

Sail design of a brigantine

A brigantine is a two-masted sailboat with square sails on the foremast and fore-and-aft sails on the mainmast. This configuration allows for a greater range of sail plan options. The square sails on the foremast can be used to drive the ship forward in strong winds, while the fore-and-aft sails on the mainmast can be used to maneuver the ship in more moderate winds.

Brigantines were used as cargo ships in the past and are still used for training and educational purposes.

Rigging configuration of a brigantine

The rigging configuration of a brigantine is complex, with multiple lines and cables used to control the sails and masts. The foremast typically has a topmast and a topgallant mast, while the mainmast may have a gaff and a boom to support the fore-and-aft sails. The rigging system includes shrouds, stays, and other lines that help stabilize the masts and sails and control their movement.

Performance and maneuverability of a brigantine

The combination of square and fore-and-aft sails allows for a greater range of sail plan options, which can help the ship maintain speed and maneuverability in different wind conditions.

However, the larger size and weight of the brigantine can make it more difficult to maneuver quickly or make sudden changes in direction, particularly in light winds.

For a better grasp of what each of these two-masted boats looks like , this article contains complete illustrations and pictures.

Here are some of the most popular two-masted sailboats that you might know:

The sloop-rigged Hinckley Bermuda 40

The Hinckley Bermuda 40 is a classic sailboat that has been around since the 1960s. This boat is known for its beautiful lines, excellent handling, and comfortable interior.

The Bermuda 40 is a yawl-rigged sailboat, which means it has two masts, a mainmast, and a smaller mast called a mizzenmast. The mainmast is located forward, while the mizzenmast is aft. This arrangement allows for better balance and maneuverability, especially in heavy weather.

The ketch-rigged Amel Super Maramu

The Amel Super Maramu is a luxurious sailboat that is designed for long-distance cruising. This boat is known for its innovative features, such as an electric furling system, a hydraulic bow thruster, and a self-tacking jib.

The Super Maramu is a ketch-rigged sailboat, which means it has two masts, a taller mainmast, and a shorter mizzenmast. The mainmast is located forward, while the mizzenmast is aft. This configuration allows for better sail balance, especially when sailing downwind.

The ketch-rigged Westsail 42

The ketch-rigged Westsail 42 is a popular cruising sailboat that was designed by William Crealock in the 1970s. This boat is known for its sturdy construction and seaworthiness, making it a popular choice for long-distance cruising.

The ketch rig is known for being versatile and easy to handle, as it allows for a variety of sail combinations to be used depending on the wind conditions. It also allows for a versatile sail plan that can be easily adjusted to suit a wide range of wind conditions.

The schooner-rigged Bluenose II

The schooner-rigged Bluenose II is a replica of the original Bluenose, a famous Canadian racing schooner. The Bluenose II was built in 1963 and is used primarily as a tourist attraction and sail training vessel.

The schooner rig features two masts, with the forward mast being taller than the aft mast. This rig allows for a large sail area and a high degree of maneuverability, making it well-suited for racing and coastal cruising.

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7 Popular Sailboats with Two Masts (With Pictures & Prices)

Sailboats can come with one, two, or even more masts. You can also have different-sized masts placed on the front, back, or middle of your vessel.

Below, I have listed popular sailboats that have two masts.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Check also: Average sailboat price examples .

Things to Know About Sailboats With Two Masts

When looking for sailboats with two masts, you should know what you are looking for. A Ketch is one type of sailboat with two masts.

Knowing this term can help you to nail down your search when looking for a boat with two masts.

These boats come in many shapes and sizes as well as many different types of designs. Generally, these types of boats have the taller mast being forward and the smaller mast near the aft.

Yawls are also boats that feature two masts.

These also come in multiple types and designs. The difference between the Ketch and the Yawl is that the Yawl has the larger mast in the aft instead of forward. They also have smaller sails and can be easier to handle.

Another type of sailing ship that features two masts is a Brigantine.

This ship has mixed sailing rigs which commonly features squared sails on the front part of the ship and triangular sails on the back of the ship.

These boats are often larger and require more people to handle them.

7 Great Used Boats with Two Masts

There are many benefits to used boats including a lower cost. You can get a larger boat for a lower cost if you choose to buy used.

When looking at used boats, you need to make sure you look at the boat and its features thoroughly to make sure everything is in great working order.

If you do not feel confident that you can properly look over a used vessel, you can even hire a marine inspector to look it over and let you know of any potential issues or needed repairs. You can use this assessment to decide what is worth it, or if the needed repairs fall into the budget.

It is much more common for a used boat to have more than one mast. This is because the newer sailboat models are creating their new designs with just one mast.

One mast ships are easier to handle and manage so new designs are trying to optimize design and ease of sailing.

Below are great used sailboats with two masts which I have arranged by price .

1. 1976 Westerly Center Cockpit Ketch

This 1976 Westerly Center Cockpit Ketch is a small 36-foot long sailboat with two masts. This is a solidly built cruising vessel that features a center cockpit ketch layout.

This boat has a small 38 horsepower engine perfectly fit to navigate its smaller size.

The interior features 1 single berth and 3 double berths all in 3 cabins. This boat also has 2 full heads onboard.

You also have a full galley with a 4 burner stove, refrigerator and freezer, stainless steel sink, and microwave oven.

This boat makes great use of limited space and offers many amenities in a much smaller frame.

Price: $37,000.00

2. 1978 Jeanneau Gin Fizz

The 1978 Jeanneau Gin Fizz is a trusted and popular two-masted design capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean .

This boat is also very spacious for a boat that is only 38 feet in length. This model also won an award for “security, comfort, ease of handling, and ability to handle varying conditions.”

This particular used model has been well maintained and upgraded over the years.

This boat is great for family cruising, offshore passages, and even racing.

This boat features a 50 horsepower engine to help navigation.

Inside you can find 2 cabins and 1 head. You will be highly comfortable with air conditioning and other interior luxuries.

Price: $46,000.00

3. 1979 Freedom 40

The Freedom 40 is a classically designed centerboard ketch with two masts. This boat is a great sailor loaded for cruising on the wide-open blue water.

This sailboat is 40 feet in length and features accommodations for six people that include a double-v berth, another double berth, and two single berths.

There is also a full head that can be accessed both from the main salon and aft cabin.

This boat was recently painted and features newer interior fabrics, forced air heating, and much more.

You can find a dinette with separate freezer and refrigeration compartments, a stove with an oven and broiler, a double stainless steel sink, plenty of storage, and other interior features.

This boat also comes with an outboard motor with 50 horsepower and a hard bottom inflatable dinghy.

Price: $54,900.00

4. 1977 Puma 38 Ketch

The Puma 38 Ketch is a two-masted sailboat built for racing like the rest of the Puma sailing line. This brand prides itself on speed and maneuverability.

The 1977 Puma 38 is 34 feet in length with a backup diesel engine that can help you get where you need to go as well as docking into a slip. This motor features more horsepower than the average sailboat with 45 horsepower.

Features on this vessel include autopilot, electrical and manual bilge pumps, a full marine head, running hot water, and refrigerator.

This boat is made of fiberglass with teak finishes and looks well kept. You can find this boat in Spain if you are interested in purchasing it.

Price: $66,099.00

5. 1973 Morgan Out Island 41

Originally designed by Charley Morgan, the Morgan Out Island 41 is a center cockpit shoal-draft cruiser that features two masts.

This larger boat is 41 feet 3 inches in length and features many amenities.

This boat is the tri-cabin version and features interior heating, pressurized hot and cold water, a 2 burner gas oven, and a fridge.

This boat also seats up to 7 in the 3 cabins and the saloon. There are also 2 full heads on this vessel.

This boat is even equipped with an inboard motor . Inboard motors are easier when it comes to navigation including backing up, which is generally hard for sailboats to do.

Price: $68,596.00

6. 1970 Hinckley Bermuda 40

This 1970 Hinckley Bermuda 40 is a gorgeous two-masted boat painted with a mixture of desert sand and oyster white on the exterior and features a beautiful and well-kept deck.

This boat has previously had all her systems replaced and upgraded and features a 40 horsepower engine that was new in 2014.

This boat features a mahogany interior and sleeps up to 6 people in 2 cabins. You can also find a 3 burner propane stove with oven, fridge and compressor, new countertops and plenty of storage.

This boat is a stunning and highly upgraded “must-see” at a very reasonable price.

Price: $129,500.00

7. 1995 Amel Super Maramu

A newer model of sailboat is the 1995 Amel Super Maramu sailboat. This sailboat has two masts and is very long at 53 feet.

This boat features an aft deck, steps molded right into the hull, well-protected cockpit an many other features. This boat has a large 76 horsepower engine which is more than the average sailboat is equipped with.

Inside, this boat features 2 cabins and 2 heads with showers. There is also plenty of storage, air conditioning , and electric heaters. There is also a nice salon and galley with a refrigerator, dishwasher, chest freezer, microwave oven, 3 burner stove, and other appliances.

This boat is great for multiple days out on the water and is new and updated. Because of the year, this was manufactured and the features, this boat has a larger price tag than the previous models.

Price: $299,990.00

Final Thoughts:

Sailboats are a great way to enjoy a day out at sea. Most sailboat models come with sleeping arrangements and even a kitchen. This makes them ideal for trips that will take more than a day.

Having multiple masts allows you to harness the power of the wind better and can increase your speed and directional capabilities.

There are many great choices when it comes to boats with two masts, but newer models are starting to steer away from double mast designs. This does not mean that you cannot get a good boat with two masts.

Used boats can be great choices when it comes to purchasing a boat. This is even more true with large, yacht boats such as the ones listed above.

Just make sure when you buy a used sailboat you check that everything is intact and in good working order and if it is not, you have allotted space in the budget to fix what is needed.

Your new double-masted sailboat should provide you with plenty of long-lasting memories and adventures out on the water while you connect with the wind and the sea.

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The World’s Largest Full-Rigged Sailing Ship (21 Photos)

by twistedsifter

At 439 feet in length, the five-masted, 42-sail Royal Clipper is the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world.

With 19,000 square feet of open deck and accommodations for up to 227 guests, the Royal Clipper is a sight to behold.

Inspired by the legendary tall ship Preussen , Royal Clipper has the proud distinction of being the largest and only five-masted full-rigged sailing ship built, since her predecessor was launched at the beginning of the 20th century.

Technical Data

  Tonnage: 5,000 Length: 439 feet Beam: 54 feet Draft: 18.5 feet Sail Area: 56,000 Square feet Mast Height: 197 feet Total Staff: 106 Passenger Capacity: 227 Masts: 5 Masts, 42 Sails

Royal Clipper Interiors

Royal Clipper Cabins

Royal Clipper Dining

For more information visit the Star Clippers official website

Categories: BEST OF , DESIGN , TRAVEL Tags: · boats , cruise ship , largest , sailing , top , world record

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What Is A Boat With 2 Masts Called?

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Two-mast sailboats hold special places in many sailors’ hearts. In addition to being dignified and majestic, a two-mast sailboat offers a perfect balance that can be easily achieved by adjusting the masts in many different ways. Let’s look at the different types of two-mast sailboats.

Whether you’re a sailboat fanatic or an interested observer, there’s something special about two-mast sailboats. In most cases, the first thing you’ll notice about a sailboat is the two masts. Generally, the mainmast is often taller than the aft-mast, which is often referred to as the mizzenmast. The mizzenmast is like a trusted old friend. It not only helps in stabilizing the sailboat under power but can also act as a bow thruster in certain scenarios. There are many reasons why sailors sing a lot of praises as far as two-mast sailboats are concerned. In heavier winds, you can break down the main mast and use the mizzen mast to give you a more balanced and comfortable sail even in the worst of conditions. But what is a boat with 2 masts called?

There are several sailboats with two masts. The most common ones include yawl, ketch, schooner, and brig. In most cases, the designs of the masts do vary but the main idea remains the same. They can have the extra mast either behind or in front of the mainmast. If the additional mast is in front of the mainmast, it’s known as a foremast but if the additional mast is behind (aft of) the mainmast, it’s known as a mizzenmast.

Let’s take a brief look at these two-mast sailboats.

Table of contents

A yawl is one of the most common types of two-mast sailboats. It has two masts: a mizzenmast and the mainmast. The mizzenmast is usually much shorter than the mainmast. This makes it an oblique type of a sailboat in the sense that the mainmast is located in the front of the boat while the mizzenmast is located in the rear past or the boat.

The mizzenmast of a yawl is mainly used to increase the helm balance and is located aft of or behind the rudder.

It’s always easy to confuse a yawl with a ketch so it would only make sense to clear up before going any further. They both have two masts with the mainmast at the front while the mizzenmast is smaller. The difference between a ketch and a yawl comes down to the location of the mast. In a yawl, the mizzenmast is behind the rudder post while in a ketch, the mizzenmast if in front of the rudder post.

Again, the mizzenmast of a ketch is nearly as tall as the mainmast and is used to carry a mainsail. Its main function, however, is to drive the sailboat forward and can sufficiently sail the boat, especially in heavier winds. This is very different from the mizzenmast of a yawl, which is only used to increase the helm balance and cannot drive the boat forward. This means that the mizzenmast of a ketch is bigger than the mizzenmast of a yawl. In short, the mizzenmast on a ketch is technically a driving sail while the mizzenmast on a yawl is more of a balancing sail.

A ketch generally has an advantage over a sloop in downwind or in heavy winds. This is because it has a variety of setups than a typical sloop. The mizzenmast gives you a lot of options to depower in heavy winds and find the most perfect amount of canvas to fly. It can also help in stabilizing the sailboat under the power given that the mizzenmast is naturally in an excellent position.

In essence, a ketch has many practical benefits that can be ideal in most situations in the waters. In addition to sailing peacefully on a beam-reach, a ketch is easily manageable and can give you a lot of options in various weather conditions and situations.

When it comes to a two-mast schooner (a schooner can have two or more masts), the foremast is usually smaller than the aft most mast, which is essentially the mainmast. As such, the main characteristic of a schooner is that the masts are almost of the same height but the foremost mast is slightly smaller.

Even though a schooner is easier to sail than say a sloop (one-mast sailboat), it isn’t very fast. This is why most sailors prefer a sloop to a schooner but it’s a sight to behold, especially when under full sail. While a schooner with a square topsail is the most common, there are others with sprit rigs that run diagonally. Schooners with spritsails are not ideal in big seaways because the sprit rig cannot be lowered since it could become unmanageable. On the other hand, the sprit rig is ideal in coastal waters given that the topsail can catch a high up breeze. 

Like the above-mentioned two-mast sailboats, the brig has two masts with the foremost mast squared. The mainmast can be squared, partially squared or triangular. Some brig sailboats have a lateen mainsail on the mainmast. Historically, brigs were used by pirates and were set in motion using oars. Its name is derived from the Italian word “brigantine,” which loosely translates to “pirate.” These types of sailboats were used by pirates the Mediterranean in the 16th century before they became sailboats.

The two most common types of brigs are:

Brigantine – The foremost mast is usually partially squared but the mainmast is triangular.

Hermaphrodite brig – It’s also known as the schooner brig or the half brig. The two masts are partially squared but the mainmast is gaff-rigged and topsail, which technically makes it half schooner.

When it comes to speed and maneuverability, brigs are easy to handle and maneuver and perhaps that’s why they were preferred by pirates. Again, brigs are generally larger than other two-mast sailboats or single-mast sailboats.

There you have it; there are various types of two-mast sailboats, so there’s not a single name that fits all. You can choose any of them as they’ll serve you perfectly, especially in heavy wind conditions.

Bon Voyage!

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World's largest sloop sails the Maine coast

Thursday, september 13th 2018.

A sailboat reputed to be the largest single-masted yacht in the world was spotted recently cruising along the Maine coast, making stops in Portland and off Camden, where it was too big to fit into the harbor.

The 277-foot boat was designed by Ron Holland and built in 2004 in England at the Vosper Thornycroft yard for Joseph Vittoria, the former chairman and CEO of the Avis Rental Car Company. He named it Mirabella V (it has since beeen renamed M5) and chartered it out for $420,000 a week, according to an interview Vittoria gave to the Greenwich (Ct) Times in 2010.

Vittoria sold the boat in 2012, and according to the website Superyacht Fan, the new owner was Texas-based oil and gas billionaire Rodney Lewis.

M5’s mast is almost 300 feet tall and the boat has a beam of over 49 feet. The boat has a lifting keel and draws 33.5 feet with it down and 12.5 feet with it up. The sail area is a whopping 25,670 square feet with just the main and a working jib. Vittoria told the Greenwich Times that the boat was capable of sailing at 20 knots in a stiff breeze, but other reports place the top speed at 12 knots. According to BoatInternational.com, M5 is the largest single-masted sailing yacht in the world.

The vessel has a master suite and six additional cabins, and requires a crew of more than a dozen. It has room to carry Lasers, jet skis, and a 29-foot tender to carry passengers to and from the shore.

When M5 anchored off Camden, its mast could be seen towering over Curtis Island. Schooners sailing past looked like small rowboats in comparison to the massive yacht. According to the marine tracking app MarinTraffic.com, the vessel sailed to Portland from Newport, Rhode Island, to Boothbay and then to Camden.

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Standout superyacht competing at the Superyacht Cup Palma 2024

The Superyacht Cup is back for its 28th edition in Palma from June 19  - 22. As Europe's longest-running regatta, this four-day event will see some of the world's most prestigious sailing yachts battling it out on the Mallorcan circuit.

Initiating the Mediterranean racing season, the event will welcome a diverse fleet of high-performance sailing yachts to the picturesque Bay of Palma. Rose , the defending champion and the first Wally to claim victory in last year's Cup, will return to defend her title. Meanwhile, joining the debutants include the brand new Calabash and many other race veterans making a comeback, like the iconic J class, Rainbow . The renowned Hoek Designs will also make their mark on the course with the duo Atlanta and Vijonera .

BOAT takes a closer look at this year's competitors, beginning with Maximus, the largest of the lineup…

Length: 59m Builder: Vitters Year: 2023

The ketch-rigged cruiser Maximus makes her debut this year and will be the largest yacht to attend since the 63-metre Athos in 2018. Renowned for high-performance designs, this third-largest Vitters build has German Frers to thank for design and naval architecture. Since delivery, Maximus has spent time in the Caribbean and competed in the St Barths Bucket . For upwind racing, the 80-tonne lifting keel draws 8 metres, reducing to 5 metres for manoeuvres. The twin carbon rudders aid in precision steering, keeping sailors on the best course.

Borkumriff IV

Length: 50.6m Builder: Royal Huisman Year: 2002

Borkumriff IV will be attending the Cup without eyes on a trophy. The 50.6-metre two-masted schooner was built in collaboration with the Dutch yard Royal Huisman , to a design by Dykstra Naval Architects and John G Alden. The modern classic features Rondal aluminium plate masts over 50 meters tall and has Rondal carbon fibre booms and gaffs. Between the two deckhouses that outline her profile, there are two open cockpits; the aft one is for steering and sail management.

Length: 43.6m Builder: Vitters Year: 2017

Svea is the most recent addition to the J Class ranks and took her class win at the Cup in 2022. The 43.6-metre sailing yacht was initially penned by Swedish designer Tore Holm in 1937, and her resurrection began when Vitters and Hoek Design Naval Architecture acquired the original drawings. Integrating traditional long keel design with the modern build, Svea’s aluminium hull displaces just 182 tonnes and optimises weight with 80 per cent of the interior cabinetry utilising veneered foam cores. The 53.75-metre carbon fibre main mast will also help performance, with all eyes on her as she fights for another title.

Length: 39m Builder: Vitters Year: 2009

Having cruised extensively in recent years, the Bill Tripp -designed performance sloop Cervo (ex G2 ) is reclaiming her place among the racing elite. Another Vitters build, Cervo’s carbon composite construction keeps responsiveness up under sail. The 2018 refit at Pendennis created an open flush deck offering more cockpit space for the racing crew. Nauta Design reimagined the interiors of this pedigree superyacht, which also features atypical equal-sized staterooms. Her sailing power comes from the 48-metre carbon fibre mast by Southern Spars paired with a refined sail wardrobe from Doyle and a new in-boom furling mainsail.

Length: 39m Builder: Holland Jachtbouw Year: 2012

After a decade-long hiatus from racing, the 39-metre J Class yacht Rainbow is making her return at the Cup. A modern replica based on the legendary 1934 America’s Cup winner, Rainbow was penned by Dykstra Studios design. She was the first J fitted with hybrid propulsion and power systems. Since delivery in 2012, she has undergone an extensive refit in 2022, which includes a new deck layout and rig, new sails and winches and an engineering overhaul. Now representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron under her new round-the-world racing owner, Rainbow will be up alongside her seasoned J Class rivals Svea and Velsheda.

Length: 38.8m Builder: Classen Shipyard Year: 2015

The flagship of the Hoek-designed ‘Truly Classic’ range, the 38.8-metre Atalante  built by Classen has enjoyed a long period of cruising and is now poised and ready to race again. Her classic lines, traditionally shaped twin deckhouses, and teak capping rails pay homage to the classics. Commissioned by an experienced sailor, she boasts plenty of race-ready features, such as a well-thought-out deck layout, 3Di North sails, carbon rigging and cable steering bolstered by a fully instrumented steering console set. She will compete for the first time against her sistership, Vijonara.

Length: 38.8m Builder: Pendennis Year: 2018

The 38.8-metre cutter-rigged sloop Vijonara was the second hull to emerge from Hoek Design’s ‘Truly Classic’ series. Built at Pendennis for owners with vast sailing knowledge, she boasts a bowsprit that houses a suite of downwind sails such as Code Sail and A-Symmetric Spinnaker. Vijonara came close to a win at this year’s St Barths Bucket, finishing second in her class. As a Superyacht Cup debutant, she will join other Hoek designs, such as Atalante , the first hull in the series, and Cervo .

Length: 25.1m Builder: Nautor Swan Year: 2013

Dark Horse (ex Chessie ) is making her first splash at the Cup. As a regatta regular Swan 80, she brings racing pedigree to Palma and will face competition with the slightly smaller Umiko, another yacht courtesy of the Finnish builder. The German Frers-designed yacht includes racing features such as a lightweight carbon hull and deck, high-modulus carbon spars, and a top-spec racing rig optimised for speed.

Length: 24m Builder: Wally Year: 2006

The 24-metre Wallycento Rose is back to defend her winning Cup title after becoming the first Wally yacht to claim victory. Rose was designed in collaboration with Wally and Mills Design for naval architecture and exterior design, while interiors were thanks to Pininfarina. Delivered in 2006, this flush-deck carbon sailing yacht boasts a 45-metre rig and a 3DL self-tacking jib for racing performance. The crew of 24 and an upwind sail plan of 640 square metres also helped facilitate her win last year.

Length: 24m Builder: Nautor Swan Year: 2000

Another of Nautor Swan's 80 series competing, Umiko i s making a welcome return to Palma after the last three years of participating. The ultra-fast yacht, which is one of the Superyacht Cup Palma's smaller entries, is a German Frers design. Since her launch in 2000, she has undergone various refits to keep her race-ready, including upgrades such as carbon rigging and new North 3Di sails.

Length: 38.5m Builder: Camper & Nicholsons Year: 1933

Last but by no means least is one of the regatta longest serving contenders, the 38.5-metre Velsheda. An icon among the J Class fleet, although not originally constructed for the America’s Cup like her contemporaries, she has made her mark on the regatta scene. Built by Camper & Nicholsons in 1933 from steel for W.L. Stephenson, the chairman of British retailer Woolworths, she was christened Velsheda after his three daughters Velma, Sheila and Daphne. In 1996, the yacht was purchased by Dutch fashion entrepreneur Ronald de Waal, who gave Southampton Yacht Services the job to rebuild her and restore her to racing status.

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