_big_(cropped).png)
In modern usage, asloop is asailboat with a singlemast[2] generally having only one headsail in front of the mast and onemainsail abaft (behind) the mast. It is a type offore-and-aft rig. The mainsail may be of any type, most oftenBermuda rig, but also others, such asgaff orgunter.
In naval terminology, "sloop-of-war" refers to the purpose of the craft, rather than to the specific size orsail-plan, and thus a sloop should not be confused with a sloop-of-war. As with many rig definitions, it was some time before the term sloop referred to the type of rig.
Regionally, the definition also takes into account the position of the mast. A forward mast placement and a fixed (as opposed torunning) bowsprit, but with two headsails may give categorisation as a sloop. An example is theFriendship Sloop.[1]: 48-53
The name originates from theDutchsloep, which is related to theOld Englishslūpan, to glide.[3] The original Dutch term applied to an open rowing boat.[1]: 49 A sloop is usually regarded as a single-masted rig with a single headsail and a fore-and-aft mainsail. In this form, the sloop is the commonest of all sailing rigs – with the Bermuda sloop being the default rig for leisure craft, being used on types that range from simple cruising dinghies to large racing yachts with high-tech sail fabrics and large powerful winches.[1]: 48–53 If the vessel has two or moreheadsails, the termcutter is usually applied, though there are regional and historic variations on this. A boat with a forward mast placement and a fixed bowsprit, but more than one headsail, may be called a sloop. TheFriendship sloop is an example of this. Particularly with historic craft, categorisation as a cutter may rely on having a running bowsprit.[1]: 49–55
Before the Bermuda rig became popular outside of Bermuda in the early 20th century, a (non-Bermudian) sloop might carry one or more square-rigged topsails, hung from a topsail yard and sheeted to a lower yard.[4]
A sloop's headsail may be masthead-rigged or fractional-rigged. On a masthead-rigged sloop, theforestay (on which the headsail is carried) attaches at the top of the mast. On a fractional-rigged sloop, the forestay attaches to the mast at a point below the top. A sloop may use abowsprit, a spar that projects forward from thebow.
| National | |
|---|---|
| Artists | |
| Other | |
