Definition of a ketch The term ketch is derived from the English word “catch”, referring to fishing catches. Historically, a ketch was a two-masted fishing vessel or cargo ship, often square-rigged. In modern sailing, a ketch is generally defined as a sailing...
Origin and terminology This rig type was developed in the 16th century by Dutch sailors under the name “Schoener”, which later gave rise to the English term schooner. The French term goélette likely derives from goéland (seagull) and appeared around 1740. Among the...
