Sailing ship

Sailing ships were the primary means of transportation across long distances of water (eg.rivers, lakes, oceans) before the invention of the first workable steam engines. They were used for carrying cargo, passengers, mail, supplies etc. There were many different types of sailing ship in use at different stages, but they all had certain basic things in common. Every sailing ship has a hull; rigging; at least one mast to hold up the sails that collect the wind and power the ship. The crew who sailed the ship were called sailors.

Journeys by sailing ship could take many months, and a common hazard was becoming becalmed, or being blown off course by severe storms. This could lead to shipwreck, and the loss of all hands.

The ships could only carry a certain quantity of supplies in their hold, so they had to plan long voyages carefully to include many stops to take on provisions and especially fresh water.

The sailing ship was generally replaced by steamships early this century, and then outmoded again by the invention of the diesel engine. Today's cargo vessels are faster and more reliable than sailing ships, as they do not rely on sails or the vagaries of the wind to guide them to their destination. However, sailing ships are still in use in many parts of the world, both for pleasure and work.

Modern sailing ships are largely used as pleasure vessels, for example small yachts. Sailing them is a means of recreation, and many people pay money to travel on an antique or modern-built tall ship.

See sloop; ketch; galleon; schooner; clipper; rigging; hull;