Types of Sailboats and Rigs

By Tom Lochhaas, About.com Guide

A yawl is very similar to a ketch. The mizzenmast is usually smaller and set farther aft, behind the rudder post, while in a ketch the mizzenmast is forward of the rudder post. Aside from this technical difference, the yawl and ketch rigs are similar and have similar advantages and disadvantages.