ketch usually refers to a
sailboat with a particular
mast configuration:
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A mainmast somewhat forward of amidships, and
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A smaller mizzenmast just forward of the helm.
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Ketches are frequently confused with yawls; however, a yawl is a slightly
smaller boat with its (smaller) mizzen aft of the helm. Different
designs of ketches have vertical stems or raked masts.
"Ketch" is a Dutch word; these boats are known in Scandinavia
by "galeas". They were used for centuries along the Northern
Eurpoean coast as trading vessels.