There are 7 distinctive types of Sailboats, which are highlighted below.

Sloop: A Sloop has 1 mast and 2 sails. The Sloop ring is the most popular rig for small to medium sailing boats.

Catboat: A Catboat has 1 mast and 1 sail.  Since a Catboat only has 1 sail, it’s a perfect choice for sailing with children or if you are shorthanded.

Sunfish: A Sunfish has 1 mast lateen sail. This type of boat is popular because it’s portable and small.

Catamaran: A Catamaran is very different from the other sailboats as it has 2 hulls. The Catamaran has 1 mast, and 1 or 2 sails, depending on the size of the boat.

Schooner: A Schooner has 2 masts and 3 or 4 sails.

Ketch: A Ketch has 2 masts and 3 or 4 sails with a mizzenmast that is larger than that of a Yawl.

Yawl: A Yawl has 2 masts and 3 or 4 sails. A yawl is similar to a Ketch, however, the mizzen on the Yawl is much smaller than on the Ketch. Generally, a mizzenmast is used for boats that are thirty feet or longer.