From the "Enclyclopedia of Nautical
Knowledge" by Cornell Maritime Press:
SLOOP. One masted fore-and-aft rigged vessel, usually carrying
a fore staysail and one or more jibs and, also, in heavier craft a gaff topsail
(formerly a square topsail). Of similar rig to that of the "cutter", difference between the two is more of a yachting
distinction than designation of a type. Actually, a "cutter" is a deep-keeled or narrow-beamed "sloop", the
original name for the rig, although attempts have been made to distinguish the two by crediting
a cutter with a larger spread of canvas, particularly in the head sails. A popular distinction in the
smaller craft field is that a sloop is a broader beamed, carries a centerboard, and is intended for
smooth-water sailing.
From "The Dictionary of Nautical Literacy" by Robert McKenna:
SLOOP. Single-masted sailing vessel. Its mast is set farther
forward than that of a "cutter", and it carries fewer "headsails", usually just one.
These 2 definitions courtesy of:
Captain's Nautical Supplies
Sales Department
2500 - 15th Avenue West
Seattle WA 98119
Phone: (800) 448-2278; (206) 283-7242
Fax: (206) 281-4921
http://www.captainsnautical.comWe welcome additional definitions or explanations.
