What is a ketch?

Answer 1

A Ketch is a sailing vessel with two masts, a main mast and a mizzen mast abaft. Very similar to a Yawl the main differences being a ketch's mizzen mast is forward of the rudder post which in turn gives the ketch a larger sail area. A ketch's mizzen mast is used for propulsion where a yawls mizzen mast is used for trim and balance.

Ketches are very common among long distance sailors, since the larger sail area gives you a better balance. Also a ketch allows you to drop your mainsail in sudden wind gusts and sail only with your jib and mizzen set.

Answer 2

A ketch is a fore- and aft-rigged sailing vessel with two masts, a main mast and a mizzen mast, the mizzen mast stepped forward of the rudder post.