A sailboat or sailing boat is a
boat propelled partly or entirely by
sails. The term covers a variety of boats, larger than small vessels such as
sailboards and smaller than
sailing ships, but distinctions in size are not strictly defined and what constitutes a sailing ship, sailboat, or a smaller vessel (such as a
sailboard) varies by region and culture. Apart from size, sailboats may be distinguished by hull configuration (
monohull,
catamaran,
trimaran), keel type (full, fin, wing, centerboard etc.), purpose (sport, racing, cruising), number and configuration of masts, and sail plan. Although sailboat terminology has varied across history, many terms now have specific meanings in the context of modern
yachting.
A sailboat or sailing boat is a
boat propelled partly or entirely by
sails. The term covers a variety of boats, larger than small vessels such as
sailboards and smaller than
sailing ships, but distinctions in size are not strictly defined and what constitutes a sailing ship, sailboat, or a smaller vessel (such as a
sailboard) varies by region and culture. Apart from size, sailboats may be distinguished by hull configuration (
monohull,
catamaran,
trimaran), keel type (full, fin, wing, centerboard etc.), purpose (sport, racing, cruising), number and configuration of masts, and sail plan. Although sailboat terminology has varied across history, many terms now have specific meanings in the context of modern
yachting.