In modern usage, a sloop is a sailboat with a single mast [2] generally having only one headsail in front of the mast and one mainsail abaft (behind) the mast. It is a type of fore-and-aft rig.

A clear, compact guide to identifying common sail rigs, including sloop, cutter, ketch, yawl, schooner, gaff, catboat, dhow, proa and junk. Learn how each rig is arranged, the pros and cons of its sail plan and the history behind its design.

Guide to Sail Rigs: How to Identify a Sloop, Ketch, Schooner, Yawl....

If you're just getting into sailing or considering buying your first sailboat, chances are you've heard the word sloop mentioned often. That’s because the sloop sailboat is the most popular and widely used type of sailing vessel around the world.

The meaning of SLOOP is a fore-and-aft rigged boat with one mast and a single jib.

What are sloop sailing vessels? Sloop sailboats are larger size, single-masted, two-sail sailing vessels usually used for time-honored activities such as a variety of commercial and recreational boating activities.

A sloop can encompass a myriad of sailboat varieties and still adhere to the definition of a single mast with a single headsail afore. These include day cruisers, bluewater cruisers, motor cruisers, yachts (or megayachts), or racing boats.

Sloop yachts are large, single-masted, two-sail sailing vessels usually used for time-honored activities. These sailing vessels boast a remarkable heritage as highly desirable craft renowned for their exceptionally stable deep draft and exceptionally wide beam.