German Topsail Schooner, Hansine, 1850

Description

A schooner is a sailing vessel with fore-and-aft sails on two or more masts. The most common type has two masts, the foremast being shorter than the main. While the schooner was originally gaff-rigged, modern schooners typically carry a Bermuda rig. Although mostly associated with North America, schooners were first used by the Dutch in the 16th and 17th century. They were further developed in North America from the early 18th century and came into extensive use in New England. [There is a suspicion this is actually the Danish Topsail schooner Hansine).