Schooner “America” commons.wikimedia.org
A schooner has at least two fore-and-aft rigged masts. This type of vessel evolved in Dutch waters in the 17th century, but it later appeared in North America. Schooner rig was ideal for medium sized vessel that sailed close to the wind. Later, the schooner was used as basis for racing yachts, and the name caught the public imagination.