What is the defining characteristic of a barque's rigging across its masts?

A barque is a type of sailing vessel distinguished by its rigging configuration across its masts. It features three or more masts, where the fore mast, mainmast, and any additional masts are rigged with square sails. This contrasts with the aftmost mast, typically the mizzen mast on a three-masted barque, which is rigged fore and aft.

How does the rigging of the aftmost mast on a barque differ from the other masts?

On a barque, the aftmost mast, often referred to as the mizzen mast on a three-masted vessel, is rigged fore and aft. This means its sails run along the length of the mast, rather than being hung from yards perpendicular to the mast like the square sails found on the fore, main, and any other forward masts.

Can a barque's aftmost mast also carry square sails?

Yes, sometimes the aftmost mast of a barque, typically the mizzen mast, is partly rigged fore-and-aft but may also bear a square-rigged sail positioned above the fore-and-aft sail. This offers a slight variation in the standard barque rig.

What are the potential origins of the Latin word 'barca'?

The Latin word 'barca' may have originated from the Celtic word 'barc', according to Rudolf Thurneysen. Another proposed origin is the Greek word 'baris', which referred to an Egyptian boat, although the Oxford English Dictionary considers this Greek connection improbable.

What was the primary meaning of 'barca' in Latin, Spanish, and Italian?

In Latin, Spanish, and Italian, the term 'barca' traditionally referred to a small boat, rather than a large, full-sized ship. This contrasts with its later adoption into English to describe a specific type of sailing vessel.

How did French influence affect the English usage of 'barge' and 'barque'?

French influence in England led to the adoption of both the words 'barge' and 'barque' into the English language. Over time, their meanings diverged; 'barge' came to signify a small vessel for coastal or inland waters, or a rowing boat for officers, while 'bark' (later 'barque') evolved to denote a sailing vessel with a distinctive rig.

How has the spelling of the word for this type of ship evolved in English?

By the mid-19th century in Britain, the spelling had largely adopted the French form 'barque'. Earlier usage varied, with Francis Bacon using the 'q' spelling as early as 1592, while William Shakespeare used the spelling 'barke' in 1609. The word was also historically used as a shortening of the 'barca-longa' found in the Mediterranean Sea.

What is the modern English spelling convention to distinguish between similar-sounding words?

To differentiate between homophones, the modern English spelling convention uses 'barque' specifically to refer to the sailing ship. The spelling 'bark' is reserved for either the sound a dog makes or the outer layer of a tree.

What musical term shares the etymology of 'barque', and what is its origin?

The musical term 'barcarole' shares the same etymology as 'barque'. It originally referred to a folk song sung by Venetian gondoliers and is derived from the Italian word 'barca', meaning 'boat'.

How was the term 'bark' used by the Royal Navy in the 18th century?

In the 18th century, the Royal Navy used the term 'bark' as a designation for nondescript vessels that did not fit into any of its established categories. It was a general classification for ships that were difficult to categorize otherwise.

Why was James Cook's ship registered as 'HM Bark Endeavour'?

James Cook's exploration vessel was registered as 'HM Bark Endeavour' by the British Admiralty to distinguish it from another ship already in service named *Endeavour*, which was a sloop. The term 'bark' was used by the Royal Navy at the time for vessels that didn't fit standard classifications.

What were the described visual characteristics of HMS Endeavour when it was registered as a bark?

Although registered as a 'Bark', HMS Endeavour was actually a full-rigged ship. Its description notes it had a plain, bluff bow and a full stern equipped with windows.

How did William Falconer's *Dictionary of the Marine* define 'bark'?

William Falconer's *Dictionary of the Marine* defined 'bark' as a general name for small ships. He noted it was 'peculiarly appropriated by seamen to those which carry three masts without a mizzen topsail.' He also mentioned that Northern mariners applied the term to broad-sterned ships without ornamental figures on the stem or prow.

What does a 16th-century document from the Cheshire Record Office mention regarding a bark named *Sunday*?

A 16th-century document held by the Cheshire and Chester Archives and Local Studies Service lists the names of Robert Ratclyfe, the owner of the bark *Sunday*, and ten mariners appointed to serve under the Earl of Sussex, who was the Lord Deputy of Ireland at the time.

What specific sail plan defines a vessel as a 'barque' by the end of the 18th century?

By the end of the 18th century, the term 'barque' came to refer to a vessel with a specific sail plan: it featured three or more masts, with square sails on all masts except the aftermost one, which carried fore-and-aft sails. This configuration became common for vessels of this type.

What made barques particularly suitable as the 'workhorses' during the golden age of sail in the mid-19th century?

Barques were considered the workhorses of the golden age of sail because their sail plan allowed them to achieve sailing speeds nearly matching full-rigged ships, but with significantly smaller crews. This efficiency made them practical and economical for long voyages during that era.

What was a primary advantage of the barque rig regarding crew size and cost?

A key advantage of the barque rig was its reduced crew requirement compared to comparable full-rigged ships or brig-rigged vessels. Fewer labor-intensive square sails were used, making the rig cheaper to operate and maintain, and requiring fewer personnel.

Why might ship rig be retained for training vessels despite the crew advantages of barques?

While barques offered crew efficiencies, the traditional ship rig was sometimes retained for training vessels. This was because a larger crew size allowed more seamen to gain experience and be trained effectively during voyages.

How does a barque's sailing performance compare to other rig types?

A barque offers a balance of sailing capabilities. Downwind, it can outperform schooners or barkentines. It is also generally easier to handle and better at sailing to windward than a full-rigged ship, representing a compromise between the windward ability of fore-and-aft rigs and the downwind speed of square rigs.

What factors determine the optimal choice between different sailing rigs like square-riggers, barques, barkentines, or schooners?

The optimal choice of sailing rig depends heavily on the intended sailing route and the ability to select routes and seasons that favor following winds. Square-riggers were often preferred for intercontinental voyages where routes could be chosen for favorable winds, while other rigs offered different advantages for specific conditions.

What is the typical mast configuration for most ocean-going windjammers?

Most ocean-going windjammers were four-masted barques. This configuration was favored due to the compromises it offered in terms of sailing performance, crew requirements, and operational efficiency for long-distance voyages.

What was the typical height of the main mast on a four-masted barque, using the *Moshulu* as an example?

The main mast on a four-masted barque was usually the tallest. For instance, the main mast of the *Moshulu* extended approximately 58 meters (about 190 feet) off the deck.

What was the minimum crew size for a four-masted barque?

A four-masted barque could be handled with a surprisingly small crew, with a minimum requirement of around 10 individuals. However, typical crews were larger, often around 30 people, with nearly half of them potentially being apprentices.

What is the *Pommern* notable for among windjammers?

The *Pommern* is notable as a well-preserved example of a commercial barque and is considered the only windjammer in its original condition. It is housed at the maritime museum in Mariehamn, outside the Åland Islands.

Where is the wooden barque *Sigyn* located and what is its current status?

The wooden barque *Sigyn*, built in Gothenburg in 1887, is now a museum ship located in Turku, Finland.

What is the *Charles W. Morgan* notable for, and where is it located?

The *Charles W. Morgan* is a wooden whaling barque launched in 1841. It is now a museum ship located at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. It was taken out of service in 1921 and has since been refitted, sailing the New England coast as of summer 2014.

What is the *USCGC Eagle* and how is it used?

The *USCGC Eagle* is an operational barque currently operated by the United States Coast Guard. Built in Germany in 1936 and captured as a war prize, it is used as a training vessel by the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut.

What is the *James Craig* and what is its significance?

The *James Craig* is an iron-hulled, three-masted barque restored by the Sydney Heritage Fleet. Originally constructed as the *Clan Macleod* in 1874, it is now sailing at sea fortnightly.

What is the *Star of India* notable for regarding its history and current status?

The *Star of India*, built in 1863 as a full-rigged ship and converted into a barque in 1901, is recognized as the oldest active sailing vessel in the world. It is currently a museum ship.

What musical piece was inspired by the barque, and who composed it?

The French composer Maurice Ravel was inspired by the barque to write his piece *Une Barque sur l'ocean*. He originally composed it for piano in 1905 and later orchestrated it in 1906.

What is the *Statsraad Lehmkuhl* currently used for, and what is its future plan?

The *Statsraad Lehmkuhl* is actively operated in its barque form, stripped down to align with the upbringing of future sailors. It serves as a schoolship and for training operations for the Norwegian Navy, and is available to volunteers. Its future plans include a 19-month circumnavigation of the globe, during which it will host promotional events and support university studies monitoring environmental data.

What type of vessel are many modern sailing school ships?

Many modern sailing school ships are barques. Their rig and size make them suitable for training purposes, combining historical sailing techniques with educational objectives.

What type of boat was referred to as a 'barque' in Ancient Egypt?

In Ancient Egypt, 'barques' referred to a type of boat that had been used since the earliest recorded times. These vessels are frequently depicted in Egyptian drawings, paintings, and reliefs.

What role did barques play in Ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife?

In Ancient Egyptian belief, barques were significant for transportation to the afterlife. It was thought that the deceased, particularly pharaohs and other wealthy or royal individuals, would travel to the afterlife via these boats.

What was the significance of the barque used for the pharaoh's journey to the afterlife?

The barque used for the pharaoh's journey to become a deity was considered extremely important. Great care was taken to provide a beautiful vessel for this final voyage, and models of these boats, varying greatly in size, were placed within their tombs.

How were barques considered religious artifacts in Ancient Egypt?

Barques were considered important religious artifacts because deities were believed to travel in them across the sky. This celestial journey mirrored the importance of the Nile River on Earth, and cult statues of deities were transported on ritual boats carried by priests during festivals.

What celestial feature was seen as a great waterway analogous to the Nile in Ancient Egypt?

In Ancient Egypt, the Milky Way was viewed as a great waterway, considered as important as the Nile River on Earth. This celestial river was associated with the journeys of deities in their barques.

What were barque shrines in Egyptian temples used for?

Barque shrines, which were sometimes present in multiples within a single temple, served as resting places for the sacred barques when they were not being used in processions. Priests were responsible for watching over and caring for these sacred boats in their shrines.

What is the symbolic representation of the 'Barque of St. Peter'?

The 'Barque of St. Peter', also known as the Barque of Peter, is a symbolic reference to the Roman Catholic Church. It represents the Church as a vessel navigating through life and history.

Who is symbolically steering the Barque of St. Peter?

The Pope is symbolically considered to be steering the Barque of St. Peter. This role is linked to Saint Peter, the first Pope, who was a fisherman before becoming an apostle of Jesus.

According to the 'See also' section, what is the rigging characteristic of a barquentine?

According to the 'See also' section, a barquentine (or barkentine) is a sailing vessel with three masts, where the fore mast is square-rigged, and the main and mizzen masts are rigged fore and aft.

What is the rigging characteristic of a brigantine as listed in the 'See also' section?

As listed in the 'See also' section, a brigantine is a two-masted sailing vessel where the fore mast is square-rigged, and the main mast is typically rigged fore and aft.

What is the specific rigging configuration of a jackass-barque?

A jackass-barque is described as having three masts, with the fore mast and the upper part of the mizzen mast being square-rigged. The remaining masts are rigged fore and aft.

What is the function of a ship's hull?

The hull is the main body of a sailing ship. It is the watertight structure that encloses the cargo and machinery, and it provides the buoyancy necessary for the vessel to float.

What is a bowsprit, and where is it located on a sailing ship?

A bowsprit is a spar projecting from the forwardmost part of a ship's hull, known as the bow or prow. It extends outwards and slightly upwards, serving to carry sails forward of the foremast and to provide an attachment point for rigging.

What is the purpose of a rudder on a sailing ship?

The rudder is a control surface used to steer a ship or boat. It is typically attached to the sternpost or aftmost part of the hull and is moved by a tiller or ship's wheel to change the vessel's direction.

What are the main masts on a sailing ship?

The main masts are the principal vertical spars supporting the sails on a sailing ship. On a multi-masted vessel like a barque, they are typically identified by their position: the fore mast (forward), the mainmast (amidships, usually the tallest), and the mizzen mast (aft).

What is the function of a ship's keel?

The keel is the lowest part of a ship's hull, running along the centerline from bow to stern. It provides structural integrity to the hull and acts as a ballast, helping to stabilize the vessel and prevent excessive rolling.

What is the difference between standing and running rigging?

Standing rigging refers to the fixed ropes, wires, or chains that support the masts and spars of a sailing vessel, such as shrouds and stays. Running rigging, on the other hand, consists of the movable ropes used to control the sails, like halyards, sheets, and braces.

Name two types of standing rigging.

Two types of standing rigging mentioned are shrouds, which run from the mastheads down to the sides of the hull to provide lateral support, and stays, which run fore and aft to support the mast(s) and provide attachment points for sails.

Barque Wiki: Maritime Majesty: The Barque Unveiled

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Etymology

Linguistic Roots

The term "barque" traces its origins through French, ultimately deriving from the Latin word barca. This Latin term likely passed through Occitan, Catalan, Spanish, or Italian. While the Latin barca referred to a small boat, the term evolved significantly.

Evolution of Spelling and Meaning

Early English usage saw variations like "bark" and "barke," with Shakespeare using the latter in 1609. By the mid-19th century in Britain, the spelling standardized to "barque" for the sailing vessel. This distinguished it from the word "bark" referring to a tree's outer layer or a sound. The term "barcarole" in music shares this etymology, originating from songs of Venetian gondoliers.

Defining the Barque

Core Characteristics

A barque is a specific type of sailing vessel distinguished by its mast configuration. It features three or more masts, with the foremast and mainmast (and any additional masts) being square-rigged. Crucially, only the aftmost mast (the mizzen mast) is rigged fore-and-aft. In some variations, the mizzen mast may also carry a square-rigged sail above its fore-and-aft sail.

Rigging Distinction

This hybrid rig, combining square sails on the forward masts for downwind performance and fore-and-aft sails on the aftmost mast for better windward ability and handling, made the barque a versatile vessel. It represented a compromise between the pure square-rigged ship and purely fore-and-aft rigged vessels like schooners.

The Barque Rig

Balancing Performance

By the late 18th century, the term "barque" became synonymous with this particular sail plan. The primary advantage was operational efficiency; barques could achieve respectable speeds, nearly matching full-rigged ships, while requiring significantly smaller crews. This reduction in crew size translated to lower operating costs, making them economically viable for long voyages.

Sailing Advantages

Compared to other rigs, the barque offered a balance: superior downwind speed compared to schooners or barkentines, and better windward performance than a full-rigged ship. This flexibility allowed them to be effective on routes where prevailing winds could be utilized, dominating the merchant fleets during the "golden age of sail" in the mid-19th century.

Crew Considerations

The reduced crew requirement was a significant factor. While a full-rigged ship might require a larger complement, a four-masted barque, often used as a windjammer, could operate with a minimum crew, frequently including apprentices. This made them practical for training purposes as well, balancing operational needs with seamanship education.

Historical Significance

The Age of Sail

Barques were the quintessential vessels of the 19th century's global trade. Their efficiency and adaptability made them workhorses for transporting goods across oceans. Many prominent sailing school ships today are barques, continuing the tradition of training sailors on these complex rigs.

Notable Examples

Numerous barques have left their mark on maritime history. Examples include:

HM Bark Endeavour (though registered as a bark, its rig was that of a full-rigged ship).
The five-masted barque Potosi (c. 1895–1920).
Preserved vessels like the Pommern in Mariehamn and the Sigyn in Turku.
The whaling barque Charles W. Morgan, now a museum ship.
The operational training vessel USCGC Eagle.
The restored James Craig in Sydney Harbour.
The historic Star of India, converted to a barque in 1901.
The actively sailing Statsraad Lehmkuhl, used for training and research.

Ancient Egyptian Barques

Sacred Vessels

In Ancient Egypt, the term "barque" (derived from translations of hieroglyphs) referred to various types of boats crucial to their culture. These vessels were central to religious beliefs, particularly concerning the journey to the afterlife. Depictions are abundant in temple reliefs and tomb paintings.

Religious and Funerary Roles

Egyptian barques were believed to transport the deceased pharaoh to divinity and were provided as models or actual vessels in tombs. Cult statues of deities were also transported via barques, both on earthly waters like the Nile and metaphorically across the celestial "Milky Way" waterway. Temples often housed dedicated barque shrines for resting these sacred artifacts during processions.

The Barque of St. Peter

Ecclesiastical Metaphor

In Christian tradition, the "Barque of St. Peter" is a significant metaphor for the Roman Catholic Church. It references Saint Peter, a fisherman called by Jesus to become an apostle. The Pope is often depicted as the navigator steering this sacred vessel through the challenges of the world, symbolizing guidance and spiritual leadership.

Related Vessels

Distinguishing Rigs

The barque's unique rig places it within a spectrum of sailing vessel types. Understanding these distinctions is key to appreciating maritime evolution:

Barquentine: Typically three or more masts, with only the foremast square-rigged.
Brig: Two masts, both square-rigged.
Brigantine: Two masts, foremast square-rigged, mainmast fore-and-aft rigged.
Full-rigged Ship: Three or more masts, all square-rigged.
Schooner: Typically two or more masts, all fore-and-aft rigged (though some variations exist).

Further Exploration

The study of sailing vessels encompasses a vast array of specialized terminology related to sails, spars, rigging, and hull components. Historical context is often provided through classifications like "windjammers" or specific types like East Indiamen and clippers, each representing distinct eras and purposes in maritime history.

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The Barque Unveiled

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Etymology 🗣️

🌍 Linguistic Roots

📜 Evolution of Spelling and Meaning

Defining the Barque ⚓

⛵ Core Characteristics

⚙️ Rigging Distinction

The Barque Rig 돛

⚖️ Balancing Performance

💨 Sailing Advantages

👨‍✈️ Crew Considerations

Historical Significance ⏳

🗺️ The Age of Sail

🚢 Notable Examples

Ancient Egyptian Barques 🏛️

☥ Sacred Vessels

✨ Religious and Funerary Roles

The Barque of St. Peter ✝️

⛪ Ecclesiastical Metaphor

Related Vessels 🔗

🚢 Distinguishing Rigs

📚 Further Exploration

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Etymology

Linguistic Roots

Evolution of Spelling and Meaning

Defining the Barque

Core Characteristics

Rigging Distinction

The Barque Rig

Balancing Performance

Sailing Advantages

Crew Considerations

Historical Significance

The Age of Sail

Notable Examples

Ancient Egyptian Barques

Sacred Vessels

Religious and Funerary Roles

The Barque of St. Peter

Ecclesiastical Metaphor

Related Vessels

Distinguishing Rigs

Further Exploration

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice