Where is the mizzen mast located on a yawl?

• A. At the bow
• B. Between the masts
• C. Aft of the main mast
• D. At the rudder post

Answer: (D)

In a yawl, two masts share the sail plan, with the smaller mizzen mast placed well back from the main mast. The mizzen sits behind the rudder post, typically on the stern quarter. This aft location distinguishes a yawl from a ketch, whose mizzen is forward of the rudder post. Placing the mizzen aft helps balance the boat and keeps steering comfortable when working the sails, especially if the mainsail is reduced or reefed. So the mizzen mast is behind the rudder post, not at the bow, not between the masts, and not at the rudder post itself.