Lateen vs. Sail — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 19, 2024
Lateen refers to a specific type of triangular sail, while sail is a general term for any piece of fabric used to catch wind and propel a boat.
Difference Between Lateen and Sail
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lateen is a specific type of sail characterized by its triangular shape. It is mounted at an angle on a long yard attached to a short mast, which allows it to catch wind efficiently from various directions. A sail, on the other hand, is a broad term that encompasses any fabric or material used to catch wind and propel a boat. Sails can come in many shapes and sizes, including square sails, gaff sails, and bermuda sails.
Lateen sails were historically significant in the Mediterranean, enabling the development of more agile and faster ships during the medieval period. They are particularly associated with the dhow and the caravel. While lateen sails offer excellent maneuverability, they can be more complex to handle compared to simpler sail designs.
Sails in general have been used worldwide in various forms and configurations. From the large square sails of Viking ships to the modern high-performance sails used in racing yachts, the design and application of sails have evolved significantly. Unlike the lateen, other sails may not offer the same level of windward performance but can be more stable or easier to handle.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Triangular sail mounted at an angle
General term for any fabric used to catch wind
Shape
Triangular
Various shapes (triangular, square, etc.)
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Historical Significance
Important in medieval Mediterranean
Used worldwide in various forms
Maneuverability
Highly maneuverable, good windward ability
Varies depending on the type of sail
Complexity
More complex to handle
Varies; some are simpler to manage
Compare with Definitions
Lateen
Used in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean for centuries.
Traditional dhows in the Arabian Sea often used lateen sails.
Sail
A piece of fabric used to catch wind and propel a boat.
The yacht's sails billowed in the strong breeze.
Lateen
Provides excellent maneuverability.
The fishermen appreciated the lateen sail's agility in shifting winds.
Sail
Can be made in various shapes and sizes.
The ship had large square sails for open sea voyages.
Lateen
A triangular sail mounted on a long yard at an angle to a short mast.
The lateen sail allowed the boat to tack closer to the wind.
Sail
Essential part of a sailing vessel.
Without its sails, the schooner would be adrift.
Lateen
Characterized by its angular mounting.
The crew adjusted the lateen sail for better wind capture.
Sail
Can be constructed from different materials.
Modern sails are often made from synthetic fibers.
Lateen
Crucial in the development of early navigation techniques.
Early explorers relied on the lateen sail for their voyages.
Sail
A sail is a tensile structure—made from fabric or other membrane materials—that uses wind power to propel sailing craft, including sailing ships, sailboats, windsurfers, ice boats, and even sail-powered land vehicles. Sails may be made from a combination of woven materials—including canvas or polyester cloth, laminated membranes or bonded filaments—usually in a three- or four-sided shape.
Lateen
A lateen (from French latine, meaning "Latin") or latin-rig is a triangular sail set on a long yard mounted at an angle on the mast, and running in a fore-and-aft direction. Dating back to Roman navigation, the lateen became the favorite sail of the Age of Discovery, mainly because it allows a boat to tack "against the wind".
Sail
A piece of material extended on a mast to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship or other vessel
All the sails were unfurled
The boat can no longer carry that area of sail
Lateen
Being, relating to, or rigged with a triangular sail hung on a long yard that is attached at an angle to the top of a short mast.
Sail
A wind-catching apparatus attached to the arm of a windmill.
Lateen
A lateen-rigged boat.
Sail
A voyage or excursion in a ship, especially a sailing ship or boat
They went for a sail
Lateen
A lateen sail.
Sail
The conning tower of a submarine.
Lateen
(nautical) A triangular fore-and-aft sail set on a boom in such way that the tack is attached to the hull of the vessel and the free end of the boom lifts the sail.
Sail
A canvas sheet or tarpaulin
The sail covering the load of crates broke loose from the truck
Lateen
Of or pertaining to a peculiar rig used in the Mediterranean and adjacent waters, esp. on the northern coast of Africa; pertaining to a lateen sail. See below.
Sail
Travel in a boat with sails, especially as a sport or recreation
Ian took us out sailing on the lake
Lateen
Rigged with a triangular (lateen sail).
Sail
Move smoothly and rapidly or in a stately or confident manner
The ball sailed inside the right-hand post
Lateen
A triangular fore-and-aft sail used especially in the Mediterranean
Sail
A piece of fabric sewn together and fitted to the spars and rigging of a vessel so as to convert the force of the wind into forward motion of the vessel.
Lateen
Rigged with a triangular (lateen) sail
Sail
The sails of a ship or boat.
Sail
A narrow fairwater supporting the bridge of a submarine.
Sail
Pl. sail or sails Nautical A sailing vessel.
Sail
(Nautical) A trip or voyage in a sailing craft.
Sail
Something, such as the blade of a windmill, that resembles a sail in form or function.
Sail
To move across the surface of water, especially by means of a sailing vessel.
Sail
To travel by water in a vessel.
Sail
To start out on such a voyage or journey
Tomorrow we sail for the islands.
Sail
To operate a sailing craft, especially for sport.
Sail
To move along or progress smoothly or effortlessly
Sailed into the room five minutes late.
Sailed through the exam.
Sailed through the red light.
Sail
To move along through the air
The ball sailed into the stands.
Sail
To navigate or manage (a vessel).
Sail
To voyage upon or across
Sail the Pacific.
Sail
(nautical) A piece of fabric attached to a boat and arranged such that it causes the wind to drive the boat along. The sail may be attached to the boat via a combination of mast, spars and ropes.
Sail
The concept of a sail or sails, as if a substance.
Take in sail: a storm is coming.
Sail
(uncountable) The power harnessed by a sail or sails, or the use of this power for travel or transport.
Sail
A trip in a boat, especially a sailboat.
Let's go for a sail.
Sail
A sailing vessel; a vessel of any kind; a craft.
Twenty sail were in sight.
Sail
(nautical) The conning tower of a submarine.
Sail
The blade of a windmill.
Sail
A tower-like structure found on the dorsal (topside) surface of submarines.
Sail
The floating organ of siphonophores, such as the Portuguese man-of-war.
Sail
(fishing) A sailfish.
We caught three sails today.
Sail
(paleontology) an outward projection of the spine, occurring in certain dinosaurs and synapsids
Sail
Anything resembling a sail, such as a wing.
Sail
To be impelled or driven forward by the action of wind upon sails, as a ship on water; to be impelled on a body of water by steam or other power.
Sail
To move through or on the water; to swim, as a fish or a waterfowl.
Sail
To ride in a boat, especially a sailboat.
Sail
(intransitive) To set sail; to begin a voyage.
We sail for Australia tomorrow.
Sail
To move briskly and gracefully through the air.
Sail
(intransitive) To move briskly but sedately.
The duchess sailed haughtily out of the room.
Sail
To deal out (cards) from a distance by impelling them across a surface.
Sail
An extent of canvas or other fabric by means of which the wind is made serviceable as a power for propelling vessels through the water.
Behoves him now both sail and oar.
Sail
Anything resembling a sail, or regarded as a sail.
Sail
A wing; a van.
Like an eagle soaringTo weather his broad sails.
Sail
The extended surface of the arm of a windmill.
Sail
A sailing vessel; a vessel of any kind; a craft.
Sail
A passage by a sailing vessel; a journey or excursion upon the water.
Sail
To be impelled or driven forward by the action of wind upon sails, as a ship on water; to be impelled on a body of water by the action of steam or other power.
Sail
To move through or on the water; to swim, as a fish or a water fowl.
Sail
To be conveyed in a vessel on water; to pass by water; as, they sailed from London to Canton.
Sail
To set sail; to begin a voyage.
Sail
To move smoothly through the air; to glide through the air without apparent exertion, as a bird.
As is a winged messenger of heaven, . . .When he bestrides the lazy pacing clouds,And sails upon the bosom of the air.
Sail
To pass or move upon, as in a ship, by means of sails; hence, to move or journey upon (the water) by means of steam or other force.
A thousand ships were manned to sail the sea.
Sail
To fly through; to glide or move smoothly through.
Sublime she sailsThe aërial space, and mounts the wingèd gales.
Sail
To direct or manage the motion of, as a vessel; as, to sail one's own ship.
Sail
A large piece of fabric (as canvas) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
Sail
An ocean trip taken for pleasure
Sail
Traverse or travel by ship on (a body of water);
We sailed the Atlantic
He sailed the Pacific all alone
Sail
Move with sweeping, effortless, gliding motions;
The diva swept into the room
Shreds of paper sailed through the air
The searchlights swept across the sky
Sail
Travel in a boat propelled by wind;
I love sailing, especially on the open sea
Sail
Travel by boat on a boat propelled by wind or by other means;
The QE2 will sail to Southampton tomorrow
Sail
Used to control the direction and speed of a boat.
The sailor adjusted the sails to change course.
Common Curiosities
How does a lateen sail differ from a square sail?
A lateen sail is triangular and angled, while a square sail is rectangular and mounted perpendicular to the mast.
Where were lateen sails commonly used?
In the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean on boats like dhows and caravels.
How does a sail function?
A sail catches wind and uses its force to propel and steer a boat.
What is the main advantage of a lateen sail?
Its ability to sail close to the wind, offering excellent maneuverability.
What type of boats use lateen sails?
Traditional Mediterranean vessels, dhows, and some historical European ships.
Are lateen sails still in use today?
Yes, particularly on traditional and some modern sailing boats.
What is a lateen sail?
A triangular sail mounted at an angle to a short mast, known for its maneuverability.
What is the purpose of adjusting a sail?
To optimize the boat's direction and speed according to wind conditions.
Can a sail be any shape?
Yes, sails come in various shapes such as triangular, square, and more.
What materials are sails made from?
Traditionally from canvas or linen, now often from synthetic fibers.
Why are sails important for boats?
They harness wind power to move and steer the vessel.
What is a common modern sail type?
The bermuda sail, known for its efficiency and simplicity.
Do all boats use sails?
No, some use engines, but sails are essential for traditional and recreational sailing vessels.
How do lateen sails handle strong winds?
They are maneuverable but require skill to handle effectively in strong winds.
What was the historical impact of lateen sails?
They revolutionized navigation and trade in the medieval Mediterranean.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
