What is a mast in a sailboat? A mast in a sailboat is a spar or structure rising above the hull and upper portions of a boat or ship to hold sails, spars, rigging, booms, signals, and others, at some point on the fore-and-aft line, as a foremast or the mainmast. It is also described as any of the various portions of a single spar beside particular sails, as a top-gallant mast, and a royal mast formed as a single spar. 

What then is a free-standing mast? A free-standing mast (also known as an unstayed mast) is a type of mast that is not supported by any stays (a sailboat stay is a cable, line, rope, or essentially any material that supports the weight of the mast and ensures safe sailing). A free-standing mast is often seen in small boats because of the pressure exerted on the sail. However, they can also be found on larger vessels. 

What is the function of a mast? A mast is a tall wooden structure consisting of spars and is usually found at the center of a water vessel used in carrying a sail, derricks, and other structures. Although that is the primary function of a mast, it can be used for other purposes, such as adding navigation lights, a radio aerial, and other secondary functions. 

Here Are Some of the Best Sailboats with Free-Standing Masts

Nonsuch 30

The Nonsuch sailboat series is a boating brand with history. A part of the boat series was first developed as far back as three decades ago. It is a boating brand that has been refined over the years and is known for its quality products. The Nonsuch 30 was designed by Gorgon Fisher and Mark Ellis. After its construction, it was released in 1978, and it became popular in Canada and the United States. 

Overall Features

The most apparent feature of this sailboat is its balance. The boat’s balance is unaffected by the full weight of a person on its rail because of its tall, tapered, unstayed mast with a wishbone boom. There is sufficient space above the deck due to the absence of chainplates, shrouds or stays, Genoa track or cars, mainsheet traveler, or primary winches on the cockpit coamings (there is one mainsheet winch well aft on the starboard coaming). The interior illuminates brighter than most sailboats, with three opening hatches in the coach roof, including nine opening ports. Two-quarter berths sit perfectly at either side of the companionway, and there is a sizable L-shaped galley to port.

The head comprises a shower and is a generous size, also is the forward lounging area, which has a port and a starboard settee, complete with a drop-leaf table on the centerline. The port side berth extends to render a double capacity bunk. A slide-up panel and bi-fold doors to close off the forward cabin were introduced in the later classical interior designs. This sailboat also boasts of sufficient storage space available in the form of a hanging locker in the forward cabin. The area designated for sleeping is private, quiet, comfortable, and free from interruptions. The diesel engines of the Nonsuch 30 span from Volvo MD11C Sail drive (most Classics) to a Westerbeke V-drive in the Ultra year’s edition.

>>Also Read: Best Small and Trailerable Sailboats

Tanton 44 Cutter

The Tanton 44 was built for a company called Offshore Marine. In the 1970s and early 1980s, small firms like Offshore Marine contracted Asian yards to produce boats of numerous designs. In 1982, the boat was built at the Ta Chiao Bros yard in Taiwan. It is otherwise called the Ta Chiao 44 or CT44. Tanton 44 was designed by one of the greatest, well-respected, prolific, and innovative designers of all time, Yves-Marie Tanton. 

Overall Features

The Tanton 44 is structurally solid and designed so that its speed is up to par with that of a cruising yacht. The anodized rig is properly positioned and is on its second set of standing rigging. On deck, the bulwarks and braces for the stanchions provide an instant sense of anti-theft. The boat consists of a comfortable private stateroom forward of considerable size with a centreline berth and a custom-made inner-spring mattress. Also, the hanging locker and a linen cabinet below the starboard settee make room for adequate storage. To port is the expansive head compartment at the sink that alternates hot and cold pressure water. Close to the centreline, there are two deep stainless sinks to port. The major salon has a huge “L” settee to port with a straight settee to starboard. 

There is enough room for at least six people to eat with a large leaf table and storage below. Proper storage has been prioritized with lockers and a spice rack that permit storage, and there is a large counter aft of the sinks. Rigged as a cutter, the potent sailplane is split into manageable sections. The subtle beam and fin keel/skeg rudder make this one of the unique performance cruisers. At about 26,000lbs designed displacement, the Tanton 44 has reasonable displacement and a long waterline of 37.6′. The Tanton 44’s all-around sailing peculiarities set her apart from conventional full-keel cruisers. 

>>Also Read: Best Small Sailboats To Sail Around The World

Herreshoff Cat Ketch 38

The Herreshoffs were built by the Cat Ketch Corporation; although short-lived, the company built some peculiar cruising auxiliaries. They were all called Herreshoffs, named after their designer, Halsey Herreshoff. The boats were created between about 1982 and 1986, and they came into existence as a result of the collaboration between the company’s founder, third-generation boatbuilder John Newton, and Herreshoff (who similarly was the third generation in his family to venture into the same business.) Newton had experience building Grand Banks trawlers in Hong Kong; likewise, Herreshoff was not a novice in the field as he had also designed a couple of production boats. The Herreshoffs 38 were a one-time production, constructed with each vessel containing unique properties.

Overall Features

The Herreshoff 38 Cat Ketch is a blue water cruiser with available space for an extended cruise or to live aboard. The Herreshoff 38 cruiser offers a teak interior, parquet floor, two staterooms, spacious salon, and full galley. As you come underneath, the aft stateroom is on your left with a double berth, under-berth storage, and a hanging locker. A full galley with teak cabinets, a tile counter, stainless steel sink, an icebox, and even a dishwasher can be located by your right. The salon accommodates a large wraparound dinette, teak dining table with storage, under-seat, and bulkhead storage. The head compartment is enclosed and has mirrored vanity and shower stall. The forward stateroom has an offset berth, under-berth storage, dresser, and hanging locker.

On this boat, there is a spacious cockpit with enough seating, a helm pedestal, and a Bimini top on deck. To help you enjoy the fresh catch-of-the-day is a Magma grill. There is also a swim ladder to assist you as you get on board after swimming or diving. The wide side decks ensure free movement forward. The teak bow pulpit has a dual roller, rode, windlass, and two anchors with chain. Auxiliary power is made available by the Universal Diesel Engine that lights up the entire boat. The Herreshoff 38 is a one-of-a-kind blue water cruiser with potential that can serve dual functions; a vacation getaway or a liveaboard.

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats to Singlehand

Best Sailboats with Free Standing Masts – Final Thoughts

The boats that have made our list are the best boats out there that use a free-standing mast, a unique feature that is not popular. So now, you have an idea of the options and features to look out for if you want tο purchase a boat with a free-standing mast.