Another Dutch design that gradually appeared during the 1630s and 1640s, the
sloop (or jact, or schooner) became very popular in the Caribbean. It is
extremely fast and exceptionally maneuverable - better than almost any other
ship in light winds. Close-Hauled it sails very fast, and under oars it can
move directly into the wind. Most importantly, sloops have a shallow draft,
allowing them to sail over shoals with no risk. The main weakness of a sloop
is that in strong winds it is considerable slower than a large square-rigged
ship. The only advantage is its maneuverability and its superior speed
close-hauled or into the wind.
Despite its modest size and cargo capacity, a sloop's maneuverability is so
great that many buccaneers prefer it to larger, more powerful craft. Indeed, in
recent years the English Royal Navy has built a number of sloops for its own
use as pirate-catchers.
