Brig

A brig is a sailing vessel with two square-rigged masts. To improve maneuverability the aft mast carries a small gaff rigged fore-and-aft sail. The brig developed as a variant of the brigantine. Re-rigging a brigantine with two square-rigged masts instead of one gives it greater sailing power, and is easier for a crew to manage. Brigs are relatively fast and maneuverable and are used as both naval warships and merchant vessels. When used as small warships, they are stripped out in order to carry more guns, sacrificing cargo space for extra room for cannon. This more warlike design is called a Brig of War. Due to their speed and maneuverability brigs are also popular among pirates.