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They cannot sail as close to the wind as the southern ships with lateen rigging, but, on the other hand, the square sail makes it possible to do with a single sail, taking in and letting out canvas, as opposed to several sails, which are attached to and removed from the yard, which is raised and lowered, depending on weather conditions. - (Hunters of Gor, Chapter 18, Sentence #459)

The men of Torvaldsland, however, do not find this limitation with respect to cargo a significant one, as they do not, generally, regard themselves as merchants or traders. They have other pursuits, in particular the seizure of riches and the enslavement of beautiful women. Their sails, incidentally, are square, rather than triangular, like the lateen-rigged ships of the south. They cannot sail as close to the wind as the southern ships with lateen rigging, but, on the other hand, the square sail makes it possible to do with a single sail, taking in and letting out canvas, as opposed to several sails, which are attached to and removed from the yard, which is raised and lowered, depending on weather conditions. It might be mentioned, too, that their ships have, in effect a prow on each end. This makes it easier to beach them than would otherwise be the case. This is a valuable property in rough water close to shore, particularly where there is danger of rocks. - (Hunters of Gor)