Junk (ship) Junk (ship) Junk is a type of ancient Chinese sailing ship that is still in use today. Junks were used as seagoing vessels as early as the 2nd century AD and developed rapidly during the Song dynasty (960–1279). They evolved in the later dynasties, and were used throughout Asia for extensive ocean voyages. They were found, and in lesser numbers are still found, throughout South-East Asia and India, but primarily in China. Found more broadly today is a growing number of modern recreational junk-rigged sailboats. The term "junk" may be used to cover many kinds of boat—ocean-going, cargo-carrying, pleasure boats,
Junk rig gaff rigged 4-corner sail. Knowing the names of the sides and corners help understand the running rigging and sail trim of the modern junk sail. The 4 corners of the junk sail are: The 4 sides of the junk sail are: The running rigging for the modern junk rig can be divided into two groups—the "pull ups" and the "pull downs." This is important because the action of hauling one line in a group will be resisted by the opposite group. For example, when raising the sail via the halyard, the pull-downs must be uncleated and free to run. The