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 Chinese Junk hull. Among the ships used on the coast of China: Each of the traditional sailing rigs can be achieved using the modern junk sail. The junk sail is a low tech approach to sailing and requires only inexpensive components. Spars are typically of wood. Lines for running rigging are typically 3-strand cordage rather than dual core braid. The sailcloth materials are typically light canvas or tarpaulin, used Dacron from discarded sails, or even PVC sheeting. The junk sail is composed of the following components: The junk sail has essentially the same sides and corner names as the traditional