Studding sail

They started to become less common in the last quarter of the 19th century, as the economies of smaller crews and avoidance of damage to the ship's gear became more important than a fast voyage.

The earliest reference is in 1655, but precise information on how these early examples were rigged is unknown.

[1]: 115 All ordinary working square-rigged vessels were usually fitted out to set stun'sls by the start of the 19th century.

[2]: 131 [3]: 48–49  As steamers took over routes and cargoes that needed fast passages, sailing vessels competed by being able to cut costs much more easily.

Clippers on the routes to China continued to race against each other with large crews and full suits of sails (which included stun'sls) until they also had their trade taken over by steamers in the years following the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869.