eli5 Why some sailing ships have multiple square sails like Clipper? Why not have one continuous sail from top to bottom like Korean Turtle Ship?

Question

eli5 Why some sailing ships have multiple square sails like Clipper? Why not have one continuous sail from top to bottom like Korean Turtle Ship?

In: 4

Answer 1

Western sails are supported only on the edges, and think about it, as your sails get bigger, the energy being imparted on them goes up exponentially. Asian type sails often have rigid reinforcements all throughout like in a Chinese junk type boat. Not familiar with Korean sailboats but probably similar.