it is widely thought the first of these designs was a fore-and-aft rig built by in the 17th century by a dutch-born bermudan. while his name is not remembered, he may have seen the moorish lateen rigs that were widely used during the time spain ruled holland. the dutch modified early lateen rigs turning the yards into angled masts. this design was called "bezaanjacht" in dutch (in english this meant "leg of mutton"). by the 19th century the design had evolved into using tall triangular sails and jibs. they also used bermuda cedar for the hulls which is much lighter than oak. this made the bermuda sailboats very fast and easily maneuverable. they could travel into the wind with ease and were especially fast when heading downwind. very soon they were being raced.