/lit/ - Literature

>>22941973
>largest sailship
Even huge clippers only had like eight or so sailors. Merchant ships always tried to get by with the least number of crew possible. So you might be surprised. Navy ships carried lots of men for fighting and weapons, so they had way more than actually needed.

The limit would be lifting the sails, anchors, or other really heavy things. The sort of task you need several guys turning a capstan or hauling a line together.

Square sails would be the worst because you have to actually go up into the rigging to work the sails. A junk rig would be way better because it can be worked from the deck.

There's an element of risk. In good weather, two people might be fine. But in a storm or something, they might not be able to handle the extra work.