When was the schooner invented?
Schooner
Although a schooner may have several masts, the typical schooner has only two, with the foremast shorter than the mainmast.  There may be a bowsprit to help balance the rig.  The principal issue with a schooner sail plan is how to fill the space between the two masts most effectively. Traditional schooners were gaff rigged, and the trapezoid shape of the foresail occupied the inter-mast space to good effect, with a useful sail area and a low center of effort.