The term SKIFF designates a type of small canvassed sailboat used in the United Kingdom. By the early 19th century, the SKIFF vessels had a unified appearance: their general features included a round-shaped bottom.
They were initially used as river craft and later appeared in races. Since the 1980s, they typically feature a trapeze, where the crew members sit when maneuvering, thus facilitating the progress of the vessel.
The SKIFF is typically characterized by its closeness to the water. The easily capsized, hard to maneuver boat is capable of achieving breakneck speeds and is only recommended for the most skilled sailors.