Naval Personnel History? What is a Short Cutter?

Question

My GG Grandfather was on HMS Raleigh 1887-1888. On his records it looks like he was a short cutter..... cannot find any information on searches could someone please tell me if I am reading in correctly and what one did

Many thanks

Answer 1

A cutter is a rig with 2 head sails, 1 behind the other. It is a sloop rig. It could be a punt. The mast is slightly farther astern, the head sails are called jib and staysail.