Sailing ship models are models of wind-powered ships. In olden times, before the advent of the steam engines, sailing ships were the primary means of transportation across long distances of water. Sailing ships were used for ferrying passengers, cargo, mail, supplies, etc. Some of the developing countries still use sailing boats for fishing. There are many tall ship training vessels that provide recreational sailing experience.

In the age of sail yore, sailing ships had crucial military applications. Several wars were fought using sailing ships. For example, Spanish convoys returning with gold and silver plundered from the newly-discovered Americas needed protection from the pirates. Naval battles were fought among the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and the Netherlands with the help of sailing ships. The sailing ships had ferried a large number of slaves from countries in the African continent to the United States, during the time of flourishing slave trade.

With regard to the structure of the sailing ships, every vessel has a hull, rigging, and a mast to hold up the sails that tap the wind to power the ship. Ballasting helps to weigh down the bottom of the ship so that the waves would not push the ship over. Convention had it that only a vessel with three or more masts was called a ship. Others were called a boat. Now, the norm is ignored. The crew members who sail a ship are called sailors or hands, who take turns to take the watch.

In modern times, the voyage of sailing ships for transportation of passengers and cargo is not desirable, as this would take months. Expeditions, explorations, and scientific voyages or training jaunts are undertaken on sailing ships even at present.

Fine models of sailing ships are on display at the prestigious American Marine Model Gallery in Salem, Massachusetts. During the Great Age of Sail, Salem, Massachusetts, was one of America