A fluyt or a flute (pronounced as "flight") is a type of sailing ship originally designed as a dedicated cargo vessel .

Originating from the Netherlands in the 17th Century, the vessel type was designed to facilitate trans oceanic delivery with the maximum of space and crew efficiency.

To that end, the standard design minimized, or completely eliminated, its armaments to maximized available cargo space and used block and tackle extensively to facilitate ship operations.

This ship class was credited in enhancing Dutch competitiveness in international trade.

Other types of sailing vessel