What characterizes a sailing vessel?

A sailing vessel is characterized by its ability to operate primarily using wind power, which is harnessed through sails. This definition fits best when considering a sailboat that is under sail without the use of any engine propulsion. Such vessels are designed specifically for sailing and their primary mode of travel is by the natural forces of wind acting on the sails.

When a sailboat is under sail, it relies on the design and arrangement of its sails to catch the wind, allowing it to navigate through water efficiently without the need for engines. This is representative of true sailing vessels. The other choices provide different characteristics that do not define a sailing vessel accurately. For instance, a vessel using engine power does not fall under the category of a sailing vessel when it is not being propelled by sails. Similarly, vessels limited to recreational use or those solely focused on being under construction do not encapsulate the definition of a sailing vessel, which is specifically tied to wind propulsion.