The Caravel

The caravel was a highly maneuverable sailing ship developed by Europeans in the 15th century, notable for its lightweight design and versatile sail plan. It combined square sails for speed with lateen (triangular) sails for better navigation against the wind. This flexibility allowed explorers to venture into uncharted waters, long-distance ocean travel, and navigate difficult coastlines. The caravel's design contributed to European exploration and discoveries, such as Africa's coast and the Americas. Its innovative features made it a significant vessel in maritime history, balancing speed, agility, and durability for long exploratory voyages.