The Caravel (ship)

The caravel was a small, highly maneuverable sailing ship used by explorers during the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries. It featured a combination of square and lateen sails, which allowed for greater speed and agility, especially in rough Atlantic and coastal waters. Its design included a rounded hull for better cargo space and stability. The caravel’s innovations helped navigators like Columbus and da Gama explore distant lands more effectively, making it a crucial vessel in expanding European exploration and trade routes.