its sails
made out of wood
The two sailing inventions that made the Age of Exploration possible were Caravel, and the Galleon.
The caravel typically features lateen sails, which are triangular in shape and allow for greater maneuverability and efficiency, especially in varying wind conditions. Some caravels also had square sails on their main mast, providing additional speed when sailing with the wind. This combination of sail types made the caravel an effective vessel for exploration during the Age of Discovery.
A caravel, a type of small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century, typically features several key parts. The main components include the hull, which is designed for speed and agility; the sails, often lateen-rigged, allowing for efficient sailing against the wind; and the rudder, which provides steering control. Additionally, it includes masts for supporting the sails and a deck for crew and cargo. These elements combined made the caravel an ideal vessel for exploration during the Age of Discovery.
light caravel had triangular sails to better control the wind
Fast and easily maneuverable, the caravel was developed around 1450- and quickly became the preferred stlyle of vessel for the Portuguese exploreres. It had a shallow keel, so it could sail upriver (and explore!) in the shallow coastal waters. It could be rigged with lateen (triangular) sails, so it could sail closer to the wind. With the more standard square sails rigged, it was very fast. So- with it's agility, economy, speed, power, and versatility, it's small wonder Christopher Columbus used them in 1492.
The caravel was made smaller and with a shallow keel to take advantage of the wind. Like other ships of the time, it was made of wood.
Prince Henry the Navigator did not directly invent the caravel but significantly advanced its development during the 15th century. The latest improvements to the caravel included a lighter, more agile design with lateen sails, which allowed for better maneuverability and sailing against the wind. These enhancements made the caravel ideal for exploration along the African coast and beyond, facilitating longer voyages and more efficient navigation. Additionally, the use of a shallow draft enabled access to coastal waters and rivers, expanding exploration possibilities.
The Caravel
The caravel was easy to steer due to its lightweight design and lateen sails, which allowed for better maneuverability and adaptability to varying wind conditions. Its shallow draft enabled navigation in shallow waters, making it versatile for exploration. Additionally, the ship's rudder was located at the stern, enhancing control and responsiveness compared to earlier vessels. These features made the caravel an ideal choice for exploration during the Age of Discovery.
It was a stronger ship made with triangle sails so that the boat could move along with the wind. It was used for European exploration.
The caravel was developed in Portugal during the 15th century as an evolution of earlier ship designs. It combined features of both Mediterranean and Northern European vessels, with a combination of square and lateen sails, a shallow draft, and a sturdy hull that allowed for long-distance exploration. The caravel's innovative design made it well-suited for ocean voyages, contributing to the Age of Exploration.