It reduced their dependence on the direction of the wind.
The lateen sail was invented around 100.
Lateen sails were adapted from the Mediterranean region.
how did the lateen sail help the european explorers
Allegedly, the lateen sail design made it possible to sail closer into the wind. That is, less than 45 degrees from the direction the wind is blowing. No sail boat can sail directly into the wind. Yet.
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A type of sail
a trangular sail
in polynesia
The Arabs used them
Trapezoidal, actually. But the square sails were called square sails. Lateen or square could be referred to as yards.
The caravel, astrolabe, compass, and lateen sails all played significant roles in the advancement of maritime exploration during the Age of Discovery. The caravel was a type of ship that utilized lateen sails for improved maneuverability and speed, enabling explorers to navigate more efficiently. The astrolabe and compass were crucial navigational tools that helped sailors determine their position and direction at sea. Together, these innovations enhanced long-distance sea travel, facilitating global exploration and trade.
Lateen sails work in much the same way that most other triangular sails work. If the wind is behind the sail it will push the boat/ship/craft/vessel forward. But suppose that the boat is at right angles to the wind. What happens then? The sail is let out on the side of the boat that away from the wind. The wind blows against the surface of the sail. It might strike the surface at an angle of, say 140o. The wind escapes from the side of the sail at its widest point, and the boat slides towards the opposite direction i.e. the direction the boat is facing, its keel preventing it from simply moving/sliding in the water in a path directly away from the wind This is a basic explanation of how a Lateen sail works. Of course, it doesn't fully explain how a boat with Lateen sails can sail almost directly into the wind! For more information, see 'Related links' below.