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Portuguese Caravel

Type Object Region Portugal Time c. 1400–1550

The caravel was a fast sailboat developed in the Kingdom of Portugal in the 15th century, known for its mixed lateen and square rig, shallow draft, a…

Timeline

  1. c. 1400–1420Kingdom of Portugal · PortugalThe caravel evolved from Iberian coastal fishing boats and merchant vessels, with a slender hull and shallow draft suited to coastal and offshore sailing, laying the ship-type foundation for subsequent Atlantic exploration.
  2. 1421Sagres and the Algarve coast · AlgarveUnder Prince Henry's organization, the caravel became the main ship type for southward exploration along the northwest coast of Africa, used to chart the coast, establish trading posts, and accumulate ocean-going experience.
  3. c. 1440–1480Lisbon · LisbonShipwrights combined the Latin square sail with the Arab lateen sail, creating the caravel's signature mixed rig, which allowed the vessels to sail better against the wind and adapt to the Atlantic's changeable sea conditions.
  4. 1497–1520Indian Ocean route · South AsiaVasco da Gama led a fleet of caravels and larger ships to open the route to India, and the caravel reached its peak of use in ocean trade and military escort.

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