Mediterranean Lateen Rig

Timeline

1. c. 1000–1460Mediterranean · MediterraneanThe lateen sail is hung on a long angled yard, and the sail surface can be adjusted in angle with the wind direction, allowing ships to sail more effectively on a reach and against the wind than square-rigged vessels. Mediterranean merchant ships generally used single- or double-masted lateen rigs, adapting to the variable summer wind conditions.
2. 1461–1470Venice · VeniceIn the 1460s the merchant fleets of Venice and Genoa still relied primarily on lateen rigs, carrying eastern Mediterranean spice and silk trade and shipping in the border waters of the Ottoman Empire; the rigging technology was mature and crews were experienced in sail handling.
3. 1460–1470Iberian Peninsula · Iberian PeninsulaMediterranean lateen sail technology spread to Portugal and Castile through the exchange of navigational experience, becoming the core rig of Atlantic exploration vessels such as the caravel, enabling European ships to navigate effectively along the Atlantic coast with its variable winds.