caravella

Caravella, or caravel, is a small to mid-sized sailing vessel developed by the Portuguese in the 15th century for oceanic exploration. It played a central role in the early phase of the Age of Discovery, enabling rapid coastal and offshore travel along the Atlantic and along African coastlines.

Design and rigging: Most caravels had two or three masts with lateen sails, which gave them exceptional maneuverability and the ability to sail close to the wind. Some later caravels used a mixed rig that combined lateen and square sails to balance speed with windward performance. The hulls were light and had a shallow draft, allowing navigation in shallow coastal waters and river estuaries.

Historical role: Caravels were instrumental in Portuguese exploration during the 15th century, used by navigators sponsored by Prince Henry the Navigator. They enabled voyages along the West African coast, the Cape Verde Islands, and into the Atlantic. Caravels also accompanied early Atlantic exploration routes that eventually led to India by sea. In the broader history of the voyage to the Americas, Christopher Columbus sailed with caravels Niña and Pinta, while the Santa Maria was a larger carrack.

Variants and legacy: There were two principal forms, the caravel latina and the caravel redonda, differing in rigging and sail configuration. Over time, caravels were superseded by larger ships such as carracks and galleons, but they are regarded as milestone vessels in maritime exploration and remain emblematic of early Portuguese seafaring and the broader age of discovery.