lanteen

The lanteen is a type of sail historically used on Mediterranean and Atlantic sailing ships, particularly during the late Middle Ages and early modern period. It is characterized by its triangular shape, with the apex pointing forward and the base attached to the mast. The sail was typically made of canvas or wool and was hoisted using a yardarm, a horizontal spar perpendicular to the mast.

The lanteen originated in the Mediterranean region, where it became a staple on vessels such as the caravel and the lateen-rigged galleys. Its design allowed ships to sail more effectively into the wind compared to square-rigged vessels, making it ideal for coastal and short-distance voyages. The sail’s efficiency in tacking—changing direction against the wind—made it valuable for trade and exploration.

By the 16th century, the lanteen rig began to decline as more advanced sailing techniques and ship designs, such as the carrack and later the galleon, incorporated multiple masts with square sails for greater stability and speed. However, it remained in use on smaller vessels, particularly in regions like the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coasts of Europe.

The lanteen’s influence persisted in later sailing traditions, including the development of the modern Bermuda rig, which retains the triangular sail shape but with improved materials and rigging. Today, the lanteen is primarily studied as a historical sailing technique, reflecting the evolution of maritime technology during the Age of Exploration.