USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -caravel, a light sailing ship of the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries in Europe, much-used by the Spanish and Portuguese for long voyages. Apparently developed by the Portuguese for exploring the coast of Africa, the caravel’s chief excellence lay in its capacity for sailing to windward.

Detailed explanation-2: -Its economy, speed, agility, and power made it esteemed as the best sailing vessel of its time. The limited capacity for cargo and crew were their main drawbacks, but did not hinder its success. The exploration done with caravels made the spice trade of the Portuguese and the Spanish possible.

Detailed explanation-3: -Adapted from Arab vessels, the caravel was fitted with a special type of rigging so that the sails received wind on either side, keeping the same edge forward unlike square-riggers. Its triangular sails were set on long yards which sloped down from well above the mast to almost deck level.

Detailed explanation-4: -It was generally used for carrying cargo and fishing. Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal created the Caravel for long distance trade. It boasted two or three masts that had interchangeable sails. Square sails were used for open water while lateen sails were used for shoreline sailing.

Detailed explanation-5: -A caravel had either two or three masts, equipped with a square sail on the foremast and lateen sails on the other masts. This rigging allowed caravels to manoeuvre easily close to shore, making them ideal for exploration. The weak point of the caravel was its delicate hull, which tended to get damaged.