Portuguese Caravela

The Portuguese Caravela

It was a vessel used during the Age of Discovery, in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was a ship adapted for exploration, fast and used as a defense resource for some armadas. The Caravela were medium in size, 20 to 30 meters long and 43 to 69 tons in length. Generally they had two masts with Latin sails (they are triangular sails), the bigger boats could have three masts. Because the sails were triangular they allowed to wind, that is, to advance in the sea making a zigzag even in contrary winds. They had painted the symbol of the Cross of Christ, in honor of the Order of Christ. Portuguese originated from the Arab people due to fishing vessels in the south of Portugal.