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A full hull model of a Portuguese caravel.
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| Full hull model of a Portuguese caravel. |
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| © National Maritime Museum, London |
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| Repro ID: D8456_2 |
| Description: The sixteenth century Portuguese caravel (Caravela) owed much to Arab naval influence. The use of a fully developed lateen (triangular) sails and high stern are similar to many Indian Ocean Arab vessels. Because the caravel could sail within five points off the wind - and not just with the wind behind it, the caravel was ideally suited to exploration as it could be used close to the shore to map rivers and chart bays as easily as across the open ocean. For the Asian trade the larger and slower carrack (or Nao) was initially used. |
| Creator: Unknown |
| Date: 1956 |
| Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London | |
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