LATEEN CARAVEL
Date: 20th century (specific date unknown)
Origin: Maritime Museum
Material: Wood, fibre and fabric
Dimensions: Width: 166 mm, Length: 600 mm, Height: 700 mm
Inventory No.: MM.05724
The first maritime expeditions were carried out in barges: these were small vessels that didn't look very sturdy and had only one fixed mast rigged with a square sail (also known as round sail).
As the Discoveries advanced and progress was made along the African coast, it became impossible to use this vessel as she was difficult to navigate in cross winds. The first references to the Lateen Caravel appear in the mid-15th century: a revolutionary ship, faster and with two or three masts rigged with triangular sails - Lateen sails - which allowed navigating close to the wind, thus controlling cross winds.
This sturdy ship had excellent nautical qualities and kept up with the changes in sea voyages, which were also becoming longer and longer.
The Lateen Caravel is one of the most emblematic symbols of this period and has been immortalised in world maritime history.