Everything Everywhere Daily · Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Beyond navigational insights, advancements in ship design and sail technology were crucial for Portuguese exploration. The development of the caravel, a lighter and more maneuverable ship, and the adoption of triangular lateen sails from Arab cultures, allowed mariners to tack against the wind and better navigate changing conditions.
“By adopting these triangular sails from Arab Dows, Portuguese mariners gained the flexibility to sail at an angle into a headwind. Portuguese mariners now had the technology to conquer the sea. The Caravela.”
“Caravelas were lighter, more maneuverable, and used lateen sails, which provided greater flexibility in dealing with changing wind and current conditions.”
“They later adopted the lateen sail from the Arabs, which allowed them to tack against the wind, further increasing their sailing capabilities.”