The Caravel was a small, highly maneuverable sailing ship developed in the 15th century by the Portuguese to explore the West-African-Coast and the Atlantic-Ocean. Sponsored by Prince-Henry-the-Navigator, the Caravel was significantly more agile than the larger Carrack. Its design incorporated Lateen-Sails, which allowed it to sail against the wind, a technique known as beating.
This vessel was essential during the Age-of-Discovery and was famously used by Christopher-Columbus on his 1492 voyage, where both the Niña and the Pinta were Caravel vessels. Historical documentation of these ships can be found at the Encyclopaedia Britannica and the World History Encyclopedia.