What was columbus ships called

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website Got it! Report an Error. Bow Thrusters: Construction and Working. What is Dredging? What is Marine Insurance? Want to share your tips and advice? Got questions? Visit the community forum to ask questions, get answers, meet people, and share your tips!

Comments I was more than happy to search out this internet-site. I wanted to know how can i use the 2nd boat image i love it. This is an excellent article! This really helped me with my project. Thank you very much for the great information! The lateen-rigged caravels were critical in the Portuguese voyages to sub-Saharan African, where strong coastal winds blow north to south. The versatile caravel could speed south along the coast and easily return to shore against the wind.

In addition to their versatile rigging options, 15th-century caravels moved the rudder to the rear center of the ship. In the 14th-century caravels popular in the Mediterranean, the rudder was still on the side, says Castro, like Viking ships.

The new position allowed for far greater control. Their lightweight design and rounded bottom meant that they rode high in the water. This proved critical when Columbus needed to navigate the shallow island coastlines near modern-day Cuba. The bulkier Santa Maria, which was a ton cargo ship called a nau , ran aground on Christmas Day and had to be abandoned. Caryl-Sue, National Geographic Society. Mary Crooks, National Geographic Society. For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service.

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