Which of the following attributes made the caravel useful in exploring African coasts?
A) The caravel had four masts with square sails, allowing it to sail into the winds that roared up the African coast.
B) The caravel was a method of finding longitude, which allowed Portuguese mariners to locate themselves out of sight of land.
C) The caravel was a Muslim invention that allowed sailors to determine latitude by measuring the height of the sun above the horizon.
D) The caravel was sturdy enough to sail rough Atlantic seas, while its ability to tack using its triangular sails made it maneuverable in coastal estuaries.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The caravel's design, particularly its sturdiness and the use of triangular sails (lateen sails), made it highly maneuverable and capable of long ocean voyages, including those along the challenging African coasts. This design allowed it to sail against the wind (tacking) and navigate the rough Atlantic as well as the varied coastal environments it encountered during explorations.

Which of the Following Attributes Made the Caravel Useful in Exploring