Here is a picture of a caravel.
Caravel picture
A Revolutionary Sailing Ship during the "Age of discovery" The caravel (also spelled carvel) is a light sailing ship that was developed by the Portuguese in the late 1400's, and was used for the next 300 years. The Portuguese developed this ship to help them explore the African coast. The caravel was an improvement on older ships because it could sail very fast and also sail well into the wind (windward). One of the problems with the Caravel is that it could not be maneuvered in small places very well.
The planking on the hull of the Caravel was stronger and replaced thinner, less effective planking. Caravels were broad-beamed ships that had 2 or 3 masts with square sails and a triangular sail (called a lanteen). They were up to 70 feet long and could carry roughly 180 tons of cargo. These ships were manned by a crew of 15 to 30 men. caravels were lighter than the later Spanish galleons (developed in the 1500's).
Two of Christopher Columbus' three ships were caravels (the Niña and the Pinta).

Extended Writing Activity

Listen to the sounds on this page again. How would you feel if you were traveling to the New World on this Caravel. You are listening to strong winds blowing through the sails and the high waves breaking over the deck. The ship is rocking from side to side and there is no sight of land.