A caravel is a small, highly maneuverable sailing ship that was developed in the 15th century. It was primarily used by explorers from Portugal and Spain during the Age of Discovery. The caravel's design featured a lateen sail, which allowed it to sail against the wind, making it ideal for long voyages across the open sea. These ships played a crucial role in the exploration of new trade routes and lands, including the coasts of Africa and the Americas. Famous explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama utilized caravels to navigate uncharted waters, leading to significant discoveries that changed the course of history.