Model of the caravel La Niña

Caravels were small vessels, 20 to 25 metres in length, light and fast. They were streamlined in shape, and with little depth. They usually had two masts rigged with lateen sails, but as time passed, they were replaced by square rig sails. As they were such shallow vessels, they were ideal for quickly changing course in unknown waters.

This model is of La Niña, a vessel built at Palos de Moguer. Originally it carried a lateen rig, but this was replaced with square rig sails when the vessel stopped off at the Canary Islands. La Niña was Columbus’ favourite vessel, owing to its many sailing qualities. It was also used on Columbus’ second voyage, as the captain’s ship, when he explored the island of Cuba.