The Caravel Sail is a sail that evolved from Lateen Sails both of which have strong Austronesian influences.
Yes — there is strong circumstantial and structural evidence that the caravel sails of the Portuguese, especially their lateen rigging, were influenced by earlier Austronesian sailing technology, particularly the crab-claw sail used on paraw and proa vessels.
Let’s break this down:
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🔹 1. Portuguese Caravel and Lateen Sails
The caravel (15th century) was the main exploration ship of Portugal during the Age of Discovery.
It used lateen sails (triangular sails on angled masts), which allowed it to tack against the wind, unlike square-rigged European ships.
This innovation was critical for long-distance ocean voyages, including to India, Africa, and later Asia and the Philippines.
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🔹 2. Austronesian Crab-Claw Sails — The Original Triangular Sails
Austronesians had already been using crab-claw sails for over 3,000 years before the caravel.
These sails were highly efficient, capable of upwind sailing, speed, and maneuverability.
Found in:
Philippine paraw
Indonesian prahu
Micronesian proa
The mast was often tilted forward, similar to the lateen sail structure.
Yes — there is strong circumstantial and structural evidence that the caravel sails of the Portuguese, especially their lateen rigging, were influenced by earlier Austronesian sailing technology, particularly the crab-claw sail used on paraw and proa vessels.
Let’s break this down:
---
🔹 1. Portuguese Caravel and Lateen Sails
The caravel (15th century) was the main exploration ship of Portugal during the Age of Discovery.
It used lateen sails (triangular sails on angled masts), which allowed it to tack against the wind, unlike square-rigged European ships.
This innovation was critical for long-distance ocean voyages, including to India, Africa, and later Asia and the Philippines.
---
🔹 2. Austronesian Crab-Claw Sails — The Original Triangular Sails
Austronesians had already been using crab-claw sails for over 3,000 years before the caravel.
These sails were highly efficient, capable of upwind sailing, speed, and maneuverability.
Found in:
Philippine paraw
Indonesian prahu
Micronesian proa
The mast was often tilted forward, similar to the lateen sail structure.
by Cyclonetrading July 28, 2025
Get the Caravel Sailmug. by Snake Lovin’ Gurl January 18, 2018
Get the Sex sailsmug. Used when referring to a golf cart that has been taken off of (specifically) private property and driven down public roads illegally.
1. I saw Buddy sailing the fucking cart down the street like a champion who gave zero fucks.
2. Bill asked “how will we be getting there?” And Michael answered “fucking sailing the cart boiii !!!”
2. Bill asked “how will we be getting there?” And Michael answered “fucking sailing the cart boiii !!!”
by harry pot June 5, 2018
Get the Sailing the cartmug. by Basharrr January 11, 2023
Get the Sailingmug. by Carl Figleaf August 14, 2022
Get the gentlemen never sail to windwardmug. by lb180 October 11, 2022
Get the sail the oceanmug. by QuacksO March 22, 2023
Get the sails and servicemug.