the 15th and 16th century caravel was a favorite type of ship used in the portuguese and spanish voyages of discovery. in addition to their distinctive single sterncastle, they carried lateen sails. during this time the caravel developed into a very fast and highly maneuverable ship. two of christopher columbus's ships, the "niña" and the "pinta" were caravels. he repeatedly praised the "niña" as his fastest and favorite ship.