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Although not as developed of a ship, earlier versions of the caravel were used for fishing. These early caravels were small in size and easy to maneuver, making it a perfect fishing vessel.
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Beginning this century, caravels were adapted into the primary needs of the time. They soon became trading vessels used by many important people to run their businesses. Fsherman also employed this ship in fishing and exploring new fishing areas. In later years, it was also used to transport people and goods.
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As a young man in the 1420's Prince Henry the Navigator dreamed of exploring the west coast of Africa. Under his direction, a new and lighter ship called the caravel was developed, which allowed sea captains to sail further and faster. With the caravel hundreds of sailors successfully made the trip down the African coastline, although Henry himself didn't succeed.
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After gaining permission from King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, Columbus set out from Palos, Spain, on August 3, 1492. With two caravels and an additional ship, Columbus succesfully explored North America and returned to Europe on March 4, 1493.
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Magellan, who was funded by the Spanish King, Charles I, set off with five caravels on August 10, 1519 to circumnavigate the world. However, before successfully returning to Europe he was killed in the Phillipines. His crew returned to Seville, Spain in 1522.
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With the money he earned from mining gold in the Americas, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo embarked on a voyage to become the first European explore the west coast of the North America on June 27, 1542. He successfully reached California and Mexico, establishing some towns there.
