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How did the caravel improve Portuguese exploration along the African coast?

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Map showing the transatlantic and global routes of major early voyages of discovery and exploration by Spain, Portugal, England, and France during the 15th and 16th centuries. The map traces the journeys of explorers such as Columbus, Cabot, Magellan, da Gama, and others, with labeled paths crossing the Atlantic and encircling Africa and South America, as well as lines of demarcation dividing Spanish and Portuguese exploration zones. — European exploration Map depicting the European exploration of the New World in the 15th and 16th centuries, including the voyages made by Christopher Columbus, John Cabot, Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci, Pedro Álvares Cabral, Ferdinand Magellan and Juan Sebastián del Cano, Giovanni da Verrazzano, Jacques Cartier, Sir Francis Drake, and others. The lines of demarcation represent an early division between the territory of Spain (to the west) and Portugal (to the east).

The caravel was instrumental in Portuguese exploration along the African coast due to its unique design, which offered superior maneuverability and versatility compared to larger vessels of the era.12

Key features that improved exploration included:

Shallow Draft: The ship’s shallow hull allowed explorers to safely navigate unfamiliar coastlines, bays, and river outlets that were inaccessible to larger, deeper-draft ships.12
Maneuverability and Rigging: Its light weight and adjustable sail plan—often featuring triangular lateen sails—enabled the vessel to sail effectively into the wind (to windward). This capability was crucial for returning to Europe against prevailing winds and currents.2
Navigational Strategy: The caravel’s performance facilitated the development of the volta do mar technique, where sailors utilized open-ocean wind systems to return home efficiently rather than struggling against coastal currents.2

These technical advantages allowed Portuguese explorers to map the western African coastline, establish trading posts, and eventually secure a maritime route to India.123