Caravel was the cheapest ship known for its speed and maneuverability during the age of exploration.
Caravel had first been widely used as a fishing ship before becoming famous for exploration. It had triangular "lanteen" sails which allowed the ship to do zigzagging and beating the wind faster. Besides the ship was floating almost on the surface of water allowing to maneuver better and also the price was quite inexpensive thus soon it became attractive for many explorers and was their first choice.
