Why were new types of ships needed in the 1400s?

In the 1400s, new types of ships were needed to facilitate exploration and trade during the Age of Discovery. Advances in navigation and the desire for new trade routes, particularly to Asia, required vessels that could withstand long ocean voyages and varying weather conditions. The development of ships like the caravel, which featured lateen sails for improved maneuverability, allowed for greater exploration of uncharted waters and contributed to the expansion of European maritime empires. These innovations ultimately transformed global trade and cultural exchanges.