The Caravel “Boa Esperança”

The caravel “Boa Esperança” is a replica the ship used by Bartolomé Díaz when he passed the Cape of Good Hope in 1488. It was built in Portugal by expert shipbuilders that used the same techniques of that time while having in mind the current safety requirements. It was launched in 1990 and she started ocean sailing right away.
The Boa Esperança, has its home-port in the Potuguese city of Lagos, where it functions as a floating museum for the Regional Tourism of Algarve. It promotes the culture and history of the region through the role that the ship had on the discovery era. It also serves as a training vessel for youth to learn about the sea and sailing and participate in nautical events, as well as an archaeological asset to study the maneuvers and behavior of the old caravels.

DIMENSIONS

Length Overall

23,8 mts.

Beam

6,6 mts.

Draft

3,3 mts.

Capacity

22 people

MASTS AND SAILS

It has two lateen sails with the Cross of Christ in honor of the Order of Christ, to which Prince Enrique “The Navigator”, great promoter of the Portuguese discoveries was a member of.

Main Mast

Height
18 mts.
Yard
26 mts.
Sail
155 m²

Mizzen

Height
16 mts.
Yard
20 mts.
Sail
80 m²

WOOD TYPES USED

Scots pine: Overlay false gunwale, keelson and masts.
Oak and cork: frames.
Cambela: main deck and bridge.