Portuguese Atlantic carracks and caravels were larger and stronger than the lighter ships built for Mediterranean waters. They needed to survive long voyages around the Cape of Good Hope. Seasonal sailing windows mattered because a passage during the South Atlantic winter imposed serious risks. These ships connected Portugal directly with India's established and commercially valuable markets.
Notable Point · 10:28-13:20
Ocean-going ships and the route to India
Portuguese access to India depended on Atlantic ships capable of surviving the Cape route and meeting its seasonal sailing windows.