Why naval rigs moved toward boom-and-gaff arrangements

Why did the Royal Navy move from lateen-style sails toward boom-and-gaff rigs?

The newer arrangement offered better control and more efficient use of wind, and it could be fitted to existing ships during refits.

Control and efficiency were the main reasons for the rigging change. A boom-and-gaff arrangement could make the sail plan easier to manage while drawing more power from the available wind. The transition was not limited to new construction. Existing ships could receive altered rigs when they entered refit.