Ever since man tied two logs together and floated on water there has been an explosion of water crafts and what to do in, on, and with them. Fishing, transporting and travelling have all been enhanced with our ability to “go to sea”. Mankind has made some amazing discoveries, founded empires and made fortunes with their ships. Here are just three kinds of ship from three different continents, yet the similarities are quite uncanny.
Caravels are definitely Portuguese vessels that come in many shapes and are employed for many uses.
Dhows are recognised as Arab ships and accordingly have many different types, depending on the area they are made for. However, dhows have also been built for centuries in India.
Junks are undoubtedly Chinese and instantly recognisable. On closer inspection, all these vessels are often very similar in shape, size and usage.
These ships are primarily fishing or cargo vessels, some for coastal shipping and others for long distance voyages. All these vessels have also been used as warships and also to carry passengers. So, one thing is for sure, they are all versatile! They are all fast, easy to handle and can sail upwind.
The Chinese Junk
Starting with the Junk, which dates back so far its origins are lost in the realms of time. We know that it was the Chinese who invented “battens”, giving ships better aerodynamics, reducing the sail areas for all wind conditions. They were also the first to have a rudder, multiple masts and water tight hulls. The Chinese also invented magnetic compasses.
The Portuguese introduced the name Junk (Junco) into the English language in the 17th Century, but the ship itself has many Chinese names; hardly surprising when you consider how many languages are spoken in China. For many centuries, China kept itself to itself, relying on trade with Japan from the Portuguese and Dutch. Then, in the 15th century, they broke out of their shell and sent huge fleets to India, Arabia and Africa. Suddenly the Chinese Junk was famous.
The Arabian Dhow
Dhows were very different in their early native Arab construction before the Portuguese arrived with their Caravels in the 16th century.
Coconut or palm fronds were used to sew the planks of the hull together. The hull was double ended instead of a square stern.
The sails were not square rigged but triangular “lateens”.
These boats were ideal for sailing the shallow and often treacherous waters of the Gulf areas. They were strong enough to withstand the jarring crunch of beach landings, yet light enough to skim through the water. In fact some are still made that way today!
Since time immemorial, Oman has been a seafaring nation; as far back as the 8th century, an Omani vessel reached Canton in China. Nowadays Sur is the main Dhow building port in Oman and the Omani Dhows are prized by all the Arab nations.
Sindbad, one of the most famous literary mariners of all time was supposedly born in Sohar, Oman.
The Portuguese Caravel
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Caravels were used by the Portuguese as early as the 13th century and were improved upon in the Age of Discovery 1400 to 1550 when the Portuguese went exploring the world, opening up Africa, the Middle East and Far East to trade. Larger versions were known as Carracks. The most famous of these vessels was the Santa Maria, used as a flagship by Christopher Columbus when he discovered America. He was accompanied by 2 Caravels, the Nina and the Pinta. .
The Caravel was a formidable warship in its heyday and struck terror into the hearts of those who saw her sails appear on the horizon. She was also favoured by pirates for her speed and her large cargo capacity - for their loot!
So we have a chicken and egg situation, which came first? Who invented what?
Sequence of events
The Chinese Junk goes back long before written records began, so we can safely say that they didn’t copy anything from anybody. In fact their Junks are still plying their trade today, using the same type of batten “box” sails and are instantly recognisable.
An Omani Dhow sailed into Canton in the 8th century, so there was the first known contact with the Chinese and I suspect the first exchange of ideas about boat building. They used (and still do) lateen sails, triangular in shape.
The Portuguese Caravel was being used in the 13th century as a fishing boat, but many believe that it derived from the Moors ship, the Qârib, which was based in the Algarve (Al Gharb). This boat was ideal for the fishing off the Algarvean coast, as it was sturdy and has a shallow draft; it was also used as a light warship. This could account for the Caravel’s similarity to the Dhow.
How they are today
It is interesting that Junks still operate all through the Far East carrying cargo and passengers or being used as fishing vessels. Many are used as house boats too.
Dhows still ply their trade and make regular runs from the Gulf to India carrying cargo and passengers. They are still used by the fishing industry and provide great entertainment as mini cruise ships for tourists.
.
Yet the once (in)famous Caravel is a ship of the past, with replicas popping up now and again for “pirate cruises” off the Algarvean coast. One Caravel replica – the Notorious - is based at Queens Wharf, Newcastle Harbour, Australia. This beautiful ship was lovingly and faithfully built by self-taught shipwright Graeme Wylie, who lives and works on her.
How times have changed!
Thank you to the Navy of Brazil for the use their image: Caravel Boa Esperanca, Portugal.
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.
Caravels, Dhows and Junks
by Sun’s Dragon
Ever since man tied two logs together and floated on water there has been an explosion of water crafts and what to do in, on, and with them. Fishing, transporting and travelling have all been enhanced with our ability to “go to sea”. Mankind has made some amazing discoveries, founded empires and made fortunes with their ships. Here are just three kinds of ship from three different continents, yet the similarities are quite uncanny.
Caravels are definitely Portuguese vessels that come in many shapes and are employed for many uses.
Dhows are recognised as Arab ships and accordingly have many different types, depending on the area they are made for. However, dhows have also been built for centuries in India.
Junks are undoubtedly Chinese and instantly recognisable. On closer inspection, all these vessels are often very similar in shape, size and usage.
These ships are primarily fishing or cargo vessels, some for coastal shipping and others for long distance voyages. All these vessels have also been used as warships and also to carry passengers. So, one thing is for sure, they are all versatile! They are all fast, easy to handle and can sail upwind.
The Chinese Junk
The Portuguese introduced the name Junk (Junco) into the English language in the 17th Century, but the ship itself has many Chinese names; hardly surprising when you consider how many languages are spoken in China. For many centuries, China kept itself to itself, relying on trade with Japan from the Portuguese and Dutch. Then, in the 15th century, they broke out of their shell and sent huge fleets to India, Arabia and Africa. Suddenly the Chinese Junk was famous.
The Arabian Dhow
Dhows were very different in their early native Arab construction before the Portuguese arrived with their Caravels in the 16th century.
The sails were not square rigged but triangular “lateens”.
These boats were ideal for sailing the shallow and often treacherous waters of the Gulf areas. They were strong enough to withstand the jarring crunch of beach landings, yet light enough to skim through the water. In fact some are still made that way today!
Since time immemorial, Oman has been a seafaring nation; as far back as the 8th century, an Omani vessel reached Canton in China. Nowadays Sur is the main Dhow building port in Oman and the Omani Dhows are prized by all the Arab nations.
Sindbad, one of the most famous literary mariners of all time was supposedly born in Sohar, Oman.
The Portuguese Caravel
Caravels were used by the Portuguese as early as the 13th century and were improved upon in the Age of Discovery 1400 to 1550 when the Portuguese went exploring the world, opening up Africa, the Middle East and Far East to trade. Larger versions were known as Carracks. The most famous of these vessels was the Santa Maria, used as a flagship by Christopher Columbus when he discovered America. He was accompanied by 2 Caravels, the Nina and the Pinta.
.
The Caravel was a formidable warship in its heyday and struck terror into the hearts of those who saw her sails appear on the horizon. She was also favoured by pirates for her speed and her large cargo capacity - for their loot!
So we have a chicken and egg situation, which came first? Who invented what?
Sequence of events
The Chinese Junk goes back long before written records began, so we can safely say that they didn’t copy anything from anybody. In fact their Junks are still plying their trade today, using the same type of batten “box” sails and are instantly recognisable.
An Omani Dhow sailed into Canton in the 8th century, so there was the first known contact with the Chinese and I suspect the first exchange of ideas about boat building. They used (and still do) lateen sails, triangular in shape.
The Portuguese Caravel was being used in the 13th century as a fishing boat, but many believe that it derived from the Moors ship, the Qârib, which was based in the Algarve (Al Gharb). This boat was ideal for the fishing off the Algarvean coast, as it was sturdy and has a shallow draft; it was also used as a light warship. This could account for the Caravel’s similarity to the Dhow.
How they are today
It is interesting that Junks still operate all through the Far East carrying cargo and passengers or being used as fishing vessels. Many are used as house boats too.
Dhows still ply their trade and make regular runs from the Gulf to India carrying cargo and passengers. They are still used by the fishing industry and provide great entertainment as mini cruise ships for tourists.
.
Yet the once (in)famous Caravel is a ship of the past, with replicas popping up now and again for “pirate cruises” off the Algarvean coast. One Caravel replica – the Notorious - is based at Queens Wharf, Newcastle Harbour, Australia. This beautiful ship was lovingly and faithfully built by self-taught shipwright Graeme Wylie, who lives and works on her.
How times have changed!
Thank you to the Navy of Brazil for the use their image: Caravel Boa Esperanca, Portugal.
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.