Vera Cruz

An Exact Replica of the Historic Portuguese Caravel

The ship was built in 2000 at the Vila do Conde shipyard to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Brazil. The Vera Cruz is used for sailing training and maritime experiences, with a special focus on young people. In addition, the ship participates in nautical events and competitions, conducts research on the sailing characteristics of historic caravels, and offers educational excursions for schools in Lisbon and other ports in Portugal.

The caravel (or Caravela in Portuguese) was an iconic ship from the Portuguese Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries. This type of vessel was known for its speed, maneuverability, and ability to sail close to the wind. Thanks to its modest size and shallow draft, a caravel could easily navigate rivers along the African coast and, if necessary, be propelled by oars. The caravel played a crucial role in the expeditions of Portuguese explorers such as Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama, and Columbus (who likely used a caravel alongside his larger ship, the Santa María).

The Caravela Vera Cruz is crewed by volunteers from Aporvela, who dedicate themselves to training voyages and sailing experiences, with a strong focus on education and youth development.