Final answer:
The Triangular Lateen Sail allowed ships to sail against the wind, greatly improving their maneuverability and enabling longer, open ocean voyages, which was significant during the Age of Discovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Triangular Lateen Sail was an innovation that greatly enhanced the maneuverability and sailing capabilities of ships, allowing them to sail effectively against the wind through a process called 'tacking.' This improvement was crucial for navigating in various wind conditions. The lateen sail originated in the Arab world and was later incorporated into European ships, such as the caravel, resulting in a vessel that was quick, agile, and seaworthy. The merging of this technology with other navigational advances, like the sternpost rudder and the magnetic compass, revolutionized maritime exploration enabling European sailors to travel far beyond the coastline and into open waters.
With the ability to make longer voyages due to larger hulls and improved steering provided by the rudder at the back of the ship, European explorers began to discover new lands. These technological advances, symbolized by the lateen sail, marked a transformative period in maritime history that facilitated the Age of Discovery and expanded trade routes across the world.