Final answer:
The correct answer is option a) Caravel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ship known as the Matthew was of a type called a caravel. This type of vessel was a highly maneuverable sailing ship used during the Age of Discovery, primarily by the Spanish and Portuguese explorers.
The caravel was particularly suited for long voyages due to its design, which included a triangular lateen sail that allowed the ship to sail effectively against the wind, a capability known as tacking. With larger hulls, the caravels could store more provisions, supporting extended expeditions well into uncharted territories.
Notable examples of caravels include the Nina and Pinta, two of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the New World.