Dubrovnik Karaka

This carrack was a typical sailing ship of Dubrovnik and the Mediterranean in the 15th and 16th centuries. She was a merchant ship used for carrying various goods across the Mediterranean and towards West European Atlantic ports. Carracks built in Dubrovnik shipyards were among the largest vessels at the time. Although the round shape (caracca ronda) somewhat reduced their manoeuvring abilities, these were very strong and solid ships suitable for long voyages, while the vast cargo space proved to be very profitable for merchants and ship owners. They were often equipped with several cannons and so called espignoles so as to protect their valuable cargoes from pirates.