The earliest barques were noted in Portugal with square sails and oars but by the 18th century, the British Navy used the term bark to cover ships that did not fall in any other categories.

The Caravel was slightly smaller than the Carrack and was generally used for carrying cargo and fishing. They were faster than most vessels and therefore favored by pirates.

The Carrack or Nao (meaning ship) was developed as a fusion between Mediterranean and Northern European-style ships.

The galleon developed in the early 16th century from ships such as the caravel and the carrack.