Lateen sails were triangular sails used primarily on sailing ships in the medieval and early modern periods. They were widely used by Mediterranean and Arab sailors and later adopted by European sailors during the Age of Exploration. Lateen sails were advantageous as they could be adjusted to various wind conditions, allowing ships to sail efficiently in different directions, including against the wind. They were particularly useful for navigating narrow waterways and for maneuverability. The lateen rig became one of the most common sail setups during the era of sailing ships.
