The term Spanish Ship can refer to two different types of ships: the CARAVEL and the GALLEON. The CARAVEL was a small, light sailing ship used by the Spanish during the 15th and 16th centuries for exploration and trade. It was characterized by its lateen sails and was capable of sailing against the wind. The GALLEON was a larger, heavier sailing ship used by the Spanish during the 16th and 17th centuries for exploration and trade. It was characterized by its square sails and was capable of carrying large amounts of cargo. Both the CARAVEL and the GALLEON were important vessels in the history of Spanish maritime exploration and trade.