Technical innovations that made sailing easier in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries included

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The fly compass and the astrolabe were key technical innovations during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries that significantly improved navigational accuracy and made sailing easier. The fly compass allowed sailors to determine their ship's heading even in rough waters, while the astrolabe enabled them to calculate their latitude based on the position of the stars. Neither a rudimentary form of steam engine nor mechanical clocks were invented until centuries later, and while better oars may have been developed, they were not considered a significant innovation in sailing technology. While latitude was important for navigation, it was the development of the fly compass and astrolabe that were particularly beneficial for sailors.

Technical Innovations That Made Sailing Easier in the Fourteenth and Fifteenth