Rita Stark

1492: the Fourth Caravel of Christopher Columbus Rita Stark

This book is the narration of the political and cultural conditions in Spain before the re-conquest of Granada and the negotiations necessary to finance this voyage of discovery. Even though everyone has always known that Columbus left Palos with three caravels, there has always been evidence that the a fourth once, equipped by privateers, had followed the expedition. However, because the Catholic Kings were the ones responsible for such enterprise, the emphasis was put on their project as colonization and conversion to Christianity of the people in Cathay. La Fusta had a great cargo capacity and could accommodate 40 men. She was equipped with oars to sail the Mediterranean Sea, where the winds are not strong, as well as with square sails needed in the Ocean to stand the Trade Winds (Vientos Aliseos). When the Santa Maria was destroyed, La Fusta was left in Santo Domingo with the men who built Fort Navidad. The proof is still in Santo Domingo at El Museo de Las Casas Reales.