The Age of Exploration was rooted in new technologies and ideas growing out of the Renaissance. These included advances in cartography, navigation, firepower and shipbuilding. Beginning in the Fifteenth Century and lasting into the Seventeenth Century, the age of exploration was born of a desire to find a route to Asia by sailing west from Europe. Leading to the discovery a whole new continent and new trade routes, and culminating in colonization and wealth for the growing European powers. This was an amazing period of stregnth and courage.

This period is also marked with developments in ship design and construction. Beginning with the cog and caravel in Portugal, evolving through combining medieval European with Mediterranean and North Sea designs and the addition of some Arabic elements, these were the first vessels that could leave the relatively placid and calm Mediterranean and sail safely onto the open oceans.

This list is to explore the vessels, and the seafarers who sailed in them for "God, King and country".