Karakas can truly be considered the predecessors to the three-mast sailboats that developed and thrived until the 19th century.  The seamen from Dubrovnik were greatly motivated to sail to England by extremely high profits. A new one cost from 5,000 and 6,000 ducats. The ratio between invested and earned money was extremely favorable, so that the fist voyage could cover almost all costs of a new ship. 
Only carracsk were able to meet all of the hydrographic,  oceanographic and hydrometeorologic needs of the voyage to England. The stern was cut and cornered, with a tall, narrow rudder. She usually had three masts, plus a bow-sprit and flying jib-boom. The masts were set with square sails, two on the main mast. She flew with the Dubrovnik flag with St. Blassius’ figure from the mainmast. In the second half of the 16th century, trade with England began to decrease at the same time when Dubrovnik seafaring fell into crisis caused by numerous reasons, the fame of carracks began to wane. They gradually lost their place to other ships, but the knowledge gained in the time of their popularity remained a precious heritage.

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