which european country was the leader in developing and applying 15th century sailing innovations?

Portugal was the European leader in developing and applying 15th‑century sailing innovations. In most world history and early modern history resources, when this multiple‑choice style question is asked (often alongside options like Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands), the expected answer is Portugal , because of its pioneering role in Atlantic exploration, development of the caravel, and early navigation schools under Prince Henry the Navigator.