Around the World in 1080 Days

Just imagine setting out to sea in such a craft with the idea of sailing around a world that many still thought to be flat. Food and water were terrible, and sleeping was mostly done on deck, since the holds of such vessels were full of supplies and ballast that made it nearly unlivable belowdecks. Worse, there were no charts to tell them where to go and, more importantly, where not to go.

Of the five ships that originally set out as a fleet, only one, the Nao Victoria, made it back to Spain after circumnavigating the world. Of 270 crew members, only 18 returned aboard the Nao Victoria after nearly three years absence. Fifty-five sailors deserted with the San Antonio at the Strait of Magellan and sailed back to Spain. A dozen or so of the others were captured by Portuguese ships and only four or five of the original crew of the Trinidad eventually returned home. Magellan was killed in battle in the Philippines, and the Trinidad was lost in Indonesia.

We got to tour this replica recently in St. Augustine, Florida, and though amazed by the craftmanship that went into it, I’m quite happy that we did not have to cross an ocean in it. The greatest surprise came from the steering mechanism. It had not a wheel, but rather large post, as seen on the right photo, that could be swiveled right or left to move the rudder from side to side. From that position, one could hardly see straight ahead, so I suspect that lookouts on the bow gave directions to the persons at the lever. Though I admire those who mastered such skills, it makes me quite content to firmly embrace my inner landlubber.

#naotrinidad #magellan #circumnavigation