(The merchant trade Europe to Arabia was in use a long time before in that region.) On May 20th, 1498 the fleet reached the indian port Calicut. During this part the 'Sao Raphael' run ashore, but at Malinde they were able Ordered a stop for a complex overhaul of the ships.Īlong the eastcoast of Africa they sailed to
On November 22th, 1497 the fleet passed the Cape of Good Hope and reached Mosselbay. These three ships were accompanied by a small supply ship for stores and food.ĭuring the voyage many seamen died of scurvy. The 'Sao Raphael' had nearly the same size, the caravel 'Berrioh' was a little smaller. The fleet: Vasco's ship was the 'Sao Gabriel', a nau of 178 tons, length 27 meters,ĭraught 2.3 meters, sails 372 squaremeters, crew 150 people. Sailed for 400 miles to the east, but a mutiny forced him to return.
Maritime Topics On Stamps, discoverer Vasco da Gama, seaway to India
