Navigating Discoveries: How Age of Exploration Sailors Found Natural Ports

The Age of Exploration was marked by daring adventures and meticulous mapping to expand the horizons of knowledge about the unknown worlds. Sailors like Captain George Vancouver, Christopher Columbus, and Ferdinand Magellan relied on a system of exploration and mapping to discover natural ports that offered safe anchorage and resources. This process involved a combination of on-board navigating, detailed observations, and the utilization of small boats to gather precise data about new lands.

Mapping Techniques and Tools

Upon arriving in a new territory, captains and their crews would methodically document and chart their findings. These charts were essential for navigation and future expeditions. For instance, when Capt. George Vancouver arrived in the Strait of Georgia, part of the Salish Sea, he anchored his ship HMS Discovery. He then sent out small boat crews to explore the coast, taking soundings and mapping the territory. They would set up temporary camps, which allowed the HMS Discovery to continue sailing further along the coast while replenishing supplies and collecting data. This system was widely used by other navies and explorers of the era.

Note: This method of exploring and mapping allowed sailors to
endure dangerous conditions, as they were thousands of miles from home and
navigating through uncharted waters filled with dangers like reefs, rocks, and shoals.

Peril and Cooperation

During their exploration, the British and Spanish encountered each other at "Spanish Banks" near Point Grey, Vancouver. Despite Spain and Britain engaging in war when they departed Europe, they formed a truce. The Spanish were tasked with exploring and surveying the shores of Vancouver Island, while the British focused on the mainland. As a result, the Spanish coast is marked with Spanish place names like Saturna, Galiano, Valdez, Quadra, Mexicana, and Sonorra. Moving up the mainland, British names like Bowen, Jervis Inlet, Agamemnon, Howe, Knight, Bute, Seymour, Poison Bay, and Desolation are prominent.

The cooperation between the two nations at Nootka on the west coast of Vancouver Island was significant. They shared their collected data and charts, effectively marking the beginning of a collaborative approach to exploration. This event marked a moment in history when two rivals worked together for mutual benefit, paving the way for the exchange of knowledge and the expansion of geographical understanding.

Discovering Anchorage and River Entrances

Once a suitable anchorage was found offshore, small boats would be launched to further explore the river entrance. These boats would take soundings to determine the depth of the water and measure the width of the anchorage. The detailed maps created from these explorations were highly valuable, as they helped in identifying the most advantageous locations for future expeditions and settlements. The charts and reports were often traded with other explorers, ensuring a continuous flow of information and the rapid expansion of knowledge.

As exploration continued, the importance of these natural ports and their mapped locations could not be overstated. They provided essential resources and safe havens for sailors crossing vast oceans. The meticulous mapping and the cooperative efforts of explorers like Captain Vancouver played a crucial role in the continuous expansion of European knowledge and influence in the New World.