The Unconventional Route: Exploring the Wind and Ocean Currents

When European explorers first set sail to the new world, their routes may seem unconventional to us today. Instead of sailing straight across the Atlantic Ocean, they would often sail south and west to the Canary Islands before heading west to reach the West Indies and the Spanish main. On their return journey, they would then go north to the "Leeward Islands" of the Caribbean, as well as to the Bahamas, Bermuda, and other regions.

So, why did they take this seemingly roundabout route? The answer lies in the science of wind and ocean currents. The prevailing winds, known as the trade winds, blow from east to west in the tropical regions of the Atlantic. By sailing south and west to the Canary Islands first, European explorers were able to take advantage of these winds to propel their ships westward more quickly and efficiently.

Similarly, on their return journey, the explorers would sail north to the Leeward Islands and beyond to catch the westerly winds that would carry them back to Europe. This route allowed them to benefit from the natural forces of wind and ocean currents, which significantly shortened their overall travel time despite the longer distances covered.