An Ocean Voyage in the 17th Century

Three centuries ago, wind power was the only way Europeans could travel to the Americas. The French as well as several other nations had colonies in the New World. In the early days, these colonies needed to be constantly replenished with settlers, tradesmen, carpenters, soldiers and mechanics, food supplies, seeds, lifestock and many manufactured products. Ships returning home carried valuable New World products back to Europe. This was how the high cost of establishing a colony was financed. Spain received a fleet of ships most years that were filled with Inca and Peruvian gold and silver. England received hogsheads of valuable tobacco. France received shiploads of very valuable furs. Nearly every European nation welcomed boat-loads of Cod fish caught on the Grand Banks.

Sailing to the New World was not a simple matter of raising an anchor and hoisting a sail or two. Crossing 1200 leagues of icy North Atlantic waters could be a deadly endurance test for both men and ships.

Usually, prior to embarking on a New World voyage, everything was emptied from the ship and it was towed into shallow water. Using ropes and pulleys, the ship was tipped (careened) on its’ side. One side of the ship's bottom was scraped, rotten wood replaced and joints filled with oakum and tar. When one side was done, the boat was rolled onto its’ other side and the laborious work repeated. When refloated, the ballast, which consisted of many wooden barrels filled with stones, were carefully replaced in the hull of the ship. It was important where the ballast was placed, as this heavy weight counterbalanced the wind-filled sails, preventing the ship from tipping over.Next the ship was towed to a berth where its’ masts, spas, cables, rigging and sails where inspected, repaired or replaced where necessary, tarred, painted, etc. Lastly, the ship’s crew loaded provisions, water, cargo and any passengers aboard. All these preparations could take a couple of months. Once the sailors had hoisted the anchor and set the sails, a French merchant ship might anchor in Quebec City in about 70 days. The trip home was usually much faster (33 days on average) because of the strong westerly winds. Of course some French ships never reached home as storms, icebergs, pirates, kitchen fires and enemy gun ships took their toll.