The Voyage of Magellan – Chapter 5: Underway

The article 'The Voyage of Magellan' discusses the early stages of Ferdinand Magellan's expedition to circumnavigate the globe. Upon setting sail from Spain, Magellan's fleet was unaware of the blockade the Portuguese had set up near the Canary Islands. The Portuguese, hoping to protect their Asian empire from Spanish incursion, had dispatched a smaller but faster fleet to intercept Magellan's ships. The article then delves into the daily routines and hierarchy onboard Magellan's ships. Each ship had a captain, a pilot, and a master responsible for various aspects of navigation and upkeep. The crew, although engaged in hard labor, enjoyed relative freedom and camaraderie during the early stages of the journey. Upon reaching Tenerife, Magellan's fleet prepared for the long Atlantic crossing, resupplying and sending/receiving correspondence. Magellan received a letter from his father-in-law, warning him of a potential mutiny by three captains loyal to Bishop Fonseca, his rival. Hearing rumors of a Portuguese fleet in the area, Magellan decided to set sail at night and head south, leading his crew to wonder about the sudden change in plans.