Under the command of King John II of Portugal, I, Bartholomeu Dias, great navigator, explorer and Knight of the royal household begin my journey. My quest is to sail around the most southern tip of Africa, to open up trading routes to India. My voyage begins just south of Lisbon, from the river Tagus. I have been supplied with two armed lateen-rigged caravels carrying heavy guns, each measuring about 80 feet in length. I have also been supplied with one smaller square-rigger supply ship. The supply ship will be commanded by Pero, my brother. The supply ship will allow us to carry more provisions, as the length of our journey is not certain. It will be used as a base camp and will set anchor along the way. On our return, we will then be able to re-stock the caravels with the necessary provisions. I will be accompanied by 42 crew members who are ready for the hardships that this voyage may bring. Moral is high, the seas are peaceful and we are excited to discover and sail around the southern most tip of Africa. We will make history!
We were hit by very strong headwinds that drove us out to sea. With no land in sight, we were forced to head south for almost two weeks. We then headed eastward in hopes of finding the shore. Only after this entire ordeal did I realize that we must have already sailed past the most southern tip of Africa. Changing course once again, we headed north and finally on February 3, 1488, we spotted land. It was the east coast of Africa! At this point of our journey, the crew was physically and mentally exhausted from the difficult voyage. After 7 long months at sea, our provisions were running low. Food was limited to salted meats, fish, beans and stale bread. We drank mostly wine, as the water which we kept in barrels had become foul. Living conditions were cramped and uncomfortable. With no galley on the ships, the crew prepared meals using a fire pit on the main deck. The crew also slept on the main deck, while myself and the senior crew slept below deck.
After much anxiety from the crew, I called a meeting, and it was unanimous that the goal of our expedition had been met. They all felt that it was time to turn around, and head back to Portugal. I wanted to continue on and survey the coastline, but the crew would only agree to give me a few more days to explore before we began our return home.
On our return to Portugal, the crew continued to work tirelessly. They were anxious to get back home safely. They scrubbed the decks, pumped out any sea water that the ship took in, fixed the sails and ropes, and stood on look out. Our return voyage continued along the coastline. The weather remained clear. On June 6, 1488 with great excitement, we sighted the most southern tip of Africa. I proudly recorded it in my log book at latitude 34 degrees 22’S. I named it “Cabo Tormentosa”, meaning Stormy Cape, in reference to our turbulent voyage. This expedition around the cape provided me with priceless information for future journeys of exploration, and the promise of creating direct trading routes from Portugal to India.
On July 24, 1488 we anchored in Luderitz Bay where we chose to erect a cross made of stone called a Padrao. The cross was inscribed with the Portuguese Coat of Arms. This was the last of 3 Padroes that we placed during the course of our journey. This was our way of claiming the newly discovered land.
Providing we remain on course and the weather remains calm, I estimate that we should reach Lisbon by December. This will make our exploration a sixteen month long venture. I am very optimistic that King John II will be overjoyed with this great exploration of hope!
