Magellan: Strait of Magellan vs Open Ocean (1520)
by Anonymous
Ferdinand Magellan's fleet spent 38 days navigating the treacherous strait at South America's tip. He chose this dangerous but shorter passage over sailing further south around Cape Horn in the open ocean.
Navigate the Strait
1520
year
Narrow, rocky, unpredictable winds
route danger
350 miles through strait
distance
Chosen — reached Pacific after 38 days in the strait
outcome
Round Cape Horn
N/A
year
Massive open ocean swells
route danger
Longer but open water
distance
Not discovered yet — Drake Passage found 1578
outcome
Turn Back
1520
year
Mutiny threat
route danger
Return to Spain
distance
One ship deserted; Magellan pressed on
outcome
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