On this day in history, two masters of early ocean exploration returned to their prospective homes—Vasco da Gama 527 years ago to Lisbon, and Thomas Cavendish 438 years ago to Plymouth. The former had chartered the first European course to India via the Cape of Good Hope, while the latter completed the world's first intentional circumnavigation. As it happened, Cavendish's trip also saw the capture of the Santa Anna, the largest Spanish treasure ship ever to fall prey to English privateers. READ more about these accomplishments in seafaring... (1499, 1588)
