Sir Francis Drake

Originally called 'The Pelican' and renamed The Golden Hind before returning to Plymouth from Drakes first epic voyage. The Ship's name stems from the Old English word meaning female Deer and the emblem was featured on the Hatton family coat of arms. (Christopher Hatton courtier to Queen Elizabeth I and councillor, being the principle sponsor of Drakes first voyage around the World. Queen Elizabeth I incidentally, invested some £2000 also). The Ships Latin motto `Virtue is the safest helmet`- 'Cassis Tutis Sima Virtus' is taken from the same coat of arms.
Francis Drake (1540-96) was the first English Sea Captain to circumnavigate the globe and did it aboard his ship The Golden Hinde. Other ships under his command in the voyage were the Elizabeth Of London (A Pinnacle which turned back), The Benedict, Marigold (Lost near Cape Horn) and Christopher (Sloops) all remaining ships scattered. Total crew members around 114. Setting out from Plymouth on 15 November 1577. He returned on 26 September 1580 with a fortune in valuables worth £600,000 during 1580 (around £25 million today) of which Queen Elizabeth I took a huge share (50%) which equated to twice the cost of fighting the Spanish Armada in 1588. The Royal Treasury was free of debt in the year after Drakes return and the adventure made Drake the most famous sailor in the World. Much to consternation of the Spanish whose West Coast of South America possessions he had plundered on route,he was knighted 'Sir' the following year April 1581.
Later Sir Francis Drake,now vice Admiral of The English Queens Navy and aboard the warship Revenge, took possession of the Spanish Armada's Andalusian flagship 'Rosario' and also the 50,000 gold ducats the ship carried. This time most of the purse 'vanished' and Drake was suspected of falling short in his duty to share the prize to the crown and other sea captains and ultimately tarnished his reputation.

 The Ship's Log of Sir Francis Drake and his around the world voyage.

Nov 15 1577 Pelican left Plymouth harbour but returned owing to contrary winds.

Dec 13 1577 Pelican left Plymouth again with 4 ships (Elizabeth, Swan, Marigold, and Benedict).

Jun 20 1578 Off the east coast of South America at Port Julian South of the river Plate. Captain Thomas Doughty was tried and executed for mutiny. The Ships Swan and Christopher were broken up as they were no longer needed. The Stores and crew members were transferred to remaining ships. Pelican renamed Golden Hind.

Aug 20 1578 Entered The Straits of Magellan.

Sep 6 1578 Reached the Pacific.

Sep 30 1578 Marigold lost. Golden Hind and Elizabeth blown 300 miles south to Cape Horn.
Oct 7 1578 A Violent squall separates the Golden Hind and Elizabeth (Under Captain Winter). Elizabeth (Captain Winter) waits for Drake but then returns home.

Dec 5 1578 Raid on Valparaiso and Captures a Spanish ship carrying gold and wines. Refitted here.

Mar 1 1579 Took the Nuestra Senora de la Conception nicknamed Cacafuego by her crew. 80lb gold (main cargo), 13 chests of pieces of eight, 26 tons of silver (used for ballast) also chests of jewels and peals. Also captured 2 pacific pilots on the ship.

Apr 15 1579 Reach Central America.

Jun 1 1579 Latitude 48N (now Vancouver). North West route considered too great a hazard. Returned to New Albion. Jul 23 1579 Left New Albion.

Oct 16 1579 Reached Philippines Islands.

Nov 3 1579 Reached Spice Islands (Moluccas). Trade relations were established with the Sultan of Ternate and six tons of cloves were taken aboard.

Jan 9 1580 The Golden Hinde struck a reef and 8 cannon with also 3 tons of cloves were jettisoned overboard. The wind then changed and the ship slid off the reef.

Mar 26 1580 Hinde Reached Java then left for the Cape of Good Hope.

July 22 1580 Ship Reached Sierra Leone sailing none stop since leaving Java.

Sep 26 1580 Returned to Plymouth where as the Golden Hinde berthed Drake leaned over the side and enquired as to the Queens health.