“Stood off and on during the night, determining not to come to anchor till morning, fearing to meet with shoals; continued our course in the morning; and as the island was found to be six or seven leagues distant, and the tide was against us, it was noon when we arrived there.”
- August 25th to October 31st, 1451 – May 20th, 1506
- Born in the Republic of Genoa (now Italy)
- Explorer and navigator
- He reached the Americas on his voyage in 1492 and is known as the discoverer of the “New World.”
Quote
“Stood off and on during the night, determining not to come to anchor till morning, fearing to meet with shoals; continued our course in the morning; and as the island was found to be six or seven leagues distant, and the tide was against us, it was noon when we arrived there.”
Explanation
This quote reflects the navigational challenges Columbus faced during his voyage, particularly his decision to sail cautiously overnight rather than risk navigating too close to the shore. The phrase “stood off and on during the night” refers to a common maritime technique where a ship would sail away from the shore and then return in a loop to avoid hazards like shoals, which are shallow areas that could potentially damage the ship. Columbus’s decision not to “come to anchor till morning” highlights the precautionary approach he took, acknowledging the dangers of the unknown waters he was navigating.
The mention of the island being “six or seven leagues distant” and the tide being “against us” indicates that Columbus was not only contending with the unfamiliar geography but also with natural forces such as tides and currents that could significantly affect the progress of his journey. Despite these challenges, Columbus’s ship eventually arrived at the island by noon, showing the persistence and determination required to continue the journey, even under difficult conditions. This part of the account also gives insight into the maritime practices of the time, where careful navigation and strategic decisions were key to ensuring the safety of the crew and the success of the mission.
In modern terms, this quote can be seen as a reflection of the obstacles and uncertainties faced during exploration, where external factors like weather and environmental conditions could dramatically alter a course of action. Today, while technology has advanced in terms of navigation and forecasting, the fundamental challenges of working with nature’s unpredictability remain. Columbus’s careful, methodical approach can still be observed in modern explorers, scientists, and travelers who navigate unfamiliar terrain, weighing risks and making informed decisions in the face of uncertainty.
