Drake’s Ships At New Albion

When Drake sailed from Plymouth on November 25, 1577, his fleet was comprised of five ships: the Pelican–re-named the Golden Hind–(150 tons/18 guns), commanded by Drake; the Elizabeth (80 tons/16 guns), commanded by John Wynter; the Marigold (30 tons/16 guns), commanded by John Thomas; the Swan (50 tons/5 guns), commanded by John Chester; and the Benedict (15 tons/1 gun), commanded by Tom Moone.

While in the Atlantic, Drake captured, released, abandoned and traded ships in such a manner that he entered the Straits of Magellan with only three: his flagship the Golden Hind, the Elizabeth, and the Marigold.

When he reached California, the Elizabeth had deserted and the Marigold was lost in the fierce tempests the fleet encountered after exiting the Straits of Magellan. So he entered Drake’s Bay with two ships, the Golden Hind and a small ship he took along the way, Tello’s bark. Read about those two ships here.

The Golden Hind

Images Courtesy of the Raymond Aker Family