National Geographic

JAN.Whaling timeline 1 Provisioning(bombarda)CannonGalleonSan Juan79 ftBY FERNANDO G. BAPTISTAON THE HUNT WITHTHE BASQUE WHALERSPORT OF PASAJES, SPAINAfter the wreck of a Basque galleon—thought to be the San Juan—wasdiscovered of the coast of Canada, National Geographic wrote about itsexploration (July 1985 issue, at left). Now, we revisit the 16th-century ship’shistory to illustrate what we’ve learned about the risks and rewards faced bythe Basques in the new lands they called Terranova. Their quarry: baleenwhales and the oil from their blubber, worth millions in today’s dollars.``````PREPARING FOR THE TRIPCasks loaded with beans, dried peas,bacon, and ship’s biscuits (flour-and-watercrackers) sustained the crew. Hearty mealswere washed down with wine and hardcider and supplemented with berries, fish,and whale meat, when available.``````Personal itemsCombs, breeches, woolenstockings, leather shoesand boots, and otherbasic gear were packedin small barrels or chests.``````Heavy weaponsShips carried artillery suchas swivel guns and cannonsto guard whaling watersand project sovereigntyover European rivals.BrisBriBrissIcelaIcelIcelaaSt. SSt.t.TTT(((JAN.JJAN.AN.Whaling timelineWhWhaling timelinealing timeline 111 ProvisioningProvisioningProvisioning(bombarda)(bombarda)(bombardaCannon CaCannonnnon)SmaSSmamabarricbbarric(med((medmearridc15-26 g15-26 15-26 gg``````GalleonGGalleonalleonSan JuanSaSan Juann 79 ft 7 79 ft 9 Juanft``````A DISTANT CHASEIt was voyages to NorthAmerica to fish for codthat first led the Basquesto the whaling groundsmore than 2,000 milesfrom home.``````Shore-station suppliesWhalers brought roofingtiles, nails, knives, saws,and other materialsfor the onshore oil-processing stations.