Land Ho

Imagine yourself in the 15th century in the middle of the Atlantic in a small boat (by today’s standards) captained by a Venetian who has this crazy notion that the world is not flat. And … he’s figured out a shortcut to China by sailing west from England across uncharted waters.

You’ve been at sea for 34 days. Perhaps you’re up in the crows nest trying to keep down your breakfast of salt fish, hard tack and ale, as the seas lurch the good ship Mathew back and forth. Is that a form on the horizon good old terra firma or has your imagination gotten the best of you. No — that’s land — Newfoundland.

You’re about to alert the crew when from the deck below you hear the sonorous Italian voice of Giovanni Caboto cry out LAND HO — but in Italian of course. You’ve made it.Read more