History of Sir Francis Drake

One of the most famous sailors of all time, Sir Francis Drake, explored lands far away from his birthplace in Devonshire, England, in his decades of navigating oceans worldwide. While his travels took him around the globe, he spent a great deal of time in the Caribbean, and right here in the Virgin Islands. 

As an ASA sailing school, we’re always excited to share sailing history with our students, and El Draque (the dragon) might just be one of the most interesting historical figures of them all. 

Sir Francis Drake’s Childhood

Born in Tavistock, England, in the mid-16th century, on a family farm. When his father, Edmund Drake, fled for legal reasons, he was raised by relatives and began learning how to sail—along with less noble pursuits including slave trading and piracy—from the infamous Hawkins family. 

Drake’s sailing experience began when he was just a teenager, and he quickly became not only an expert sailor but also a feared pirate. 

Explorer or Pirate?

Sir Francis Drake’s greatest achievement was circumnavigating the world, beginning in 1577. A trusted associate of Queen Elizabeth I, he captained the Golden Hind (originally the Pelican), completing successful missions, including one to South America, where he was knighted by the Queen after delivering treasure upon his return to England.

A hero in England, he was a foe of Spain. Drake attacked and raided Spanish treasure ships in Central & South America, the Caribbean, and even Cadiz, Spain. If you think that’s a lot of attacks on a single empire—it’s not by accident. His disdain for Spain began after the government stopped his slave trade in San Juan de Ulúa. He spent the rest of his life, with Queen Elizabeth I’s consent, raiding Spanish ships and lining the pockets of himself and the British Empire.

Connection to the Caribbean 

Sir Francis Drake sailed through the Caribbean several times in his life, including when he circumnavigated the globe. In fact, the Sir Francis Drake Channel, located in the British Virgin Islands, was part of his route during his final voyage (again targeting Spanish ships). While some legends say he was killed in battle, reliable historical evidence points to him dying from dysentery. Nonetheless, most historians agree that he was fittingly buried at sea.

Sail the Sir Francis Drake Channel

When you take ASA sailing lessons in the beautiful Virgin Islands, you can sail in some of the most storied waters in the world—like the same waters sailed by Sir Francis Drake. Explore the Sir Francis Drake Channel, and experience why our ASA instructors and sailors from around the globe feel the history tied to these waters. When you visit St. Thomas, don’t forget to marvel at the gorgeous Magens Bay, where many believe Sir Francis Drake looked out at the horizon, perhaps planning his next adventure.