Changes

* The [[Triangular trade]] used the trades for the “middle passage” then sailed north and out of them for the return to Europe.

* The [[Triangular trade]] used the trades for the “middle passage” then sailed north and out of them for the return to Europe.

* All seafaring nations used the trades from the Americas west across the Pacific, then used the westerlies to return.

* All seafaring nations used the trades from the Americas west across the Pacific, then used the westerlies to return.

*The Dutch used the westerly “Roaring Forties” on their voyages from the [[Cape of Good Hope]].  Their occasional miscalculation when to turning north for [[Batavia]] (modern [[Djakarta]] was instrumental in the discovery of [[Western Australia]], then known as [[New Holland]].

*The Dutch used the westerly “Roaring Forties” on their voyages from the [[Cape of Good Hope]].  Their occasional miscalculation about when to turn north for [[Batavia]] (modern [[Djakarta]]) was instrumental in the discovery of [[Western Australia]], then known as [[New Holland]].

* The British and [[French]] used the African route sailing to [[Australasia]], then returned via [[Cape Horn]], making use of the westerlies on both trips.

* The British and [[French]] used the African route sailing to [[Australasia]], then returned via [[Cape Horn]], making use of the westerlies on both trips.

There have been exceptions. Trade across the north Indian Ocean between India and north-east Africa” and the [[Red Sea]] made use of the African and Indian Monsoons which occurred at different times of the year. Also, currents have been used: as well as the Gulf Stream, the currents running up the west coasts of Africa and [[South America]] were a boon to mariners in the age of sail.   

There have been exceptions. Trade across the north Indian Ocean between India and north-east Africa and the [[Red Sea]] made use of the African and Indian monsoons which occurred at different times of the year. Also, currents have been used: as well as the Gulf Stream, the currents running up the west coasts of Africa and [[South America]] were a boon to mariners in the age of sail.   

The trade winds have always been a moderator of the tropical heat; a blessing to the islands and coasts in their path. [[John Masefield]]’s poem "Trade Winds”, later put to music by Frederick Keel, evokes this beautifully:

The trade winds have always been a moderator of the tropical heat; a blessing to the islands and coasts in their path. [[John Masefield]]’s poem "Trade Winds”, later put to music by Frederick Keel, evokes this beautifully: