navigators. It certainly seems probable that the idea may have been introduced into Holland from the Pacific by the Spanish, together with the construction, rig, and decoration of the ships of Holland at that period. Of this there can be no reasonable doubt.
In looking over the narratives of voyages of the early Dutch navigators, frequent mention of yachts are met with.
In 1598 some merchants of Holland fitted out an expedition to cruise in the South Seas against the Spaniards, among them were Peter Van Beveren, Hugo Gerritz, and John Bennick. The fleet consisted of the Maurice, Admiral Oliver Van Noort, the Henry Fredric, Captain James Glaasz; yachts, Concord, Captain Peter Van Lint, and Hope, Captain John Huidecoope. These vessels sailed from Rotterdam, June 28, 1598, and, after capturing several Spanish galleons, and sailing around the globe, "arrived safely before the City of Rotterdam," August 26, 1601.
June 27, 1598, a fleet, consisting of the Hope, 500 tons; Faith, 320 tons; Charity, 300 tons; Fidelity, 220 tons and the yacht Merry Messenger, 150 tons, sailed from Rotterdam, under command of Admiral De Weert, "being provided with all manner of provisions and ammunition, with cannon, money, merchandise and all necessaries whatever for a long voyage." It proceeded through the Straits of Magellan, thence across the Pacific, and home by way of the Cape of Good Hope, arriving at Rotterdam May 13, 1600.
