Why was it difficult for Spanish and Portuguese mariners to return home from the Canary Islands?
A) They had to sail against the winds.
B) Unusual magnetic fields in that area rendered navigational instruments useless.
C) Berber pirates preyed on ships sailing northward from the Canaries.
D) They had no knowledge of the tacking maneuver.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The prevailing trade winds blow east to west in the Atlantic, and the Canaries are located to the west of Spain and Portugal. Thus, returning home from the Canaries would require sailing against the wind, which was a difficult task for mariners of that time period.

Why Was It Difficult for Spanish and Portuguese Mariners to Return