Map of the Pacific Ocean

Map of the Pacific Ocean.

Schouten and Le Maire's expedition in 1615 was equipped by Le Maire's father for the Australische Compagnie (Australian Company). This company attempted to circumvent the VOC patent by finding an alternative route to Indonesia. Schouten and Le Maire succeeded in doing so by sailing via Vuurland rather than through the Magellan Strait. In spite of their discoveries the voyage did not prove very successful: on arrival in Batavia they weren't believed and their remaining ship, de Eendracht was impounded along with its cargo.

Marked on this chart is the route Schouten and Le Maire sailed from South America to New Guinea.

Bottom left: Fo: 73.

Description de la grande mer du Sud monstrant par quel chemin Guillaume Schouten a nauige, et quelles isle et terres ila descouuertes en icelles.

Cf. Koninklijke Bibliotheek, Den Haag, inv. nr. 108 D 7 part III, after fol. 64