Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "Golden Hind Sailing Ship" Signed lower right. Original Oil Painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 20c Roanoke Voyages stamp issued July 13, 1984. On December 13, 1577, Francis Drake set sail from Plymouth Sound, England, on a daring three year odyssey that would take him into oceans hitherto explored only by the Spanish. Drake and about 160 men ventured forth in five vessels: the flagship the Pelican (which he later renamed the Golden Hind), the Elizabeth, the Marigold and the supply ships Swan and Benedict. Of the five, only the Golden Hind and a crew of about fifty men completed the voyage. After safely passing through violent storms in the Strait of Magellan, Drake raided Spanish settlements along the west coast of South America. Drake captured two vessels with cargoes of gold, silver and jewels that were so heavy, they caused the Golden Hind to sail below her watermark. Continuing northward, Drake sighted what is now Canada's west coast. But bitter cold forced him to turn back, and he set a course south and Islands), where he negotiated a treaty with the local sultan. From Java to Sierra Leone on the Cape of Good Hope -- 9,700 miles -- Drake sailed without a port of call or a stop for maintenance, for it had been nearly three years since the voyage had begun. Upon his return to England in September of 1580, he was greeted as a national hero. Queen Elizabeth I came on board his ship to knight him Sir Francis Drake. His fortune and reputation as a brilliant navigator were made -- and the way was opened for England to become a global seapower. Image Size: 18.5 x 18.5 in. Overall Size: 26 x 24 in. Unframed. (B08537)