The Manila Galleon
The route of the Manila Galleon connected the Pacific port of Acapulco, in New Spain, with the port of Manila, in the Philippine Islands. Trade fairs were held there and the most demanded oriental products in America and Europe, such as silks, porcelain, ivory and spices, were brought from there.
The ships that sailed this route departed from the Port of Acapulco between March and April to the island of Guam, where they made a stopover. Then, from this small island they sailed to the port of Cavite, in Manila. The return journey took place during the months of June or July. They set sail for the coast of Japan so they could take advantage of the Kuroshio current, which would then push them towards the American coast. There, this current merged with the California current, which facilitated navigation southward to the New Spain port of Acapulco.
Santa Marta (1582)
Nao which departed Manila (PHL) bound for Acapulco (MEX). She sunk in California in 1582. She carried gold bullion, silver ingots and eastern ceramics. She belonged to The Manila Galleon.
Galleon San Agustin (1595)
Galleon which departed Manila (PHL) bound for Acapulco (MEX). She sunk in California in 1595 due to a storm. This ship captained by Sebastián Rodriguez Cermeño carried eastern ceramics, gold bullion, silver ingots, wax and silk. She belonged to The Manila Galleon.
Santo Cristo de Burgos, aka Beeswax (1693)
Galleon which departed Manila (PHL) bound for Acapulco (MEX). She sunk in Oregon in 1693. She carried wax, eastern ceramics and silk. She belonged to The Manila Galleon. 231 people lost their lives.