Seafaring & Navigation
As a small and isolated archipelago, the Cayman Islands have a deeply entrenched history with the ocean. The maritime trades have long defined the Caymanian experience, from commercial shipping and international trade to boatbuilding, sailing regattas, the iconic Cayman catboat, and the turtle fishery. Caymanian seafarers developed a deep technical knowledge of the ocean, marine animals, weather, and celestial patterns to chart their course and ply their trade. Utilising vernacular knowledge and manual technology such as notched sticks, sextants, spyglasses, and compasses, seafarers navigated to neighbouring and foreign countries such as Venezuela, Honduras, Japan, and the United States of America. In this video, you’ll hear from retired seafarer, Captain Andrew Jackson of East End, who began his maritime career at just 19-years-old. You’ll also hear from National Collection artist Gordon Solomon on how Cayman’s seafaring heritage and navigational practices captured his aesthetic imagination.
Video coming soon.
Additional Seafaring and Navigation Resources
Contact these partner organisations to learn more about Seafaring in the Cayman Islands:
Cayman Islands Seafaring Association Cayman Catboat Club Cayman Maritime Heritage Foundation
More National Collection artworks and exhibitions about the Seafaring and Navigation:
Old Pease Bay, Wind ESE, Low Tide, Davin Ebanks (2009) Adjacent, Davin Ebanks (2014) Who ya fah?, Paige Jordison (2018) Journey, Yonier Powery (2018) Soul Cage (While pursuing an uncertain dream), Chris Mann (2019)