Famous Ocean Explorers
Today the thought of yachts conjures up images of sunbathing, Caribbean holidays and luxury. But not so long ago, these vessels were the simple structures that intrepid explorers called home for many years at a time and transported people to places that they could never have dreamed existed. Yachts like the Santa Maria helped sailors find the North American continent while the Victoria was the first vessel to sail around the globe. Hundreds of years ago people were not only driven by the desire to explore the earth, but also to claim the best access to the riches of spices in the East. Many journeys ensued, with some resulting in the most spectacular and accidental discoveries. Even though every corner of the earth has now been “discovered”, man’s desire to explore the oceans has never ceased. To this day brave men and women face the swells to cement themselves in history by conquering the world’s oceans. The Forerunners of Ocean Exploration Bartholomew Dias and Vasco Da Gama The Portuguese have often been credited as some of history’s bravest explorers and the establishment of the Spice Route to India is to this country’s credit. What drove much exploration of the seas in the early years was a desire to gain the best access to the rich resource of spices in the East. In his quest to find such a route, Bartholomew Dias became the first European to navigate around the southern-most tip of Africa. It was Dias who first named the Cape the “Cape of Storms” and while the explorers did not make it all the way to the East on their 1488 journey, they have never been forgotten for their feat of being the first Europeans to sail around the tip of the African continent. Vasco Da Gama was more successful in his quest to create the best Spice Route for the Portuguese and, in 1498, reached Calicut in India. The tales of his cruel treatment of the people living in the places along the route are chilling, but his victory was claiming the best Spice Route possible in the name of the Portuguese. This sea route was far less treacherous than heading overland through Asia and gave Portugal the ultimate advantage in trade in the 15th and 16th centuries. Christopher Columbus By 1493, Italian Christopher Columbus was convinced that a quicker route could be found to the East by travelling west. What resulted was a discovery that changed the face of world geography forever. When he could not convince his own countrymen of his theory, Columbus moved to Spain and managed to convince the authorities to fund his expedition. He set sail in August 1492 and was in sight of the Bahamas within only ten weeks, which he mistakenly believed to be Japan. Further west when the voyagers reached Cuba, they were convinced they had found China and moved inland to “India”. The dark-skinned people they encountered were soon labelled “Indians” and Columbus returned to Europe victorious in his achievement of finding the quickest route to the riches of the East. Columbus returned to his East three times during the remainder of his life exploring Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Trinidad. He died believing he had found the shortest route to the East, never knowing that he had in fact discovered something much, much more important. Ferdinand Magellan Ferdinand Magellan was not discouraged by the subsequent discovery of Columbus’ actual failure to find a westerly route to the East and set of in 1519 to prove that it could be done. Although from Portugal, Magellan undertook this journey with Spanish backing and set sail in 1519. The five ships in the party housed 260 men who had no idea where they were going as Magellan believed they would be too frightened too continue. A massive storm along the coast of South America forced the ships to seek cover and thus Magellan discovered an inlet — completely by accident. The Magellan Strait, as it is now known, offers a route through the South American continent to the Pacific Ocean on the other side. With one ship deserting the voyage, Magellan and his four other ships suffered extreme hardships on the Pacific and only 18 of the 260 men made it back to Spain three years later. The journey went through the Philippines where Magellan himself was killed in battle and on to the East where the ships were loaded with spices. The Victoria continued west and made it back to Spain, while all of the other ships were lost at sea. The westerly spice route discovered by Magellan and his crew was not used for many years, thanks to the treacherous outcome it had for the many men on board. Instead of discovering a new Spice Route, Magellan is actually credited with captaining the first circumnavigation of our globe, a more impressive feat by miles. Modern Ocean Explorers Ocean exploration has never stopped since the great explorers of the 15th and 16th centuries, but has simply evolved to become more in depth, competitive and adventurous. By the beginning of the 20th century, most of the earth’s waters had been explored and ocean travels became more about setting records than discovering new places. The year was 1895 when American Joshua Slocum set out to become the first man to sail solo around the world. He sustained himself during the three year trip by stocking up on supplies from islands along the way and his safe return home in 1898 cemented his place in the history books. The next person to better this record was Sir Francis Chichester in 1967 who managed an around the world feat that only required one stop in a year long trip aboard Gypsy Moth. It was a fellow Briton, Robin Knox-Johnston who, twelve years later, managed to finally circumnavigate the world without stopping — in a lightning fast 312 days. In 1988, Kat Cottee became the first woman to sail solo and non-stop around the world in an improved time of only 189 days. To date, the fastest solo trip every recorded to circumnavigate the globe occurred as recently as 2008. Francis Joyon, a 51 year old Frenchman, climbed aboard his 98ft fire-engine red trimaran Idec and reappeared around the world just 57 days later. This took a massive 14 days off the previous record which was held by the fastest female sailor in the history of yachting, Dame Ellen McArthur.Find out more about some of the spectacular yachts sailing our oceans today, many of which are available to buy or charter. http://www.ypi.co.uk/
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South Africa releases fresh work permit quota's
The Department of Home Affairs in South Africa that issues work permits, business permits, life partner and spousal permits, retired permits and relatives permits has recently announced a new permit allocation. This is designed in consideration of the skills shortages that may be offered by immigrants hoping to move to South Africa. Business permit allocation South Africa has long realised the obligation to secure industry and merchants have a connection to the correct skills, more than ever with the enormous expenditure occurring for the 2010 world cup. South Africa has a first class education system and reliable labor force, it is observed that in a few avocations there is a talent shortage. To assist the immigration development in the business permit sector the Department of Home Affairs regularly reviews what qualifications are required and issues a quota work permit requirements document. This quota list allows immigrants to apply for a quota work permit which means the potential immigrant can consider a work permit before receiving an offer of employment, in essence simplifying the overall immigration application process. What trade are required? After lengthy consideration between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and feedback from the major South African companies, Home Affairs published the latest list of scarce occupations this year. Prospective immigrants looking for employment in these areas may apply for permits allowing them to reside and work in South Africa. Reflecting the reality of economic growth in South Africa the Department of Home Affairs focuses very much on technical and engineering professions. In fact any Industrial engineer qualifies automatically, but it remains well worth a look at the employees in demand in detail. Because private and public investments in infrastructure projects immigrants with experience in the construction industry are most sought after. Included in the quota jobs are CAD technicians, Draftsperson, Structural Engineers, Civil Engineers, Civil engineering technicians and technologists. In the manufacturing industries the Department of Home Affairs requires quotas for occupations such as Manufacturing Technicians, Mechanical Draughtsperson and Technicians, Hydraulics and Pneumatics Technicians, Mechanical Engineers, Quality Engineers and Inspectors, Pipeline Engineers and Refrigeration Engineers. In the aviation industry immigrants with backgrounds such as Aeronautical Engineers, Avionics Engineers and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are invited to consider the quota work permit. In the electronics sector, South Africa is looking for engineers that are qualified as Mechatronics Technicians, Electronic Engineers, Electronics Technicians, Autotronics and Electromechanical Technicians. Recently the Department, also requested some skilled laborers that can apply for immigration such as precision metal workers, fitters and turners, toolmakers, boilermakers, coded welders and millwrights. In other disciplines the Department has recognised the need for BPO for economic stability and has included Call Centre and Contact Centre Managers in the quota system. In the organisation and information professionals notably positions for economists, statisticians, actuaries and risk assessors are obtainable for quota professions. The mining industry is of equal importance to the South African economy. This is reflected by the fact that Home Affairs offers immigrants in the professions Geologists, Geophysicists, Mining Engineering and Earth Science Technicians the ability to get work and residence permits. Other industry skills covered are agriculture and forestry, the chemical industry, pharmacology, biotechnology, astronomy and food technology. South Africa appears to be suffering from a skills shortage among Science Teachers and Maths and Jewellery Makers. It is important to note that Home Affairs will check if the future immigrant has the desired skills and experience as well as five years of work experience before granting the quota work permit. Stuart James is a Client Relationship Manager at <a href="http://www.south-africa-immigration.com">Intergate Immigration South Africa</a> for information please visit www.south-africa-immigration.com
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Romantic Weekend Gateways
Romantic Weekend Gateways Your busy life offers no time at all for those much needed vacations with your loved ones. And that is why it gets real tough for coping up with the pressure. It is only when you can have bit time with your loved one can make it a rejuvenating experience in your fast track life. The ultimate answer comes in the form of a romantic weekend gateway that not only gives you more pleasure in a short span of time but also gives you the cherished company of your loved one. And that is what is more sought after in such stressful routine of any individual. The romantic weekend gateways are considered as the most fun filled way to utilize the weekend. And more so it gives you quite a romantic get together with your loved one. A weekend gateway is a typical weekend trip that you can plan for within the close vicinity so that you can complete it within your weekend. And above all it gives you a variety of options to choose from so that you never have to visit the same place twice unless you want to. There are some small tips that should always be taken into consideration while planning a romantic weekend gateway with your loved one. Before you start with the packing for that special time remember planning for such a destination where less traveling time is required and should be accessible by more than one way of conveyance in case of an emergency. If you are traveling by air, book the tickets before hand instead of waiting till the last moment. Road trip can be an exciting option for a romantic gateway if the destination is close enough. In this case look at the traveling issues like checking the vehicle properly and keeping the petrol tank full to have a smooth, enjoyable and fun filled journey till your destination. Go easy with your packaging as you wont require much stuff for the romantic weekend gateway, so pack your bags in such a manner that things, which are not required for weekend vacations, should not be taken. Avoid taking in too many clothes, and other stuff as many hotels provide shampoos, hair dryers and lotions that help to lessen your burden of carrying things. In case your children are accompanying you better to give them backpacks having handles and wheels, which they can carry without efforts. Keep things handy in the backpack and avoid cluttering. You will come across variety of options for the romantic weekend-getaways. Make a choice wisely and after taking out the necessary information of the destination, as some of them are best for romantic weekend gateways while some suitable for visit with entire family. There are many travel planners who can help you with the romantic weekend gateway planning, if you are too busy with your office schedules. Take help if required as it helps in planning and saves time. They will help you in making the necessary arrangements like accommodation, dining, activity planning etc. Avid unnecessary hassles when the time is too short for fun. A romantic weekend gateway, although a short span of time, can rejuvenate you for the tough and busy working months. So plan it carefully to enjoy it in the warmth of your loved one.Looking for more information on Romantic Weekend Gateways check out <a href= www.WEEKEND-GETAWAYS.ORG >www.WEEKEND-GETAWAYS.ORG</a> your guide to Romantic Weekend Gateways.
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