Travels in the Mogul Empire (Bernier) 22.2

22.2

They are of course very careful to avail themselves of the favourable Season for going and the favourable season for returning. It often happens, however, that they are detained beyond the proper time, overtaken by bad weather, and wrecked. This is indeed sometimes the case with Europeans, although they be far better Sea-men, bolder and more skilful, and the condition and equipment of whose vessels are so greatly superior. Of the two intermediate Seasons, the one which follows the South wind is without comparison the more dangerous, being much more subject to storms and sudden squalls. That wind, even during the season, is generally more impetuous and unequal than the North wind. I must not omit to notice in this place, that toward the end of the Season of the South-wind and during the rains, although there be a perfect calm out at sea, yet near the coasts, for a distance of fifteen or twenty leagues, the weather is extremely tempestuous. The captains of European and other vessels should consequently be careful to approach the coast of the Indies, that of Surate or Maslipatam, for instance, just after the termination of the rains; otherwise they incur great risk of being dashed on shore.