The Brouwer Route revolutionized maritime navigation in 1610 by utilizing strong westerly winds in the Roaring Forties, cutting the sailing time from South Africa to Java from one year to six months. This shift replaced the traditional coastal paths used by the Portuguese and eventually became the mandatory passage for all Dutch East India Company vessels.
Early Maritime Career and Japan
Brouwer first sailed for the Dutch East India Company in 1606. Following his 1610 expedition, he arrived in the East Indies in 1611. He served as the Dutch Opperhoofd in Japan at Dejima from 28 August 1612 until 6 August 1614, during which time he visited the Japanese court at Edo. In 1613, he travelled to Siam to establish a framework for future Dutch trade relations in that region.
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In 1632, Brouwer represented Dutch interests during diplomatic negotiations in London to address trade disputes between the Honourable East India Company and his own organization. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, serving from 18 April 1632 to 1 January 1636. During his tenure, Anthony van Diemen served as his assistant. Brouwer provided written recommendations for various Pacific explorations that Van Diemen later executed.
The Chile Expedition and Final Days
In 1642, the Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company coordinated an expedition to Chile to seek gold in Valdivia. The fleet departed from Dutch Brazil after receiving supplies from John Maurice of Nassau. While navigating past Cape Horn, the crew confirmed that Isla de los Estados was a distinct island. Brouwer secured an agreement with the local Huilliches for support at Valdivia. He died at age 62 in Puerto Inglés on 7 August 1643. His body was transported to the ruins of Valdivia, temporarily renamed Brouwershaven, for burial in September 1643. Spanish forces later occupied the site in 1644, at which time they exhumed and incinerated his remains.
Fast facts
- Born: 1581
- Died: 7 August 1643
- Place of Birth: Spanish Netherlands
- Place of Death: Valdivia
- Citizenship: Dutch Republic
- Primary Employer: Dutch East India Company
- Military Rank: Admiral
- Governor-General Term: 1632–1636
Questions readers ask
What was the Brouwer Route?
It was a navigational path between South Africa and Java that used westerly winds in the Roaring Forties to significantly reduce travel duration.
What was the purpose of the 1642 expedition to Chile?
The goal was to establish a base for trading gold at the abandoned ruins of Valdivia.
Achievements
- Recorded as explorer, politician and diplomat
