Among the most famous of the phantom ships is the legendary Flying Dutchman. This sailing ship, feared by mariners as an omen of disaster, supposedly appears during stormy weather off the Cape of Good Hope, at Africa's southern tip.According to one version of the legend, Van der Decken, the captain of the Flying Dutchman, swore that he would round the cape even if he had to sail straight into the wind. Because of this oath, Van der Decken was condemned to sail forever against just such an adverse wind.
 
Typus Orbis Terrarum 1570

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    Updated 05 June, 2009 - webmaster Dirk Steine