Golden Hinde (1973) Golden Hinde (1973) The Golden Hinde (launched 1973) is a full-size replica of the "Golden Hind" (launched 1577). She was built by traditional handcraft in Appledore, Torridge. She has travelled more than , a distance equal to more than five times around the globe. Like the original ship, she has circumnavigated the globe. She sailed from Plymouth on her maiden voyage in late 1974, arriving on 8May 1975 in San Francisco, to commemorate Sir Francis Drake's claiming of New Albion, believed to be somewhere in California. Having completed the filming of the TV series "Shogun" the vessel lay moored in
Francis William Drake Sir Francis Drake. Francis William is often confused with his younger brother, Francis Samuel, also a naval officer whose death occurred around the same time. All four sons of Sir Francis Henry Drake had Francis as their first name, which further adds to the confusion. The sons’ names were, Francis Henry, Francis Duncombe, Francis William and Francis Samuel. Drake joined the Royal Navy at an early age (about 8 or 10). He was promoted to lieutenant, and then to commander on 18 October 1743. He commanded first the from April 1747 to January 1748. He was then promoted to post-captain