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Wreck of the Ten Sails |
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There are numerous stories tied to this
famous shipwreck that extols the heroism and fortitude of the
peoples of the Cayman Islands. Nearly all stories end with the
awarding of 'tax free status' to the Cayman Islands as a result of
their peoples bravery during the lifesaving efforts of this disaster
that occurred just off the East End of Grand Cayman. |
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The most popular version of this story
reads similar to the version that can be found on the Cayman.com.ky
website. "
A brief history of the Cayman Islands"
at
www.cayman.com.ky/history.htm
"One of the most told stories in the
islands history is the story of "The Wreck of the Ten Sails". Legend
says that one night in November, 1788, the "Cordelia", the lead ship
of a convoy of merchant ships bound from Jamaica to Britain ran
aground on the reef at East End. A signal was given off to warn off
the other ships, but was misunderstood as a call to follow closer
and nine more ships sailed onto the reef. The people of East End are
reported to have shown great heroism in ensuring that no lives were
lost and legend further states that one of the lives saved was one
of royalty. For this, King George III is said to have granted the
islands freedom from conscription, while another report claims that
freedom from taxation was bestowed on the people of the islands as a
reward. Actual records do not support this story entirely" |
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Another version, now the 'official' most
recently updated, on the
Cayman Islands website
at www.caymanislands.ky/tour_guide/about_history.asp
"One of the most colourful
historic legends, The Wreck of The Ten Sails, was recently
"rewritten" in an accurate account uncovered through detailed
research by Dr. Margaret Leshikar Denton.
On February 8, 1794, not November 1788 as long thought, 10 merchant
vessels went aground in rough seas off Grand Cayman's East End, led
by the HMS Convert. Contrary to an enduring popular legend, the
convoy did not carry Prince William, the future King William IV, or
any member of the Royal family, whose courageous rescue by
Caymanians was attributed with the granting of the Cayman's freedom
from taxation by King George III." |
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