<P> The travel plan then would have predicted the safety of the route . For this, it would be necessary to install trading posts along the way, and build fortresses . The mission would be up to the captain of the armada who was provided with many gifts and equipment to brave the seas and diplomatic credentials and perseverance to create links with unknown monarchs who eventually were found along the way . </P> <P> But it would no longer be in the reign of King John II of Portugal that this project, which was already facing a strong opposition from the court, would be initiated . It would only happen in the time of his successor, King Manuel I who incidentally did not share the general opinion about the sea routes being a good - if not the best - means to dominate trade with the East . </P> <P> Among the sailors, were two interpreters Fernão Martins and Martim Afonso de Sousa, and two brothers, João Figueira and Pêro da Covilhã . In all, the crews comprised 170 men . </P> <P> The sailors had sailing charts marked with the positions of the African coast known until then, quadrants, astrolabes of various sizes, tables with calculations - such as astronomical tables of Abraham Zacuto -, needle and bobs . One of the ships was carrying groceries sufficient for three years: biscuits, beans, dried meats, wine, flour, olive oil, pickles and other items of pharmacy . Also planned were continuous replenishment along the coast of Africa . The trip to India was performed by three ships and another ship that carried supplies . These three ships had a captain and a pilot . The ship of groceries had only a captain . Two ships also had a scribe or writer . The first ship had a master . </P>

Which european nation founded an all water route to asia