<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> <P> Thus began the expedition on 8 July 1497 . The Lisbon shipping line to Cabo Verde was the usual one and the Indian Ocean is described by Álvaro Velho thus: "The coastal route until Malindi and direct passage from this port to Calicut". During this expedition, the latitudes were determined by solar observation, as stated by João de Barros . </P>

Why did the european try to find out an alternative sea route to india