Q: What was life like for the sailors on board the original Half Moon?

A: There are a few differences between the Replica Ship Half Moon, built in 1989, and the 1609 d'Halve Maen under Hudson's command. One major difference is that the hold was meant for trade goods, while today, it's filled with our engine room, head, tool alley, and galley. In 1609, the sailors cooked their meals in the forecastle instead. Despite a few major changes, most of what we do on the modern replica is accomplished the same way they did it in 1609, including steering the ship using the whipstaff, walking the capstan to manually raise the anchor, and most of the crew sleeping on the orlop deck. However, life was very different for the common sailor in Hudson's day. It was dark, crowded, and wet below decks, and the sailors had very few belongings, sometimes only an extra shirt. Without refrigeration, they ate stews, hardtack, fish, cheese, beans, and salted or dried meat.