[citation needed] On 22 November 1633 (391 years ago) (1633-11-22), after several delays, two ships, the Ark and Dove, sailed from the Isle of Wight off the south coast of England.

In the midst of the storm, the mainsail was split in half and the crew was forced to tie down the tiller and whipstaff so the ship lay ahull, keeping her bow to the wind and waves as she drifted.

On 3 January 1633/34 (see below on the start of the new year), the Ark arrived at the island of Barbados in the West Indies after a voyage of 42 days from England.

The colonists planted a large cross, claiming the land in the name of Charles I, King of England, and holding their first communal Mass led by the accompanying Jesuit chaplain, Father Andrew White.

Until 1752, when England finally adopted the Gregorian Calendar, superseding the older and inaccurate Julian Calendar, 25 March was the start of the civil new year,[2] Although too small for the intended settlement, St. Clement's provided a relatively secure base from which Leonard Calvert, the first Governor of Maryland and younger brother of Cecilius, could explore the area and negotiate the purchase of land for the new colony.

[citation needed] In August 1635, the Dove sailed for England carrying timber and beaver pelts, but she never arrived home and was presumed lost in a storm.