(see the full-size close-up below)

Under a moonlit, starry night in the Caribbean, the lanterns are being lit and the great galleon is being readied by her crew to sail with the midnight tide.

Beyond the Spanish Main

Who can’t help but be spurred to adventure by this Song of Drake’s men, rallying the crew together and getting ready to sail off into the warm tropical night on their search for treasure and adventure?

This authentic Spanish galleon replica was built in Spain, purchased by treasure hunter Mel Fisher, and sailed to Key West where it became his floating office. Originally I shot the picture from the water in daylight but saw the galleon in my mind’s eye readying for her night sail to adventure. Adding moon and stars and lantern light, as well as a black border and the poem by Alfred Noyes, these elements came together in this 36x24-inch scene in a way guaranteed to stir every adventurer’s heart. "Avast ye swabs! Time’s awastin’! Anchors aweigh!"

This is a close-up image from the full-size print, showing the detail involved