Sutil (ship)

The Sutil was a schooner that served in the Spanish Navy, primarily known for its participation in the 1792 exploration of the Pacific Northwest alongside the Mexicana, under the command of Dionisio Alcalá Galiano and Cayetano Valdés y Bazán. The expedition's purpose was to explore the Strait of Juan de Fuca and search for the Northwest Passage, and to assess Russian activity in the region.

The Sutil, along with its sister ship Mexicana, was built in San Blas, New Spain (present-day Mexico), specifically for the expedition. It was a relatively small vessel, designed to navigate the complex and shallow waters of the Pacific Northwest coast. Its small size allowed it to explore inlets and rivers that larger ships could not access.

During the expedition, the Sutil played a crucial role in charting and mapping the region. The Spanish explorers meticulously documented the coastline, inlets, and islands, providing valuable information for future navigation and resource management. They also encountered and interacted with various indigenous populations, documenting their customs and languages.

The Sutil's voyage contributed significantly to European knowledge of the Pacific Northwest, challenging existing geographical assumptions and furthering understanding of the region's potential. After the expedition, the Sutil continued to serve in the Spanish Navy, though its later activities are less well-documented.