Jan Jacobszoon May van Schellinkhout was a Dutch seafarer and explorer originally from the province Friesland. It is after him the island of Jan Mayen is named. He sighted the island in 1612, although Henry Hudson had already discovered it in 1607. The era of European sea explorations began in the late 15th century and lasted for a little more than three full centuries. ... Exploration is the act of searching or traveling for the purpose of discovery, e. ... Capital Leeuwarden Queens Commissioner drs. ... Events January 20 - Mathias becomes Holy Roman Emperor. ... Bold text . No portrait of Hudson is known to be in existence. ... Events January 20 - Tidal wave swept along the Bristol Channel, killing 2000 people. ...