Tucked away on the quiet, rugged coastline of Grand Cayman’s East End lies a story that helped shape the Cayman Islands’ identity, one of heroism, tragedy, and enduring legend. The Wreck of the Ten Sails isn’t just a dramatic maritime disaster; it’s a cornerstone of Caymanian history and culture, and a must-see stop along the island’s Maritime Heritage Trail.
🎥 Watch the full story in my Island Life vlog here:
https://youtu.be/9yP-ZNWA0To?si=gQ1qT8607VbZtWXy
What Is the Wreck of the Ten Sails?
On the night of February 8, 1794, a convoy of ten British ships, led by the HMS Convert, was en route from Jamaica to North America. As they neared Grand Cayman’s East End, the lead ship struck the reef—and within moments, the rest of the fleet followed. Ship after ship was lost to the sea.
The ten ships were:
- HMS Convert (naval frigate and escort)
- William and Elizabeth
- Moorhall
- Ludlow
- Britannia
- Richard
- Nancy
- Eagle
- Sally
- Fortune
The disaster was massive, but the response was even more powerful. Caymanian residents of East End rushed into the storm, risking their lives to rescue the crews and passengers. Out of the nearly 500 people aboard, the majority were saved – only eight lives were lost.
The Royal Reward: Tax-Free Cayman?
Here’s where history meets legend.
According to Caymanian oral tradition, a royal prince may have been aboard one of the ships. Impressed by the bravery of the Caymanians, King George III was said to have issued a royal decree granting Caymanians two lifelong exemptions:
- No income tax
- No conscription into the British military
While historians haven’t found a written copy of this decree, the story remains a cherished part of Caymanian culture and it’s hard to ignore the fact that Cayman remains proudly tax-free today.
More Shipwrecks off East End
The reef off East End has claimed more than 30 ships over the centuries. Some other notable wrecks include:
- Cumberland (1767)
- Weymouth (1845)
- Dene (1846)
- Glamis (1913)
- Ridgefield (1962)
- Rimandi Mibaju (1964)
These wrecks are protected under Caymanian law and are considered part of the nation’s maritime heritage. Many sites are popular with divers, snorkelers, and history buffs alike.
The Site Today: A Stop on the Maritime Heritage Trail
The Wreck of the Ten Sails site is part of the Cayman Islands’ official Maritime Heritage Trail, a self-guided route highlighting shipwrecks, coastal landmarks, and cultural sites that helped shape island life.
At the East End site, you’ll find:
- A commemorative plaque and monument
- Clean restrooms
- A small gift shop
- Wheelchair-accessible pathways
- Stunning views of the same reef that claimed so many ships
It’s free to visit and makes for a peaceful, meaningful stop as you explore the more remote and wild beauty of East End far from the resort crowds of Seven Mile Beach.
Mama Tips
- Best time to visit: Morning or early evening for cooler weather and fewer crowds (although it was empty when we went)
- Don’t forget sunscreen or a hat, there’s not much shade!
- Pair it with a drive to nearby blowholes or a local East End fish fry
- Great for families and educational day trips
Follow along @BoardingPassMama for more travel stories, local legends, and off-the-beaten-path adventures in the Cayman Islands and beyond.
Let’s keep the island magic alive, one story at a time.
Boarding Pass Mama 
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