John Griffier, a Dutch painter of celebrity, went to London in 1667,
where he met with great encouragement. While there he painted many views
on the Thames, and in order to observe nature more attentively, he
bought a yacht, embarked his family, and spent his whole time on the
river. After several years he sailed for Holland in his frail craft but
was wrecked in the Texel, where, after eight days of suffering, he and
his family barely escaped with their lives, having lost all his
paintings, and the fruits of his industry. This mishap cured him of his
passion for the sea.