Why did explorers seeking a sea route to asia use the african coast? why didn't they sail west?

Can you add some more detail to this question? I can answer it im really good at history but. What explores what l=time period we need more details or at least i do thanks!

1 > george s. boutwell

2 > general ulysses s. grant

3 > james a. garfeild

4 > adolph e. borie

step-by-step explanation:

100%     = 120

1%= 120/100=   1.2

9%   = 1.2 x 9=     10.8

10.80 to the 120 to get $130.80