When Europeans First Came to the New World They Would

When Europeans first came to the new world they would typically sail south and west to Canary Islands, then west to get to the West Indies. On their return they would go north past the Leeward Islands and Canadian Maritime provinces before turning east towards Europe? Why did they choose this circular route?

A) They were attempting to follow the shortest distance, via what is called a Great Circle route.
B) The ships were affected by the Coriolis effect, so this was the natural route.
C) Although this route was against the ocean currents, it followed the prevailing wind direction.
D) This route followed both the prevailing winds and ocean currents, speeding the trip despite longer distances.