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 sail west to get to the West Indies and Spanish main.On their return,however,they would go north to the "Leeward Islands" of the Caribbean,to the Bahamas,Bermuda,etc.Why did they take this odd route rather than sail straight?

A) The ships were affected by the Coriolis effect,so this was the natural route.
B) Although this route was against the ocean currents,it followed the prevailing wind direction so sailing ships could follow this route downwind-hence the name "Leeward Islands."
C) They were attempting to follow the shortest distance,via what is called a great circle route.
D) This route followed both the prevailing winds and ocean currents,speeding the trip despite longer distances.