Some reviewer I saw alluded to that fact that it was supposed to be Chistopher Columbus (3 ships) but I'm not convinced, as Mel was compelled to focus on the priest in one of the boats.
Well, the priest (Franciscan?) was holding a large cross to plant in the sand.
As far as being profoundly distracted to the point of ignoring Jaquar Paw....if you suddenly came upon humans with skin color never seen before...?