The Great Navigation Age began in the early 15th century and finished at the end of 17th century, nearly lasting three centuries. We divide this period into four stages in accordance with its characteristics and nature. Stage one is the offshore oceanic voyage initiated by Zheng He (鄭和), Chengzu (明成祖, Emperor during the Ming dynasty in China) and Prince Henrique (Portugal). Stage two consists of the transoceanic voyage by Christopher Columbus, etc. Stage three is the circumnavigation represented by Ferdinand Magellan, Del Cano, Francis Drake, etc. Stage four is the voyage through the polar ice seas, mainly dominated by navigators from England, France and Holland. Russia is permanently engaged and dominates the voyage of the polar ice seas. Russia’s navigation in the polar ice seas also belongs to the offshore oceanic voyage. The Great Navigation Age amounts to the most glorious chapter of navigation during the period of wooden sailboats.