How did Christopher Columbus return to Spain after the first voyage?

After the Santa María ran aground off the coast of Hispaniola on December 25, 1492, Christopher Columbus began his return journey to Spain on January 16, 1493, aboard the Niña, accompanied by the Pinta.1

The return trip was difficult, as severe storms separated the two ships while they were being carried toward Europe by Atlantic westerlies. The Niña reached the Azores, where some crew members were briefly detained by Portuguese authorities. Following another storm, Columbus was forced into Lisbon, Portugal, where he met with King John II before finally arriving back in Palos, Spain, on March 15, 1493. This voyage proved that ships could successfully navigate the Atlantic by utilizing prevailing wind systems.1