Although there is still some confusion over who actually discovered them, it is believed that William Keeling of the East India Company was the first to stumble upon them in 1609. I suppose it s similar to the debate over Columbus discovering America. In the end it s not who actually made the discovery, but whose name is remembered. There are actually two atolls that make up Cocos, only one of which is inhabited. There s North Keeling Island and South Island.
South Island is the inhabited one and refers to a collection of smaller islands.
It may seem strange that the two populations are separated, but it happened many years ago and still remains. Because there are virtually no facilities on Direction Island, anyone on a yacht must either go to Home or West Island for groceries, mail, etc. Since West Island is too far by dinghy, first you have to get to Home Island and then catch a ferry across. The dinghy ride is the worst part of the trip, as you have to fight the SE winds and accompanying swell for about a mile. Tough life we lead, but some one has to do it.