Ships of this time could have been completely damaged by the storms in the sea. Weeks were spent waiting for the winds and several stops were needed before they finally reached their destination. The entire trip was approximately 6000 miles. The length of time seemed like the least of their worries as the conditions of travel left something to be desired. The ships were full of only men and boys, no women were on the first expedition. One can be left to imagine the swearing and fighting that took place. Cramped spaces, the stench from human and animal waste, unwashed bodies, and snoring are only to name a few other "perks" of the trip. Because the ships leaked, the environment was always dark, cold, and damp which lead to seasickness, hacking coughs, and fever. Amazingly in all of this, there was only one reported death.
The primary motivation of the Virginia Company of London was economic. Material wealth and getting rich were more important to them than the desire for religious freedom. This is in stark contrast to the Pilgrims that came over thirteen years after this initial settlement. Their profits were expected to come from the supposed vast sources of minerals such as gold, silver, and iron ore. In addition, they had hoped to find a passage and sailing route to the Orient to increase trade. Other motives for Virginia Company were to prevent the spread of Spanish colonies, therefore limiting Catholicism and to spread Protestant Christianity by converting the Virginia Indians.
Jamestown was chosen as the location for several reasons. They were advised to choose a location that would place them in a defensive position. The island had great visibility up and down the James River and the settlement was far enough inland to minimize potential conflict with enemy ships. The Island was surrounded on three sides by water and a swamp on the other side. It also had deep waters surrounding it which made it easy for them to anchor their ships and make quick departures if needed.