SAILING EXPEDITION

VERTICAL WORLD TOUR

What is the Vuelta Vertical? (Vertical World Tour)

The Vertical World Tour represents the first circumnavigation in history along the 0° meridian to the 180°, crossing both polar circles and sailing across the five oceans of the planet.

This expedition combines extreme exploration, scientific ocean research, commitment to sustainability, and the promotion of gender equality in the nautical sector.

A project that goes beyond adventure to become a global awareness platform about climate change and the challenges of our oceans.

35.000 nautical miles in 12 months.

If you are interested in collaborating with the Vuelta Vertical, fill out the form on our contact page.

For press inquiries we have more information here, or contact comunicacion@vueltavertical.com

5 Oceans

Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, Arctic, and Southern

2 Polar Circles

Extreme latitudes:
66º 33′ S | ~78º 00′ N

Vertical

From meridians
000º to 180º

35.000 miles

Around the world, vertically, in 12 months

WHERE ARE WE NOW:

Map by PredictWind

LIVESTREAM

Virtual Vertical Voyage

From the set of sail on November 15, 2025, the expedition will be documented and shared in real-time. Cameras aboard will livestream 24/7 on YouTube — from deck guard shifts to ice-field manoeuvres — offering viewers from anywhere in the world the chance to follow the journey as if they were aboard.

Through stories, data releases, and regular updates, Vuelta Vertical aims to raise awareness about ocean conservation, polar fragility, and the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems.

OUR ROUTE, POLE TO POLE

Departure: 15 November 2025 — from the port of Castellón, Spain.
From there, the plan is to navigate south through Atlantic waters, reaching high southern latitudes for the Antarctic portion of the journey.
Continue with a circumnavigation of Antarctica, then cross into the Pacific, head northwards with stops in Hawaii and Alaska — aiming eventually for the Arctic waters and the notorious Northwest Passage (Alaska ↔ Greenland), slated for mid-2026.
Final leg: once the Arctic section is completed, return south and east via Greenland and the North Atlantic, heading back to Europe — closing the “vertical circle.”

A truly global voyage, from pole to pole, through unpredictably varied seas and climates.

Scientific Research

Vuelta Vertical doubles as a sailing-science platform. Onboard the 21-meter aluminum boat “Alegría Marineros,” the crew will collect marine data — everything from water samples to biodiversity, microplastics, oceanographic parameters, and underwater soundscapes. This allows researchers and the public alike to access valuable information on ocean health, climate change impacts, polar ecosystems — knowledge that’s critical but hard to gather from remote polar waters.

Educational Program: Ocean Classroom

Schools following the expedition work with real navigation data, integrating mathematics, science, and geography in a practical and exciting way.

Social Commitment

We proudly support the Association for Multiple Congenital Arthrogryposis, a condition that affects joint development and mobility.

Experience, Passion, Commitment

MEET THE CREw

The voyage is led by two seasoned sailors whose combined experience spans hundreds of thousands of miles across oceans and polar regions.

CAPTAIN

PEDRO

Captain and owner of Alegría Marineros. Yachtmaster Ocean RYA, with more than 30 years of sailing and over 200.000 miles sailed. Extensive experience in both Atlantic and Pacific, including 12 expeditions to Antartica. Always guided by his motto: ¡Alegría, marineros!

CAPtain

PAULA

Yachtmaster Ocean RYA, PPER and certificated as Operadora General Operator SMSSM. + 65.000 miles, 3 Atlantic crossings and 2 Pacific crossings, including 5 Antartic Expeditions.

Specialized in offshore sailing, sextant navigation and polar expeditions Founder of Allende los Mares, inspiring thousands through her voyages.

THE BOAT

CUSTOM 68

SAILBOAT

ALEGRIA MARINEROS

“Alegría Marineros” is a 21-meter (68ft) aluminum sailboat — specially reinforced and equipped for polar navigation: reinforced hull, redundant critical systems (multiple GPS, radars, satellite comms, energy & bilge redundancy), and all necessary gear to survive high seas, ice fields, storms and solitude.

The boat is our home, our laboratory, and our exploration tool. Prepared for both temperate and polar latitudes, it combines robustness, efficiency, and control, with full redundancy across all critical systems (2 autopilots, 2 radars, multiple GPS units, triple satellite link, and optimized energy management).

We are not racing: this is an ocean expedition. We sail conservatively, prioritizing safe weather windows, early reefing, strict watchkeeping, and decisions that protect both the crew and the vessel.

Our experience is proven: the Atlantic (7 crossings), the Pacific (2, including a southern winter route), and Antarctica (3 expeditions).

On board we collect and share scientific data, and we stream live 24/7 (cameras + plotter data) so you can follow every manoeuvre and tactical choice in real time. Learn more about the livestream.

See more details about the boat here.