Go around the world vertically. This is the challenge that sailors Paula Gonzalvo and Pedro Jiménez set themselves, when on November 15 they set sail from the port of Castellón with the sailboat “Alegría Marineros”, in an unprecedented adventure. … and which will last approximately 12 months: completing the first circumnavigation of the world by sea connecting the two poles, the North and the South, in a vertical journey, totaling more than 35,000 nautical miles (approximately 65,000 kilometers) and traveling the five oceans.
On board, two captains who have lived and breathed the sea for years: Paula Gonzalvo (Allende los Mares) and Pedro Jiménez (Alegría Marineros). This expedition, called Around the Vertical World, combines extreme adventure, science and environmental commitment, and stands out as an unprecedented road map in the history of global navigation.
Planning requires strict timing: first travel across the southern hemisphere during the austral summer (December-January), then head north (June-July) to take advantage of continuous light, reduced ice, and more favorable conditions.
A unique and extreme route
Unlike traditional circumnavigations, which generally follow latitudes or equatorial routes, this journey adopts a vertical axis that connects the 0° meridian to 180°, crossing Antarctica (to the south) and the Arctic (to the north).
In the words of Paula Gonzalvo: “We realized that this had never been done before: reaching the two polar circles on a round-the-world sailing trip. “It’s a big challenge because it involves going around Antarctica and then going through the Northwest Passage between Canada and Greenland.”
the ship
The Alegría Marineros is a 21 meter long sailboat, built in aluminum and reinforced for polar environments: two autopilots, two radars, several GPS, five cameras, triple satellite communication and duplicate energy systems that guarantee safety in the most extreme conditions.
Paula has traveled more than 65,000 miles, while Pedro has traveled more than 200,000, including numerous polar crossings. Their accumulated experience will be essential to tackle stages of up to 100 days non-stop in Antarctica and without the possibility of contact with human life thousands of kilometers away, so any failure can be a problem.
Scientific programs
The return to the vertical world is not just an achievement. The expedition has a strong scientific character: collection of marine biodiversity samples, analysis of microplastics in polar waters, recording of marine soundscapes to study mammals and anthropogenic noise, and real-time meteorological and oceanographic measurements. Institutions such as the University of Alicante, the Ramón Margalef Multidisciplinary Institute, the United Nations Ocean Decade and True World support the project.
Additionally, subscribers will be able to follow live from anywhere on the planet thanks to installed cameras and shared data during the trip.
Impact and legacy
Beyond thousands of kilometers, it is a project that seeks to inspire, educate and highlight the vulnerability of the planet. Sailing to the most remote regions, Paula and Pedro will show first-hand the effects of climate change, marine pollution and the urgency of caring for the oceans. Simultaneously, her initiative promotes gender equality in sports sailing and Spanish maritime culture.
For Spain, the Vertical World Tour represents an opportunity for international projection. With its maritime tradition, nautical industry and growing talents, the country can be at the forefront of ocean exploration.
“The challenge is very demanding,” admits Paula, “but we are ready to take a step forward and show that Spanish sailing is also committed to great exploration.”
Spain continues to be a pioneer
This project combines adventure, science and awareness. It is a borderline excursion that, as a pioneer, goes straight into the navigation history books. The Vuelta Verticale marks not only a technical and sporting milestone, but also the symbol that sailing can reinvent itself, connect with other audiences and generate a real impact.
No known expedition has circumnavigated the world via both poles. From the first world tour carried out by Magallanes and Elcano, who sailed around the world towards the west, to the most numerous and traditional, whether by sports (The Ocean Race, Vendée Globe, Global Solo Challenge, etc.), which sail towards the east crossing the three great capes, Buena Esperanza (South Africa), Leeuwin (Australia) and Hornos (Chile); Gonzalvo and Jiménez could be the first known to undertake this vertical shift. It’s not a competition, it’s a challenge and it can be an important step.
In a world where the sea demands urgent attention, this expedition unifies pioneering spirit, technology, training and storytelling. For boating lovers, it is a beacon. For the country, a strong signal: when Spain takes to the sea, it does so to reach as far as possible.
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