Vuelta Vertical attempts Northwest Passage

Departing Castellón on 15 November 2025, Vuelta Vertical has reached a major milestone: entering the Arctic. Led by Pedro Jiménez and Paula Gonzalvo aboard Alegría Marineros, the expedition aims to sail south to north around the world, crossing all five oceans, Antarctica and the Northwest Passage within a single year.

Having already crossed the Mediterranean, Atlantic, Southern, Indian and Pacific Oceans, the team now faces one of the expedition’s most demanding stages. After transiting the Bering Strait and Chukchi Sea, they are sailing in the Beaufort Sea north of the Arctic Circle, where progress depends on ever-changing weather and sea ice.

The current seven-person crew includes Pedro Jiménez (captain), Paula Gonzalvo (route strategy and planning), David Boquera, Concha Gómez, Juan Sisto, Joseani Octaviani and Juan Pablo Barros.

Sea ice creates constant challenges. At times, Alegría Marineros can advance through narrow channels of open water between ice floes, but shifting winds can quickly close these routes. To find a safe passage, crew members climb the mast or launch a drone to scout ahead.

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“After crossing the Pacific with just the two of us on board, we barely had time to celebrate,” says Paula Gonzalvo. “Now we are sailing among the ice, and every day begins with the same question: will there be a way through towards Greenland?”

The team must also maintain continuous watch for polar bears, particularly when near ice or shore.

The expedition’s goal is to navigate the Northwest Passage through the Canadian Arctic and eventually reach Nuuk, Greenland. However, success is not guaranteed. If ice conditions become unsafe, the crew may have to wait, stop or turn back.