Vuelta Vertical completes its second stage in Chile and enters the second half of its round-the-world sailing voyage
Vuelta Vertical expedition arrived in Valdivia, Chile on May 2nd, thus completing the great stage of circumnavigating Antarctica by sail and entering the second half of a round-the-world sailing journey that connects Antarctica and the Arctic in a single year of sailing.
MADRID |6 MAY | COORDiNATES 39°48′ S / 73°14′ W
Since departing from Castellón, Spain, on November 15, 2025, the project has already logged 169 days of expedition and 22,117 nautical miles sailed.
The Vertical Loop is a round-the-world sailing voyage from south to north that connects the two polar regions across the five oceans. Its route includes the already completed Antarctic leg and will now continue with a new major challenge: the scheduled departure on May 11 for Alaska, crossing the Pacific Ocean from south to north with only two people on board, before the future crossing of the Northwest Passage between Alaska and Greenland.
The second leg has been, so far, the most difficult and symbolic of the project. The expedition has crossed the South Atlantic, sailed in the Antarctic region, completed the crossing of the Indian Ocean and entered the South Pacific, linking some of the most demanding milestones on the planet: the Roaring Forties, the Roaring Fifties, navigation among icebergs, more than 60 days without seeing land, crossing the Prime Meridian, the 180th Meridian, Point Nemo, the Southern Lights, waves over 6 meters high and winds over 60 knots.
The expedition has also experienced two of its most dangerous moments to date. In the South Atlantic, a stray wave nearly jeopardized the project. Later, in the Indian Ocean, another wave caused a 90-degree list, in one of the most precarious episodes experienced on board.
The human dimension of the voyage has been as intense as the route itself. The polar leg was sailed with seven people on board, compared to the intertropical sections, which are usually completed with two. The team emphasizes the excellent camaraderie maintained during this phase, something especially valuable in a voyage of such intensity, isolation, and demands.
As the leg dragged on, life on board also changed: the end of fresh food and rationing of supplies arrived, a stark illustration of what it means to sustain an expedition of this kind far from land for so many weeks.
Beyond the navigation, Vuelta Vertical has an unusual public and educational dimension: the entire circumnavigation is being shared 24/7 via a live YouTube channel, and scientific sampling continues throughout the journey.
The arrival in Valdivia marks a technical stop for repairs, reorganization, and preparation for the next leg. With the Antarctic stage now complete, Vuelta Vertical begins a new half of the journey, with the North Pacific and the Arctic still ahead.
Paula Gonzalvo: “We look at the map and it’s still hard to believe everything we’ve already experienced. Arriving in Chile after this stage means leaving behind one of the toughest parts of the entire circumnavigation and confirming that the project continues stronger than ever.”
FOR INTERVIEWS OR MORE INFORMATION:
SARA, ground communications support
comunicacion@vueltavertical.com
Phone: +34 614 379 580
From “Navegantes Oceánicos” we congratulate Paula, Pedro, and the entire Vuelta Vertical team on completing the most challenging part of the crossing and wish you the best of luck in the upcoming stages.
Fair winds and following seas!
