circumnavigation

Circumnavigation is the act of traveling around the world along a continuous route and returning to the starting point. The term derives from Latin circumnavigare, from circum “around” and navigare “to sail.”

The first confirmed circumnavigation was the expedition of Ferdinand Magellan (1519–1522), begun by the Crown of Castile and completed by Juan Sebastián Elcano after Magellan was killed in the Philippines. The voyage demonstrated that a westward ocean route could connect Asia and Europe by circumnavigating the globe. The first voyage to circle the Earth under a single nation was Sir Francis Drake's (1577–1580), returning to England via the Pacific and around South America. The first solo circumnavigation by sail was completed by Joshua Slocum (1895–1898).

In the 18th century, James Cook's voyages (1768–1779) expanded European knowledge of the Pacific, charting coastlines, currents, and islands. Women began to participate more prominently in later decades; Jeanne Baret is noted as the first woman known to have circumnavigated the globe, disguising herself as a man on Bougainville's voyage (1766–1769).

In modern times, circumnavigation has taken place by sea, air, and, occasionally, overland routes. Sailing records include solo and crewed circumnavigations, and powered or hybrid craft have completed global circuits. Air circumnavigations are completed in days rather than months, often by specialized teams and aircraft. Advances in navigation, meteorology, and vessel design have reduced risks and durations, making circumnavigation accessible to a broader range of participants.

Circumnavigation remains a symbol of exploration, endurance, and global connection, pursued by adventurers, researchers, and organizations worldwide.