Hashtag Salvideo

Five Circumnavigations on a Sailboat, 82 Years Old and Heading for the Sixth | #SAL #360

April 13, 2025 · 28 min · 81K views · Salvador

What this video covers

Aleixo Belov, an 82-year-old engineer and veteran sailor, recounts his career of five solo circumnavigations and his preparations for a sixth voyage via the Northeast Passage.1:21 Belov completed his first circumnavigation in 1981 aboard the 11.3-meter *Três Marias*, a boat he built himself.3:23 He navigated using only a sextant, lacking GPS, VHF radio, or a life raft, and completed the journey in 14 months with less than $10,000.3:34 His subsequent voyages included stops in 45 ports across the Caribbean, the Pacific, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean.4:34 Belov later transitioned to larger vessels, including the *Fraternidade*, a sail-training boat he used to teach inexperienced crew members during two additional circumnavigations.16:15 He contrasts his early reliance on manual navigation and self-reliance with the modern reliance on electronic systems, dual engines, and satellite weather forecasting.8:37 Born in Ukraine during World War II, Belov immigrated to Brazil, where he credits the public education system for his engineering career and his eventual success in the maritime industry.17:02

Watch on YouTube

More from Hashtag Sal

I’ve Seen More People Quit for Planning Too Much Than for Planning Too Little | #SAL #432Aug 2026The First 24 Hours at Sea: 3 Knots, Seasickness, and Strange Food | Cut from #SAL #69Aug 202650 Days in Patagonia: 45 Were Rainy and Cold on a Hobie Cat | #SAL Cut #68Aug 2026A 5,500 km Journey Across the Amazon on Two Hobie Cat SailboatsAug 2026

From Hashtag Sal — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue