In 1519, Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan set sail west with 237 men as they plan to cross a country of undiscovered size and reach India. His ambition is to discover a passage through America.

To reach the East from the West, Magellan promises that he will cross America and that he will succeed in reaching the Indies, where Christopher Columbus had failed. Under his command, five ships leave Seville on September 21, 1519.

Following the South American coast beyond Brazil, Magellan discovers a passage in the south of Argentina which allows him to penetrate into the American continent. But navigation within the strait with sailing boats proves to be perilous.

Deprived of Magellan, who died in the Philippines on April 27, 1521, as well as their best officers, murdered during the trap set by the Lapu-Lapu chief, the crews of the two remaining ships continued their journey.