sailboat racing documentary

17 Best Sailing Movies & Documentaries

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also earn from other affiliate websites. See our full disclaimer .

Not much beats a good movie binge – so I’ve compiled a list of some of the best sailing movies and documentaries to inspire and humble even the saltiest sailors.

The best movies about sailing tug at the lines in our hearts and leave us yearning for life on the water. They also remind us of the power of the ocean.

I’ve personally watched the 17 movies on this list to give you a movie overview from a sailor’s perspective and my thoughts on why you should watch them!

I’ve also included links to the great sailing movies below if they are available on a streaming service such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, Tubi, and more. Let’s get started!

Sailing Adventure Movies

These films about sailing tell stories of true adventure on the high seas. Packed with action and the occasional twists and turns, you will definitely be in for hours of entertainment.

1. All is Lost (2013)

With only one cast member and just 51 spoken words, this Robert Redford sailing movie represents what managing a crisis alone on the open ocean looks like.

A survival sailing film, the plot of All is Lost follows a solo sailor as he manages the fallout after a collision with a shipping container damages his sailboat.

You’ll see everything unfold step-by-step as this resourceful sailor handles the growing damage to his boat. Whether or not he makes the correct choices or if the situations are accurate is somewhat criticized by the sailing community. 

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH:  Even if you find the sailor’s circumstances less than accurate, the portrayal of a silent character as he faces his mortality is a very unique approach for a sailing film. The emotional performance by Redford is surprisingly relatable, and the plot will leave you unsure of the character’s fate until the very end.

WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME | WATCH ON TUBI

2. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

A sailing film based on a series of 19th-century navel novels, it’s one of the most underrated and historically accurate films of its era.

Master and Commander is set during the Napoleonic Wars and follows the Royal Navy Captain Jack Aubrey and his crew aboard the HMS Suprise.

The film’s incredible casting includes Russell Crowe as the ship’s confident and respected captain and Paul Bettany as Dr. Stephen Maturin, the onboard surgeon and captain’s confidant.

Rather than retreat to England, the captain opts for an ocean chase around South America as the Surprise seeks to repair damages while also outmaneuvering the superior French vessel to complete its mission.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: From start to finish, you feel like one of the crew. All scenes follow the vessel, giving an especially real depiction of the aftermath of battles, factors in the decision-making, and the incredible loyalty and patriotism of the crew as they sail thousands of miles from home, fighting for their country.

The plot begins as the Surprise is given the order to capture a French privateer. The initial battle leaves the Surprise at a disadvantage when it’s revealed that the French ship is both bigger and faster than the Royal Navy vessel.

WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME

3. Pirates of the Caribbean (2003 – 2017)

This popular movie series based on the ride at Walt Disney World has had an incredible run starting with the first movie in 2003,  The Curse of the Black Pearl .

The film stars Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. True to Depp’s style, the actor defined the character from day one, and the uniqueness has made the series what it is.

From pirate curses to Davy Jones’ locker – this is a wild ride you want to be on. Get ready to binge! 

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH:  Even though Pirates of the Caribbean has become a pop culture series, we love the thrill of this sailing adventure and still get chills when Jack Sparrow delivers the line, “Now… bring me that horizon”.

WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME | WATCH ON DISNEY+

Sailing Comedy Movies

These adventure comedy sailing films are great movie night choices for a fun time and a few good laughs.

4. Captain Ron (1992)

Thirty years after its debut, Captain Ron is still a popular cult classic. This film has to be one of the top sailing movies on this list. The hilariously wild plot makes it enjoyable whether or not you are a skilled sailor.

This sailing comedy starring Kurt Russell is about a carefree captain for hire and a Chicago suburban father (Martin Short) seeking a real adventure for his family.

When the father inherits a sailing yacht in the Caribbean, he decides his family should sail it back to Florida to sell it. They hire the incompetent Captain Ron to help them sail the boat to Miami.

A slew of crazy mishaps follows, including the consequences of the captain’s questionable past and pursuit by pirates through the Caribbean.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Although this is one of Kurt Russell’s only comedic roles, after watching the film, you can’t imagine anyone else as the easygoing Captain Ron. This movie not only makes you laugh but also includes plenty of sailing nostalgia that will have you planning your next Caribbean Charter.

5. the life aquatic with steve zissou (2004).

This Wes Andersen film features an oceanographer who is a washed-up documentary filmmaker, Steve Zissou (played by Bill Murray), and his search for revenge on a rare shark that killed his friend and crewmate. 

Zissou sets out on his voyage with a quirky crew, including a pregnant oceanic reporter (Cate Blanchett), his estranged wife (Anjelica Huston), and a man who he recently discovered might be his son (Owen Wilson).

As the story unfolds, a series of unfortunate events lead to unexpected developments with the characters and ultimately bring them together for a spectacular ending that will delight ocean lovers.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH:   The Life Aquatic is a Wes Andersen film for marine lovers. If you’re a sailor who likes Wes Andersen’s style, you’ll be left completely satisfied at the end of this wet and wild story.

True story sailing movies.

These sailing movies based on true stories take you on a journey with the sailboat crews that experienced extraordinary situations on the ocean.

6. Adrift (2018)

As far as sailing survival films go, this film is one of our favorites.

Adrift is the true story of Tami Ashcraft and Richard Sharp. Two adventurous people who find love on their travels and then face a deadly hurricane on a sailing yacht delivery across the Pacific.

The movie opens with Tami, played by Shailene Woodley, waking up in the hull of a very damaged sailboat. As she frantically searches for Richard, she goes on deck to realize that his tether has broken.

Cut to five years earlier, where we meet Tami getting off a charter vessel. As the movie progresses, we bounce back and forth between the story of the couple’s meeting and Tami trying desperately to stay alive.

You can find the highly recommended book on this story (and many other books on which these movies were based) on our list of books for sailors .

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Although the book of this tale (authored by Tami) is arguably better – our sailing soul still relates to the romanticized parts of this sailing survival movie, as well as the pain and loss that come with the tragedy at sea.

7. white squall (1996).

White Squall is a sailing movie based on the true story of a group of college-age boys in the 1960s who spent a semester on a tall ship in the Ocean Academy sailing halfway around the world. 

This movie starring Jeff Bridges, is about an old salt captain whose job is to build the character of this group of boys. Some were sent to him for discipline, some an escape, and various other reasons.

We follow the young men as they come together as a crew and ultimately face a terrible unpredicted storm on the sea.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Sailors will love the nostalgia that comes with a tall ship as the primary setting for the film. More than that, this story is about a group of misfits coming together to achieve a goal that bonds them for life.

8. the perfect storm (2000).

This movie is based on a non-fiction book that recounts the “Perfect Storm” or “No-Name Storm” that hit North America in the fall of 1991.

The Perfect Storm is somewhat loosely based on the book but follows the events of the swordfishing vessel Andrea Gail and her crew.

George Clooney plays Billy Tyne, the vessel’s captain with something to prove. The film also stars Mark Wahlberg as Tyne’s right-hand man.

After coming back to port with a disappointing catch, the crew heads back out late in the season only to be caught in one of the most devastating storms in history.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Sailors will find Captain Tyne’s passion and love for the sea completely relatable. You’ll also get a rarely portrayed image of what it’s like for the people who work on the ocean for weeks or months at a time – often risking their lives for their work.

WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME | WATCH ON HULU (Also on MAX)

9. Captain Phillips (2013)

Captain Phillips is the true story of a 2009 hijacking of a U.S. container ship off the coast of Africa by Somalian pirates.

The movie follows the decisions of Captain Phillips and his crew leading up to the hijacking and the intense series of events that unfold after the ship is under the pirates’ control.

It’s reported that although Hollywood’s version of the story casts Phillips as a hero, in reality, it was a more straightforward hostage situation. Even so, we love watching Tom Hanks in the role of Captain Phillips.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH:  This is an action thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the captain, crew, and U.S. navy work to resolve an intense situation. 

WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME | WATCH ON NETFLIX

10. True Spirit (2023)

This Netflix original movie is based on the true story of an Australian teen, Jessica Watson, who in 2009 set out to be the youngest person to sail unassisted and nonstop around the globe.

True Spirit follows the sixteen-year-old girl’s journey and her family and coach as they monitor her circumnavigation back home in Sydney.

We see the struggles unfold for everyone involved during the 23,000 nautical mile sail, as well as the challenges Jess and her family face with the doubting views of the local media.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: Despite some of the cringe-worthy visual effects in this film, the story holds up and does a great job of communicating the emotional aspect of this young sailor’s journey. You really feel the moments of solitude and intensity during the storms, and you’ll be rooting for Jess the whole way.

WATCH ON NETFLIX

11. In the Heart of the Sea (2015)

In the Heart of the Sea is an adventure film directed by Ron Howard based on the story of the sinking of the whaleship Essex in 1820, which inspired the novel “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville.

The film follows the crew of the Essex, led by Captain George Pollard Jr. and first mate Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth), as they set out from Nantucket, Massachusetts on a perilous voyage hunting whales for their oil.

After venturing to remote whaling grounds off South America, they encounter a massive and vengeful white sperm whale. The crew is stranded at sea for 90 days, facing hunger, dehydration, and extreme weather conditions.

The film is framed as a flashback, with Melville interviewing Thomas Nickerson, the last surviving member of the Essex crew, about the events that took place. 

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH:   In the Heart of the Sea is a gripping tale of maritime survival, exploring the complexities of human nature under extreme circumstances. The film also highlights the brutality of the whaling industry and its devastating impact on the sailors and the whales.

12. kon-tiki (2012).

Kon-Tiki is the true story of Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl’s daring 1947 expedition across the Pacific Ocean on a balsawood raft.

This film takes audiences on a thrilling journey as Heyerdahl and his small crew set out on a balsawood raft from Peru to prove his theory that ancient South American civilizations could have reached Polynesia by sea and settled the area.

The film beautifully captures the awe-inspiring vastness of the ocean and the camaraderie of the crew as they battle against treacherous storms, sharks, and their own doubts about the expedition.

Kon-Tiki  delves into the complexities of Heyerdahl’s determination, faith, and the audacity of his scientific pursuit, making it a thought-provoking cinematic experience.

This movie is based on the 1950 Oscar-winning documentary Kon-Tiki, directed by Thor Heyerdahl himself.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: With its gripping narrative and meticulous attention to historical accuracy,  Kon-Tiki  immerses you in the harrowing challenges Heyerdahl and his crew faced during their 101-day journey of 4,300 miles across the Pacific. I personally really enjoyed this film.

13. the mercy (2018).

The Mercy is a drama film that brings to life the remarkable true story of British amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst’s ill-fated attempt to compete in the 1968 Sunday Times Golden Globe Race.

Directed by James Marsh, the film delves into the complexities of ambition, moral dilemma, and the fear of failure. 

Crowhurst’s desperate voyage, driven by the desire for fame and fortune, takes a dark and tragic turn as he faces isolation and the harsh realities of the open sea.

Colin Firth delivers a compelling performance, capturing the gradual unraveling of Crowhurst’s sanity and the inner turmoil of a man caught between his family’s well-being and his own obsession for adventure.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH:   The Mercy  explores the emotional and ethical challenges accompanying extended solitary voyages as dreams clash with the brutal forces of nature. It’s a compelling narrative if you’ve never heard the story. However, it’s similar to witnessing a captivating but tragic event unfold.

WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME | WATCH ON PLEX

Best Sailing Documentaries

These are a few of our favorite sailing documentaries about some of the most memorable sailboat races and adventures.

14. Maiden (2018)

This sailing documentary is the story of 26-year-old Tracy Edwards and an all-female crew that entered the Whitbread Round the World yacht race in 1989.

A former charter boat cook, Tracy defied the odds when she fixed up a second-hand boat and put together a team to enter a race no female boat skipper had ever entered before.

Not only is this an extraordinary story of overcoming inequality, but it’s a reminder of how courageous, determined, and resourceful the women’s sailing community can be.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH:   Maiden is an inspirational story of a group of incredible women who overcame tremendous odds and doubts to complete a nine-month, 33,000-mile sailing race.

WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME | WATCH ON HULU

15. Maidentrip (2013)

Maidentrip is a documentary that follows Laura Dekker, a 14-year-old Dutch girl, as she becomes the youngest person to sail alone around the world. 

The film depicts how Laura faced not only opposition from nature, but resistance from the Dutch government and child welfare organizations who tried to prevent her solo trip.

The film recounts her two-year journey as she navigates through rough seas and equipment failures and experiences the beauty and isolation of being at sea. 

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: During this true coming-of-age story, you’ll be inspired by Laura’s strength and determination to pursue her dreams. We also love how the film reminds us of the spirit of adventure that drives people to explore it.

16. chasing bubbles (2016).

This sailing movie documentary is about a young man named Alex Rust, who quit his office job in Chicago, bought a small sailboat, and jumped headfirst into adventure.

The documentary recounts Alex’s experience as he teaches himself to sail, meets new people, and sets out on what would be a four-year sailing trip over thousands of miles.

Alex’s wild adventures take him to some of the most remote places on the planet. Chasing Bubbles shows the unexpected impacts he has on the many people that sail with him and the communities he visits along the way.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH:  Alex’s appetite for adventure will nudge that little piece inside you that tells you to forget everything and sail away into the great unknown. 

WATCH ON VIMEO

17. Deep Water (2006)

This documentary, narrated by Tilda Swinton, recounts the 1968 Golden Globe Race from the perspective of amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst.

Crowhurst enters this non-stop solo sail race with an unseaworthy boat and much financial pressure. What follows is a series of events that lead to a hopeless situation.

The Deep Water documentary includes images, interviews, and other media pieces from the era, including audio from Crowhurst himself.

In addition to this documentary, a movie was released in 2018 titled  The Mercy  starring Colin Firth as Donald Crowhurst.

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH:  This story is not just about the events or happenings of one man’s experience but a dive into the psychological impacts of a nine-month solo sail in some of the deadliest waters on the planet.

Wrapping up the best sailing films.

We hope you found some good sailing movies to fill your passion and desire for cruising on the open sea! If you didn’t find what you were looking for, we’ve listed a few more of our favorite sailor movies below. Fair winds and happy watching!

More of the Best Movies About Sailing

• Dead Calm (1989)
• Moana (2016)
• Waterworld (1995)
• Styx (2018)
• Moby Dick (1956)
• The Old Man and the Sea (1958)

More Sailing Movies Inspired by True Stories

• Wind (1992)
• Mutiny on the Bounty (1962)

More Documentaries About Sailing

• Morning Light (2008)
• Sea Gypsies: The Far Side of the World (2017)
• Losing Sight of Shore (2017)
• 180° South (2010)
• Kon-Tiki documentary (1950)

YouTuber Documentaries About Sailing

• Untie the Lines (2018), a documentary from White Spot Pirates, watch on Vimeo
• 80 North: Sailing on Top of the World (2020), documentary from SV Delos, 80northseries.com
• After watching this list of movies, head over to our Sailing YouTube Channels list for more binge-worthy sailing videos.
• You may also like our post, Ultimate Sailing Songs for Inspiration and Life on the Water .
• Or check out our sailing-inspired post 50 of the Best Sailing Quotes to Live By .

Want to find more sailing inspiration?

Check out our lists of sailing quotes, songs, books, and more that inspire this lifestyle.

Like this post? Save it on Pinterest for later.

Or view our web story.

Morgan, the founder of The Home That Roams, has been living nomadically for over five years. She began her journey traveling across the U.S. in a motorhome and cruising on a liveaboard sailing catamaran. Currently, she lives full-time in a travel trailer, sharing resources on RV living and boat life to help others downsize their lives and thrive in an alternative lifestyle.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign Me Up!

Learn how to live on a boat.

Get weekly tips on how to start traveling full-time on a boat.

View our privacy policy .

Privacy Overview

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

With An All-Female Crew, 'Maiden' Sailed Around The World And Into History

Dave Davies

"We weren't surprised that there was resistance to an all-female crew in the race ..." says Tracy Edwards, who assembled the first all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race. "But I was shocked at the level of anger there was that we wanted to do this, because why is this making you angry?" Courtesy of Tracy Edwards and Sony Pictures Classics hide caption

"We weren't surprised that there was resistance to an all-female crew in the race ..." says Tracy Edwards, who assembled the first all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race. "But I was shocked at the level of anger there was that we wanted to do this, because why is this making you angry?"

In the 1980s, Tracy Edwards dreamed of racing a sailboat around the world. But at the time, open ocean sailboat racing was a male-dominated sport. She was only able to sign on as a cook for an all-male team in the 1985-86 Whitbread Round the World Race, a grueling 33,000 mile endeavor.

Afterward, when she still wasn't able to crew, she decided to take matters into her own hands: "My mom always told me, 'If you don't like the way the world looks, change it,'" she says. "So I thought, OK, I will."

In 1989, Edwards, then 26-years-old, assembled an all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race. The idea was unthinkable to many of the men in the world of yacht-racing, and backlash was intense.

"We had so much obstruction and criticism and anger," she says. "Guys used to say to us, with absolute certainty, 'You're going to die.'"

But Edwards didn't back down: "We all became very aware, as a crew, as a team, that we were fighting for all women, and actually anyone who's been told they can't do anything," she says.

Edwards and her 12-woman crew restored an old racing yacht, which they christened Maiden, and finished the nine-month race second in their class. Now, a new documentary, Maiden , retraces their voyage.

Interview Highlights

On restoring an old racing yacht while the male crews had new boats

We found an old, secondhand racing yacht with a pedigree. ... She was in a terrible state, and we put her on a ship and we brought her back to the U.K. and then I gave the girls sledgehammers and I said, "Right, take her apart," and we did. We stripped the inside of the boat. We stripped the deck. We took the mast out. We took everything apart. ...

This was also a bit of a first, because people didn't usually see women in shipyards. So that was an interesting situation. ... All these other guys had a shore team. They had brand new boats. So they didn't really need to do any work on them. And so they'd sit in a cafe and watch us as we were putting this boat together. ...

Although, as I say, there was a very nice part of that sort of, being part of this big Whitbread family, is that if you did go and ask for help, 99.9 percent of the time you would get it. You know, you might get a bit of a snide, "Ugh, you know if you need help ...," kind of thing, but you know, beggars can't be choosers.

But the great thing about doing what we did the way we did it was we learned everything we needed to know about the boat. We put every single item into that boat, onto that boat. We painted her. We put the rig in. We did the rigging. We did the electronics, the plumbing, the [navigation] station. ... So when we put Maiden in the water, I would say that we, as a crew, knew our boat better than any other team in the race.

"We were always chatting, always talking," Edwards (left, with crewmate Mikaela Von Koskull) says of the Maiden's voyage. "I don't think there's one subject that we didn't cover in depth inside, outside and backwards." Courtesy of Tracy Edwards and Sony Pictures Classics hide caption

"We were always chatting, always talking," Edwards (left, with crewmate Mikaela Von Koskull) says of the Maiden's voyage. "I don't think there's one subject that we didn't cover in depth inside, outside and backwards."

On the media's reaction to an all-female crew

We weren't surprised that there was resistance to an all-female crew in the race. Sailing is one of the last bastions of patriarchy. ... It is so entrenched. We're a maritime nation. It's entrenched in our history, in our warfare, in our culture, and it is extremely male-dominated. ... So I wasn't surprised there was resistance, but I was shocked at the level of anger there was that we wanted to do this, because why is this making you angry? We're only going out there and doing what we want to do.

On how at the time she didn't think of herself as a feminist — and said so in an interview — and why she changed her mind

In the '80s, "feminist" was an accusation. It wasn't a nice title. It had all sorts of horrible connotations, and really, it had been made into a word that women should be ashamed of — I think with deliberate reason. ... I was very young. I was 23, 24 ... [and] I didn't want people not to like me. You care very much, at that age, that people like you. ...

But I do remember [after that interview] my mum said to me, "I am so surprised that you don't think you're a feminist, and I'm not going to tell you what you should say, but I think you need to have a bit of a think about that one."

And then when we got to New Zealand and we won that leg [of the race] and we were getting the same stupid, crass, banal questions that we had on every other leg, I just thought, you know what? I think this is bigger than us, and bigger than Maiden, and bigger than anything we've been tackling. This is about equality. And I think I am a huge, fat feminist. I think I absolutely am! And I stood up for the first time in my life and I said something that might hurt me and might make me not likable, and I took pride in it, and it was an extraordinary experience.

On how her experience with a male crew was different than the female crew

[Male-run boats are] very smelly. It's very messy. There's a lot of swearing and then there are days when guys don't talk to each other. What is that? So that was very weird. A lot of tension, testosterone, egos. I mean, it was an interesting experience, that nine months, [the] first time and last time I'd ever been with 17 men and sort of watching them in their environments, if you like, their natural habitat. ...

Then, doing an all-female crew, then I noticed, wow, there's a huge difference between a group of women and a group of men. ... I prefer sailing around the world with an all-female crew. I prefer sailing with women anyway — much cleaner. We do tend to wash, even if it was in cold, salt water. More use of deodorant as well, I have noticed. But we were always chatting, always talking. ... We did talk the whole way 'round the world. I don't think there's one subject that we didn't cover in depth inside, outside and backwards.

Women are kinder to each other, and in a much more obvious way. We're actually more nurturing and caring, I think. And if you saw someone scared or worried or anxious or a bit down, there'd always be someone that would put their arm around your shoulder and say, "Cuppa tea?"

On the conditions on the Southern Ocean near the South Pole

Your body starts to deteriorate as soon as you cross the start line. Pain and cold are the quickest ways to lose weight. You can get frostbite in your fingers and toes. It's minus 20, minus 30 degrees below freezing. You are constantly damp because salt water doesn't dry. So the girls up on deck would be miserable — cold, wet, miserable. Freezing fingers and toes. Tons of clothing on so you can barely move. The food's revolting. So you just shovel it down your throat as quickly as possible and and try and get as much sleep as possible with this four [hour]-on/four-off watch system. It's also a sensory deprivation. There's no sun. There's no blue sky, it's gray, and the boat's gray, and everything's gray.

On Maiden's second-place finish in the Whitbread Round the World Race

Thousands of boaters cheered Maiden's crew as they finished the round the world race. Courtesy of Andrew Sassoli-Walker and Sony Pictures Classics hide caption

Thousands of boaters cheered Maiden's crew as they finished the round the world race.

We came second in our class overall, which is the best result for British boat since 1977, and actually hasn't been beaten yet, but that didn't mean much to us at the time. When you finish a race like, that you go through a mixture of emotions. Obviously if you're winning it's all happiness and wonderful and fantastic. We hadn't won; we've come second, and it took me a long time to come to terms with that, because second is nowhere in racing. But as Claire [Warren, the ship doctor] says in the film — and she's very right — there was a bigger picture, and the bigger picture was what we had achieved.

On the reception when Maiden arrived in England

It was sunrise. There wasn't really that much wind, and we were so close to ... [the] final stretch, and as we were going up Southampton Water, hundreds of boats came out to meet us and they would come towards us, turn round, and start sailing with us. So the final two hours of the boat was two hours I will never forget as long as I live, surrounded by thousands of people on hundreds of boats throwing flowers and cheering. It was absolutely amazing. And crossing the finishing line we knew, OK, we hadn't won, but we had sailed into the history books, and we are first, and you can't beat being first to do something.

Lauren Krenzel and Thea Chaloner produced and edited this interview for broadcast. Bridget Bentz, Molly Seavy-Nesper and Beth Novey adapted it for the Web.

• Find A School
• Certifications
• North U Sail Trim
• Inside Sailing with Peter Isler
• Docking Made Easy
• Study Quizzes
• Bite-sized Lessons
• Fun Quizzes
• Sailing Challenge

Top 5 Sailing Documentaries

By: Pat Reynolds Movies , Sailing Fun

Over the past ten or fifteen years documentary films have become more and more popular and thankfully sailing has been the subject of more than a few of them. We sat down and thought about which five were perhaps the best. As usual we probably forgot one or two, but that’s where you folks come in!

Related Posts:

• Learn To Sail
• Mobile Apps
• Online Courses
• Upcoming Courses
• Sailor Resources
• ASA Log Book
• Bite Sized Lessons
• Knots Made Easy
• Catamaran Challenge
• Sailing Vacations
• Sailing Cruises
• Charter Resources
• International Proficiency Certificate
• Find A Charter
• All Articles
• Sailing Tips
• Sailing Terms
• Destinations
• Environmental
• Initiatives
• Instructor Resources
• Become An Instructor
• Become An ASA School
• Member / Instructor Login
• Affiliate Login

• Cast & crew
• User reviews

The Race to Alaska

Set in one of the most complex waterways in the world, showing the hardships and dangers in the Race to Alaska. Many will succumb against winds, currents, whirlpools, fear and fatigue as bot... Read all Set in one of the most complex waterways in the world, showing the hardships and dangers in the Race to Alaska. Many will succumb against winds, currents, whirlpools, fear and fatigue as both character and watercraft are tested. Set in one of the most complex waterways in the world, showing the hardships and dangers in the Race to Alaska. Many will succumb against winds, currents, whirlpools, fear and fatigue as both character and watercraft are tested.

• Zach Carver
• Jake Beattie
• Daniel Evans
• 3 User reviews
• 1 win & 1 nomination

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

User reviews 3

• Feb 3, 2024
• February 20, 2020 (United States)
• United States
• Official Site
• The Race to Alaska Official Website
• Blimp Worldwide
• Untethered Productions
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Runtime 1 hour 39 minutes

Related news

Contribute to this page.

• See more gaps
• Learn more about contributing

More to explore

Recently viewed

15 Best Sailing Movies You Can’t Miss

A true sailing enthusiast suffers when forced to stay at home… So here we are to help you, presenting our selection of the best sailing movies that a sailor absolutely cannot miss. We discussed, because the world of cinema and TV (just think of Netflix) give us an almost infinite catalogue. We finally succeeded and we are happy to present you our favorite sailing movies. Which is your favorite?

1. 180° SOUTH (2010)

“180° South” is a 2010 adventure documentary film directed by Chris Malloy. The film follows the journey of Jeff Johnson as he retraces the steps of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia, Chile. Along the way, Johnson encounters a variety of challenges, including navigating rugged terrain and dealing with extreme weather conditions. The film also explores themes of environmental conservation and the importance of protecting natural resources. It features stunning cinematography and is narrated by actor/musician/environmentalist Jack Johnson.

2. All is lost (2013)

“All Is Lost” is a 2013 survival drama film directed by J.C. Chandor. The film stars Robert Redford as an unnamed man who is stranded at sea after his sailboat is damaged by a shipping container. The man must use all of his survival skills and resourcefulness to stay alive in the face of increasingly dire circumstances. The film is notable for its minimalist approach, with no dialogue and minimal music, and Redford’s performance as the only actor on screen. It was praised for its technical achievements and the acting of Redford.

3. Captain Ron (1992)

“Captain Ron” is a 1992 comedy film directed by Thom Eberhardt and starring Kurt Russell as the titular character, a slovenly, irreverent sailor who is hired to help a family sail their yacht from the Caribbean to Miami. Along the way, they encounter a variety of mishaps and adventures, including pirates and a hurricane. The film also stars Martin Short as the head of the family, Mary Kay Place as his wife, and Benjamin Salisbury and Meadow Sisto as their children. “Captain Ron” is known for its silly and irreverent humor and the strong performances of its cast. We have to be honest: Captain Ron is our favourite between the sailing movies of this list!

We discussed, because the world of cinema and TV (just think of Netflix) give us an almost infinite catalog of sailing films

4. Chasing Bubbles (2016)

“Chasing Bubbles” is a documentary about the journey and spirit of Alex Rust , a farm boy turned day trader from Indiana who, at 25, abandoned his life in Chicago, bought a modest sailboat (called Bubbles) and set out to sail around the world.

5. Dead calm (1989)

Dead Calm is a 1989 Australian psychological thriller film directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Sam Neill, Nicole Kidman and Billy Zane. The screenplay by Terry Hayes was based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Charles Williams; the film represents the first successful film adaptation of the novel after Orson Welles struggled for years to complete his own film based on it titled The Deep . Filmed around the Great Barrier Reef, the plot focuses on a married couple, who, after tragically losing their son, are spending some time isolated at sea, when they come across a stranger who has abandoned a sinking ship. A must see among sailing movies!

6. Deep Water (2006)

“Deep Water” is a 2006 documentary film directed by Jerry Rothwell and Louise Osmond about the history of the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race , a solo sailing race around the world that was held in 1968. The film follows the stories of the race’s participants, including Donald Crowhurst, a British sailor who became embroiled in a scandal when it was revealed that he had falsified his position in the race. The film also explores themes of adventure, ambition, and the human cost of pushing oneself to the limits. It was well-received by critics and audiences and won a number of awards.

7. Maidentrip (2013)

“Maidentrip” is a 2013 documentary film about the life of Laura Dekker , a Dutch sailor who, at the age of 14, became the youngest person to sail solo around the world. The film follows Dekker’s journey as she navigates the challenges and dangers of her voyage, including rough seas, equipment failures, and isolation. It also explores Dekker’s background and her motivations for embarking on such a risky and ambitious journey. “Maidentrip” was praised for its intimate and engaging portrayal of Dekker’s journey and for its powerful depiction of the human spirit and determination.

8. Master and commander (2003)

During the Napoleonic Wars, a brash British captain pushes his ship and crew to their limits in pursuit of a formidable French war vessel around South America. The naval action in the Mediterranean is  closely based on the real-life exploits of Lord Cochrane , including a battle modelled after Cochrane’s spectacular victory in the brig HMS Speedy over the vastly superior Spanish frigate El Gamo.

9. Morning light (2008)

Fifteen young sailors… six months of intense training… one chance at the brass ring. This documentary tells the story of a group of intrepid and determined young men and women, on the cusp of adulthood, as they embark on life’s first great adventure. Fifteen young men and women prepare for the adventure of their lives when they enter the TRANSPAC, one of the world’s most prestigious open-ocean sailing competitions. They begin their training in Hawaii with world-class teachers, but it is the race itself, a 2,300-mile ordeal featuring top professionals, that molds them into a cohesive whole.

10. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

“Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” is a 2003 adventure film directed by Gore Verbinski and based on the popular Disney theme park attraction of the same name. The film stars Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow, a wily and unpredictable pirate who teams up with a blacksmith named Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and a Governor’s daughter named Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) to rescue Elizabeth’s father and defeat the cursed pirate captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush). The film also features an ensemble cast of supporting characters and is known for its action, humor, and special effects. It was a commercial and critical success and spawned a successful film franchise.

11. The Mercy (2018)

The Mercy is a British biographical drama film , directed by James Marsh and written by Scott Z. Burns. It is based on the true story of the disastrous attempt by the amateur sailor Donald Crowhurst to complete the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race in 1968 and his subsequent attempts to cover up his failure.

12. The Odyssey (2016)

The Odyssey is a movie which chronicles the life of the great Jacques Cousteau. Jacques Cousteau is perhaps one of the most famous French persons in the world due to his pioneering work on scuba diving, underwater exploration and film-making which introduced a whole generation to the wonders of reef and marine life in the ocean.

13. Turning Tide – En solitaire (2013)

It tells the story of Yann Kermadec whose dreams suddenly come true when he has to replace the DCNS star skipper at the last minute before the start of the Vendée Globe (a round-the-world non-stop single-handed yacht race). After several days of racing, Yann, who is in the lead, has to stop to repair a damaged rudder. This will disrupt his round-the-world journey…

14. White squall (1996)

Teenage boys discover discipline and camaraderie on an ill-fated sailing voyage. It is a coming of age film in which a group of high school and college-aged teenagers sign up for several months of training aboard a sail ship, a brigantine, and travel around half the globe when suddenly they are challenged by a severe storm.

15. WIND (1992)

Will Parker, played by Matthew Modine, loses the Americas Cup, the worlds biggest sailing prize, to the Australians and decides to form his own syndicate to win it back. In 1983, yacht sailor Will Parker (Matthew Modine) leads an American crew financed by millionaire Morgan Weld (Cliff Robertson) to defeat during the America’s Cup race against an Australian crew. Determined to get the prize back, Will convinces Morgan to finance an experimental boat designed by his ex-girlfriend Kate’s (Jennifer Grey) new beau, Joe Heisler (Stellan Skarsgard). When the boat is completed, the Americans head to Australia to reclaim the cup.

Finally, what do you think about our 15 sailing movies to watch at least one time in your life?

Come sail away: 4 stories about sailing, five best places where to sail at least one time in your life, 8 great sailing books for your reading pleasure, sailing for beginners: a guide to ensuring the safety of guests on your boat, live your passion, subscribe to our mailing list.

Maiden Voyage. Round the world race by first all female crew.

What about “Maiden”. Terrific women’s movie, but good for all.

• Subscribe Now
• Digital Editions

Top 10 must-see sailing documentaries

• Stef Bottinelli

From Deep Water to Maidentrip, these must-see sailing documentaries will keep you glued to the screen. Watch the trailers here

Released in 2008 and nominated for a prestigious Cesar Award for Best Documentary Film, Tabarly is based on the life of  French yachtsman Eric Tabarly who lost his life after falling overboard from his Pen Duick boat off the coast of Wales in June 1998. He was en route to the Fife regatta in Scotland.

Released in 2013, Maidentrip tells the story of New Zealand-born Dutch teen Laura Dekker, who set out to become the youngest person to sail around the world single-handedly. Dekker had to fight a Dutch court to be allowed to pursue her dream at such a young age. Finally, in August 2010, she set sail on her epic journey onboard her two-masted ketch and arrived, 5,600 nautical miles later, at Simpson Bay on St Maarten in January 2012 – breaking the world record. She was only 16 years and four months of age.

Racing Around the World Alone

This exhilarating 2010 documentary follows 30 hopeful skippers who take part in the 2008/2009 Vendée Globe race, the single-handed, non stop race around the world without assistance.

Red Dot on the Ocean: The Matt Rutherford Story

This inspiring 2014 documentary tells the story of Matt Rutherford, once a rebellious youth, who bought a sailing boat on the internet without inspecting it first, learnt to sail by himself and at the age of 21 attempted the dangerous voyage to become the first person to sail alone and nonstop around North and South America. Matt’s adventure started in Annapolis, Maryland, where he returned having achieved his goal 309 days later. The documentary is available to buy on Amazon Prime, Vimeo and Apple iTunes.

Robin Knox-Johnston: A Force of Nature

This BBC documentary was broadcast in June 2018 to mark 50 years since  Sir Robin Knox-Johnston set sail from Falmouth to win the original Golden Globe Race thus becoming the first person to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world half a century before. With interviews and original footage, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston: A Force of Nature is a fantastic documentary about one of the most legendary British sailors of all times. 

Jean Du Sud Around The World

1984 film Jean Du Sud Around the World tells the story of sailor Yves Gélinas’s solo 28,000 miles circumnavigation aboard his Alberg 30 sloop, Jean-du-Sud. He sails from France to Quebec via the Roaring Forties of the Southern Ocean and Cape Horn.Gélinas shot the 16 mm film in order to share his experience with fellow sailors, especially the use of his self-steering gear. The film was awarded the Palme D’Or twice and has now been re-released in HD.

Taking Flight: Britain’s America’s Cup Challenge

Sir Ben Ainslie wants to bring the America’s Cup to Britain. Credit: Lloyd Images

The documentary, shown on the BBC on 23 July 2016, follows Sir Ben Ainslie and his Land Rover BAR team as they prepare to try and win sport’s oldest international trophy – the America’s Cup . Narrated by presenter Clare Balding, the screening of the documentary coincided with the America’s Cup World Series Portsmouth on 22-24 July.

Narrated by Tilda Swinton and using original 16mm footage, tape recordings and interviews this brilliant 2006 documentary recounts the story of Donald Crowhurst and his fatal attempt to win the first Golden Globe Race in 1968.

Not a skilled yachtsman, Crowhurst entered the race with his boat Teignmouth Electron,  intending to use the prize money to support his failing business. As the weeks went on, he eventually abandoned the race and reported false positions to race organisers, leading everyone to believe he was winning the race, when really he was in last place. His yacht   was later found drifting and recovered logbooks indicate that he’d suffered a mental breakdown due to the pressure and the sailor had jumped overboard. The race was eventually won by Robin Knox-Johnston who donated the prize money to Crowhurst’s widow. Available on YouTube and Amazon Prime.

School teacher Dee Caffari and Spanish veterinarian Anna Corbella join forces in fulfilling the dream of a lifetime: becoming professional sailors. Beyond 360 documents their story as they team up to compete in the Barcelona World Race 2010. Available on Amazon Prime.

Released on 8 March 2019 to coincide with International Women’s Day, Maiden  is a feature length documentary on Tracy Edwards.

The film tells the story of 24 year-old Edwards, a cook on charter boats, who became the skipper of the first ever all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989.

Tracy Edwards had her first Whitbread Round the World Race experience working in the galley of the boat Atlantic Privateer. She enjoyed the experience so much that she decided to take part as a skipper and three years later she bought the 58ft yacht Maiden. Edwards put together an all – and first – female crew and entered the race. The crew went on to win two of the Whitbread legs and came second in class overall.

Tracy Edwards documentary ‘Maiden’ to be released nationwide on International Women’s Day

'Maiden' tells the story of Tracy Edwards and her all-women sailing crew racing in the Whitbread Round the World Race…

13 Top female sailors

Here's our pick of some of the most inspiring yachtswomen. Who's your inspiration?

Top 10 best boat-themed films of the 1980s

In no particular order, we've pulled together some of the best sailing and boat-themed films of the 1980s. Vote, and…

Top 10 Sailing and boating TV programmes

Howards' Way, The Onedin Line and The River...YBW brings you the pick of sailing and boating TV programmes over the…

Official Trailer for Inspirational Sail Boat Racing Documentary 'Maiden'

by Alex Billington January 24, 2019 Source: YouTube

"I didn't want a real job, I wanted adventure." Sony Pictures Classics has debuted an official trailer for the documentary Maiden , which first premiered at the Toronto Film Festival last year. This outstanding doc is playing at the Sundance Film Festival next this month, which is why this trailer is debuting just in time to help build some extra buzz. This is really worth a watch - it's a moving, inspiring, remarkable story of how one young woman organized the first ever all-women sailing team to compete in the Whitbread Round the World race in the 1980s. The film is about Tracy Edwards , who put her entire life savings and every last ounce of effort into finding, training, commanding, and sailing with a team of women - the first ever in this world famous sail boat race. The film features jaw-dropping footage of their race, and interviews with the entire sailing team, telling us all the brutally honest stories of what went down and how they pulled this off.

Here's the full-length official trailer for Alex Holmes' documentary Maiden , direct from YouTube :

Maiden is the story of how Tracy Edwards, a 24-year-old cook in charter boats, became the skipper of the first ever all-female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World in 1989. Tracy's inspirational dream was opposed on all sides: her male competitors thought an all-women crew would never make it, the chauvinistic yachting press took bets on her failure, and potential sponsors rejected her, fearing they would die at sea and generate bad publicity. But Tracy refused to give up: she remortgaged her home and bought a secondhand boat, putting everything on the line to ensure the team made it to the start line. Although blessed with tremendous self-belief Tracy was also beset by crippling doubts and was only able to make it through with the support of her remarkable crew. With their help she went on to shock the sport world and prove that women are very much the equal of men. Maiden is directed by producer / filmmaker Alex Holmes , his second film after directing Stop at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story previously. This first premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, and is playing at Sundance next. Sony Classics will then release Holmes' Maiden in select theaters starting sometime in early 2019 - stay tuned. Who's interested?

Find more posts: Documentaries , To Watch , Trailer

Well, it should be a common knowledge that women can do the same things as men. I guess, stories like this one should always remind people of it ...

shiboleth on Jan 24, 2019

Good for them...I guess...I'm a real land lubber and never took to sailing the high seas. I wonder what humans would be like if they spent the same energy they do trying to conquer each other and the outside world on the inner quest for spiritual freedom and higher levels of awareness and consciousness. Hmmmmmm.......

thespiritbo on Jan 24, 2019

Seems okay.

DAVIDPD on Jan 25, 2019

Looks good. But haven't we heard that trailer music before? 'Stories We Tell', maybe?

Movie Bear on Jan 25, 2019

New comments are no longer allowed on this post.

FEATURED POSTS

FOLLOW FS HERE

Follow Alex's main account on Bluesky :

Add our posts to your Feedly : click here

Your Privacy Manager

LATEST TO WATCH

  ▶   Christine Roche Stars in Alien Planet Sci-Fi Indie Film 'Light' Trailer ( Mar 21 )   ▶   First Teaser for 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' Sequel with Michael Keaton ( Mar 21 )   ▶   Elisabeth Moss in Truth & Lies Thriller Series 'The Veil' Official Trailer ( Mar 21 )   ▶   Population Control Satire Film 'Humane' Trailer Featuring Jay Baruchel ( Mar 21 )   ▶   One Final Trailer for Dev Patel's Kick Ass Action Movie 'Monkey Man' ( Mar 21 )

Want emails instead? Subscribe to our daily newsletter updates:

© 2006-2024 First Showing® LLC. All rights reserved.     Privacy Policy     |     Letterboxd ➚     |     Bookshop ➚     |     Support Us ➚    

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Movie Nights at Home

- Snacks & Ideas for Families, Friends & Couples

The 18 Best Sailing Movies to Watch on Netflix & Amazon

Watching one of these best sailing movies, you can sail into the ocean from the comfort of your couch.

Watching movies is a great way to take a trip without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. So, if you’re longing to take a voyage on the sea, a sailing movie is a great option!

Our favorite sailing movies include a great story and amazing views! All of the films on our list are available on Amazon Prime, Hulu, or Netflix at this time. So you can watch a great film about setting sail without ever leaving your house!

Most of these options also lend them selves to be a great outdoor movie night or pool party movie choice !

The 18 Best Sailing Movies

From action-packed thrillers set on a boat to inspiring documentaries about real-life sailors, you’re going to love each of the sailing movies in this comprehensive list.

Rated PG-13

A young couple sets sail on an adventure of a lifetime across the open sea together. But as they’re sailing across the ocean, one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in history capsizes their boat, leaving them to fight for their lives in the ocean, in this sailing thriller based on a true story.

2. Life of Pi

After surviving a shipwreck, the young son of a zookeeper is trapped on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger in this Oscar winning sailing movie directed by Ang Lee.

Try Hulu Tonight!

3. deep water (2006).

This sailing documentary tells the true story of the first solo, non-stop boat race around the world. As the film progresses, the filmmakers work to uncover the toll the grueling sea trip took on the race’s participants. The documetary features Simon and Clare Crowhurst.

4. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

In this historical drama, Russell Crowe plays a 19th century British ship captain who struggles as he prepares rag-tag team of crew members to attack a French ship.

5. Captain Ron

After a man finds out he’s inherited a yacht, he takes his family on a trip to the Caribbean to bring the ship home in this sailing comedy. When they arrive, the family hires a shady captain to help repair the ship and sail them back to Miami, leading to plenty of trouble on the trip home.

Kurt Russell and Martin Short star in this sailing film.

A group of sailors come together to reclaim the America’s Cup for the American team after a defeat the year before in this action-packed sailing movie starring Matthew Modine and Jennifer Grey.

7. White Squall

An educational sailing trip turns into a larger life lesson for a group of prep school students when their boat gets caught in a white squall storm in this Ridley Scott sailing movie classic featuring Jeff Bridges and John Savage.

8. Dead Calm

When a seasoned sailor and his wife, played by Nicole Kidman, take their yacht out on a long vacation trip across the ocean, they come upon a sinking boat in the middle of a calm sea. After rescuing the distressed sailor, the couple uncovers a horrifying sight and works to uncover the mystery behind the capsized vessel.

9. Kon Tiki

This Academy Award winning classic sailing documentary tells the story of a group of sailors who took a 4,300 nautical mile trip across the Pacific ocean on a raft. 

10. Maidentrip

Follow 14-year-old Laura Dekker as she achieves her dream of becoming the youngest person to set sail around the world alone in this riveting sailing documentary.

11. The Old Man and the Sea

Based on the classic novel by Ernest Hemingway, this sailing movie follows Santiago on a fishing trip that ends with the biggest catch of his life. But when sharks attack his catch, he must fight to keep his fish and save himself.

12. Morning Light

Watch as 15 young sailors compete to join the crew of the Morning Light, a sleek racing boat bound for the Transpac LA to Hawaii open ocean race in this Disney sailing documentary.

13. The Perfect Storm

To help tide his crew over for the winter, a fishing boat captain insists the group go out for one more fishing trip before the cold weather arrives. But as the crew sets sail, a storm begins to brew directly in their boat’s path in this sailing movie starring George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg.

14. Red Dot on the Ocean

Hoping to become the first person to sail around North and South America alone, Matt Rutherford goes on a death-defying ocean journey in this popular sailing documentary.

15. The Mercy

Leaving behind a loving wife (Rachel Weisz), an amateur sailor named Donald Crowhurst (played by Colin Firth) competes in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race around the world. This movie has some of the prettiest sailing scenes and is based on a true story.

An overworked doctor takes her dream trip sailing alone across the Atlantic. But when she comes across a boat filled with refugees, she jumps in to organize the group and get them to safety.

17. The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

Famous Steve Zissou sets sail with this crew to find a (possibly nonexistent) Jaguar Shark. This quirky comedy stars Bill Murrary, Owen Wilson, and Cate Blanchett.

18. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Johnny Depp plays Captain Jack Sparrow in this popular Disney franchise about the days of pirates and treasure hunts.

You can also save this picture to have the list of best sailing movies easily on your phone!

Whether you’re an experienced sailor or you get sea sick at the sight of water, you can enjoy a vicarious trip across the ocean with the help of a good movie. And these amazing sailing movies won’t disappoint!

If you loved this list of best sailing movies, you may also like:

• 25 Comedy Travel Movies for Family Movie Night
• 17 Best Movies About Greece to Watch Tonight

Shop Our Shop

Latest Blog Posts

Sailing Documentaries and Movies

A Collection of Sailing Documentaries and Movies for Educational Purposes. Commentary from the worlds top yacht designers and builders, with coverage from the years past Classic Regatta’s. Watch DORADE in her quest to repeat all of the major ocean races she won in the 1930s. Sailing documentaries and movie trailers, that showcase classic yachts and a lot more!

Classic Boat Builders | Classic Yachts | Classic Yacht Regattas | Cultural and Humanitarian Awareness | Documentaries | Electric Propulsion | General Interest | Marine Photography | Maritime Museums | Ports of Call | Sailmakers | Yacht Designers | Yacht Design Schools

Classic Boat Builders:

ASPOYA BOATS: INFORMATIONAL BRISTOL BOAT COMPANY, RHODE ISLAND: 1919 Herreshoff S-Boat Reconstruction INFORMATIONAL BROOKLIN BOAT YARD, MAINE: INFORMATIONAL CLAASEN SHIPYARDS, NETHERLANDS: INFORMATIONAL FAIRLIE RESTORATIONS LTD: INFORMATIONAL GANNON AND BENJAMIN MARINE RAILWAY: INFORMATIONAL HAROLD A. BURNHAM – 11th Generation Wooden-Boat Builder: INFORMATIONAL HUNT YACHTS – HISTORICAL – INFORMATIONAL LATITUDE CLASSIC YACHTS (Tofinou): INFORMATIONAL LYMAN MORSE: INFORMATIONAL PENDENNIS SHIPYARD LTD: INFORMATIONAL ROCKPORT MARINE, MAINE: INFORMATIONAL SHIP BUILDING IN ESSEX, MASSACHUSETTS: DOCUMENTARY SPAULDING WOODEN BOAT CENTER: DOCUMENTARY SPIRIT YACHTS, UK: INFORMATIONAL SPIRIT YACHTS: 2006 Venice Boat Scene from Casino Royale TRAILER THE LITTLE SHIPS OF ENGLAND: EDUCATIONAL VITTERS SHIPYARD: EDUCATIONAL

Classic Yachts:

BURGESS W. STARLING “COLUMBIA” – DOCUMENTARY BURGESS W. STARLING/STEPHENS OLIN “LIONHEART” – DOCUMENTARY BURGESS W. STARLING/DYKSTRA “RAINBOW” – DOCUMENTARY BURGESS W. STARLING/STEPHENS OLIN “RANGER” – DOCUMENTARY DAHLSTROM G.”RHAPSODY RESOLUTE” – INFORMATIONAL DYKSRA & PARTNERS NAVAL ARCHITECTS “ANNAGINE” – INFORMATIONAL ESTLANDER GUSTAF “LA MORENA” INFORMATIONAL ESTLANDER GUSTAF “LA MORENA” (part 2) INFORMATIONAL FIFE III WILLIAM “ADVENTURESS” – TOUR FIFE III WILLIAM “CAMBRIA” – INFORMATIONAL FIFE III WILLIAM “EILEAN” – PROMOTIONAL (DURAN DURAN RIO) “EILEAN” – MUSIC VIDEO FIFE III WILLIAM “MARIQUITA” – INFORMATIONAL FIFE III WILLIAM “MARISKA” – INFORMATIONAL FIFE III WILLIAM 6 Metre “NADA” – RESTORATION PREVIEW FIFE III WILLIAM 6 Metre “SASKIA II” – DELIVERY FIFE III WILLIAM 15 Metre Class “TUIGA” – SAILING DOCUMENTARY FOX UFFA Flying 15 “COWESLIP” – REGATTA FOX UFFA 22 Square Metre “VIGILANT” – SAILING FRANK W. C. “PASHA” – PROMOTIONAL FRERS GERMAN “REBECCA” – REGATTA GOELLER FRED “ADAMANT” – INFORMATIONAL HERBERT WILLIAM WHITE “LULWORTH” – DOCUMENTARY HERRESHOFF L.F. “QUIET TUNE” – INFORMATIONAL HERRESHOFF N.G. New York 30 “ALERA” – SAILING HERRESHOFF N.G. New York 30 “AMORITA” – Amorita’s Unlucky Day – TRAILER HERRESHOFF N.G. New York 30 “IBIS” – DOCUMENTARY HERRESHOFF N.G. “ELENA” – DOCUMENTARY HERRESHOFF N.G. “MARILEE” – INFORMATIONAL HERRESHOFF N.G. S-Class – RACING HERRESHOFF N.G. Buzzards Bay 18 “UNCAS” INFORMATIONAL HOEK ANDRE – “THE EAGLE 54” – PROMOTIONAL HOLM TORE “BEATRICE AURORE” – PROMOTIONAL LANGAN “HUCKLEBERRY” – INFORMATIONAL MYLNE ALFRED “MINGARY” – LAUNCHING MYLNE ALFRED “THE BLUE PETER” – INFORMATIONAL NICHOLSON CHARLES E. “ENDEAVOUR” – INFORMATIONAL NICHOLSON CHARLES E. “NYRIA” – INFORMATIONAL NICHOLSON CHARLES E. “SHAMROCK V” – INFORMATIONAL NICHOLSON CHARLES E. “VELSHEDA” – INFORMATIONAL NICHOLSON CHARLES E./DYKSTRA “HANUMAN” – INFORMATIONAL PAINE FRANK C.”ATLANTIS” – INFORMATIONAL PLYN AUGUST “MIGNON” – INFORMATIONAL REIMERS KNUD “BACCHANT” – INFORMATIONAL SORVIK TORSTEN “TEJST” – INFORMATIONAL SPARKMAN & STEPHENS “BUZZY III” – LAUNCHING SPARKMAN & STEPHENS “BUZZY III” – NEW BOTTOM PAINT SPARKMAN & STEPHENS “CHEROKEE” – LAUNCHING SPARKMAN & STEPHENS Design No.7 “DORADE” – RACING SPARKMAN & STEPHENS “SKYLARK OF 1937” – CHRISTENING STIRLING WILL INTEGRITY – INFORMATIONAL TOWNSEND WILLIAM “CORONET” – INFORMATIONAL ROBB ARTHUR “THE DARING” – PROMOTIONAL WARING & WHITE W-37 Class “RACE HORSE” – SAILING

Classic Yacht Regattas:

Classic Boat Meet:

2012 CLASSIC BOAT MEET: REGATTA

Class Regattas:

8 Metre Class:

2014 WORLD CUP: REGATTA 2010 WORLD CUP: REGATTA

6 Metre Class:

2011 WORLD CUP: REGATTA 2007 WORLD CUP: REGATTA

2015 St. Francis Invitational Regatta: REGATTA

International Star Class:

2014 WORLD CHAMPIOSHIPS: REGATTA 2012 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: REGATTA

Cowes Week:

1968 COWES WEEK: REGATTA 1968 COWES WEEK (XODs): REGATTA 1965 COWES WEEK: REGATTA 1962 COWES WEEK: REGATTA 1961 COWES WEEK: REGATTA 1960 COWES WEEK: REGATTA 1957 COWES WEEK: REGATTA 1955 COWES WEEK: REGATTA 1954 COWES WEEK: REGATTA 1952 COWES WEEK: REGATTA 1935 COWES WEEK: REGATTA 1920 COWES WEEK: REGATTA

Les Dames de Saint-Tropez:

2015 LES DAMES de SAINT-TROPEZ: REGATTA

Les Voiles de Saint Tropez

2014 LES VOILES de SAINT-TROPEZ – Day 7: REGATTA 2014 LES VOILES de SAINT-TROPEZ – Day 6: REGATTA 2014 LES VOILES de SAINT-TROPEZ – Day 5: REGATTA 2014 LES VOILES de SAINT-TROPEZ – Day 4: REGATTA 2014 LES VOILES de SAINT-TROPEZ – Day 3: REGATTA 2014 LES VOILES de SAINT-TROPEZ – Day 2: REGATTA 2014 LES VOILES de SAINT-TROPEZ – Day 1: REGATTA 2013 LES VOILES de SAINT-TROPEZ: REGATTA 2012 LES VOILES de SAINT-TROPEZ: REGATTA

Monaco Classic Week:

2015 MONACO CLASSIC WEEK – Circuito 15 Metros – Potofino Rolex Trophy: REGATTA 2015 MONACO CLASSIC WEEK – La Belle Classe: REGATTA 2015 MONACO CLASSIC WEEK – DAY 3: REGATTA 2015 MONACO CLASSIC WEEK – DAY 2: REGATTA 2015 MONACO CLASSIC WEEK – DAY 1: REGATTA 2012 MONACO CLASSIC WEEK – La Belle Classe: REGATTA 2011 MONACO CLASSIC WEEK – Tuiga: REGATTA

New York Yacht Club:

2015 NEW YORK YACHT CLUB RACE WEEK AT NEWPORT RHODE ISLAND: REGATTA 2014 NEW YORK YACHT CLUB RACE WEEK AT NEWPORT RHODE ISLAND: REGATTA 2013 NEW YORK YACHT CLUB RACE WEEK AT NEWPORT RHODE ISLAND: REGATTA 2012 NEW YORK YACHT CLUB RACE WEEK AT NEWPORT RHODE ISLAND: REGATTA

Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge:

2015 ANTIGUA CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA: REGATTA 2014 ANTIGUA CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA: REGATTA 2013 ANTIGUA CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA: REGATTA

2015 LES VOILES D’ANTIBES: REGATTA 2014 LES VOILES D’ANTIBES: REGATTA 2013 LES VOILES D’ANTIBES: REGATTA 2012 LES VOILES D’ANTIBES: REGATTA

2015 ARGENTARIO SAILING WEEK: REGATTA 2014 ARGENTARIO SAILING WEEK: REGATTA 2013 ARGENTARIO SAILING WEEK: REGATTA 2012 ARGENTARIO SAILING WEEK: REGATTA

2015 LE VELE D’EPOCA A NAPOLI: REGATTA 2014 LE VELE D’EPOCA A NAPOLI: REGATTA 2013 LE VELE D’EPOCA A NAPOLI: REGATTA 2012 LE VELE D’EPOCA A NAPOLI: REGATTA

2015 BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK: TRAILER 2014 BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK: REGATTA 2013 BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK: REGATTA 2012 BRITISH CLASSIC WEEK: REGATTA

2014 CORINTHIAN CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA: REGATTA 2013 CORINTHIAN CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA: REGATTA

2015 MUSEUM OF YACHTING REGATTA DAY 1: REGATTA 2015 MUSEUM OF YACHTING REGATTA DAY 2: REGATTA 2013 MUSEUM OF YACHTING REGATTA DAY 1: REGATTA 2013 MUSEUM OF YACHTING REGATTA DAY 2: REGATTA 2011 MUSEUM OF YACHTING REGATTA: REGATTA

2014 OPERA HOUSE CUP RACE: REGATTA 2013 OPERA HOUSE CUP RACE: REGATTA 2012 OPERA HOUSE CUP RACE: REGATTA

2015 XI COPA DEL REY BARCOS ÉPOCA : REGATTA 2014 XI COPA DEL REY BARCOS ÉPOCA : REGATTA 2013 XI COPA DEL REY BARCOS ÉPOCA : REGATTA 2012 XI COPA DEL REY BARCOS ÉPOCA : REGATTA

2014 VELE D’EPOCA DI IMPERIA : REGATTA 2012 VELE D’EPOCA DI IMPERIA : REGATTA

2014 CANNES REGATES ROYALES: REGATTA 2013 CANNES REGATES ROYALES: REGATTA 2012 CANNES REGATES ROYALES: REGATTA

WoodenBoat Regatta Series:

2015 EGGEMOGGIN REACH REGATTA: REGATTA 2015 THE HERRESHOFF CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA: REGATTA

Kettenburg Classic Regatta, San Diego Yacht Club:

2014 KETTENBURG CLASSIC REGATTA: REGATTA

Cultural and Humanitarian Awareness:

CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE PACIFIC – DOCUMENTARY DR.SYLVIA EARLE ON THE OCEANS – INFORMATIONAL GREAT FUTURES START HERE – BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF AMERICA PSA – DOCUMENTARY GROWING UNDERGROUND – FOOD TO THE CITY FROM UNDER THE CITY – DOCUMENTARY NEWPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL 2015 – Eric Lu at Breakers INFORMATIONAL NEWPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL – SILVER ANNIVERSARY INFORMATIONAL PRISTINE SEAS – PROTECTION OF UNTOUCHED REEFS – INFORMATIONAL

Documentary:

1954 HURRICANE CAROL – INFORMATIONAL 1939 HURRICANE: THE HURRICANE OF 1939 – DOCUMENTARY 1938 HURRICANE: A WIND TO SHAKE THE WORLD – DOCUMENTARY 1936 AROUND THE HORN ON WANDERBIRD – DOCUMENTARY A COWES IN MINIATURE (1932) – TRAILER AHTO – CHASING A DREAM – TRAILER ALONE ON THE WAVES – Sám ve Vlnách – DOCUMENTARY A SUMMER REGATTA IN MAINE 1934 – INFORMATIONAL BARGE SAILING (The Voice of the Water) – TRAILER BLESMA ULTIMATE CHALLENGE – (viewer discretion is advised) – TRAILER BUILDING OF BRILLIANT – DOCUMENTARY CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS (1937) – TRAILER CAPTAIN LIZ CLARK – DOCUMENTARY CHARLOTTE: A WOODEN BOAT STORY – DOCUMENTARY CLASSIC YACHTS: at Helsingfors Segelsällskap – DOCUMENTARY COWES WEEK (1961) – REGATTA CROSSING THE NARROW SEA – A story about ocean, wind and friendship – DOCUMENTARY CRUISE OF THE ZACA – Errol Flynn Documentary (Part 1/2) – DOCUMENTARY CRUISING HAS NO LIMITS: SAILING CHANNEL THEATRE – DOCUMENTARY DINGHY POLAR EXPEDITION 2012 – DOCUMENTARY DORADE DISCUSSION WITH HARKEN ENGINEER – INFORMATIONAL DORADE TRANS ATLANTIC RACE 1931 Part 1 of 5 – DOCUMENTARY DORADE PREPARING FOR TRANSPAC – DOCUMENTARY DORADE TRANSPAC DAY 9 – DOCUMENTARY DORADE TRANSPAC DAY 7 – DOCUMENTARY DORADE TRANSPAC DAY 5 – DOCUMENTARY DORADE TRANSPAC DAY 3 – DOCUMENTARY DRAGESEJLADS (ca. 1940-1945) – DOCUMENTARY DRUM: An Extraordinary Adventure – DOCUMENTARY EFFIE M. MORRISEY (ERNESTINA) COASTAL SCHOONER – DOCUMENTARY FAME – DOCUMENTARY FASNET YACHT RACE TRAGEDY (1979) – TRAILER FLASH II – INTERNATIONAL STAR CLASS- INFORMATIONAL FLYING DUTCHMAN – DOCUMENTARY FROM TIMBER TO TIDE – DOCUMENTARY FULL SPEED AHEAD! SAILING TO VICTORY (RT Documentary) – TRAILER HISTORY OF HUNT YACHTS – DOCUMENTARY IN THE WAKE OF ZACA- SAILING CHANNEL THEATER – DOCUMENTARY JEANIE JOHNSTON – The Replica Famine Ship – DOCUMENTARY MAIDENTRIP – TRAILER NEW YORK 30s – DOCUMENTARY NORFOLK BROADS – 2013 3RR – DOCUMENTARY NORFOLK BROADS – THREE RIVER RACE – DOCUMENTARY OPERA HOUSE CUP: A Story of Wooden Sailboats – DOCUMENTARY PEQUOT YACHT CLUB (Circa 1956) – INFORMATIONAL P-LINER TALL SHIPS – DOCUMENTARY RACING WITH THE COMPETITION: On board NY40 CHINOOK – DOCUMENTARY ROYAL SWEDISH YACHT CLUB: Centenary Races (1930) – DOCUMENTARY SAILING ACROSS THE ATLANTIC – PART 1/5 – DOCUMENTARY SAILING ACROSS THE ATLANTIC – PART 5/5 – DOCUMENTARY SAILING AND WALKING ON SCOTLAND’S WEST COAST – DOCUMENTARY SAILING BABY BLUE: EPISODE 1 – MAINE TO FLORIDA – DOCUMENTARY SAILING BABY BLUE: EPISODE 2 – BAHAMAS TO BVI – DOCUMENTARY SAILING BABY BLUE: EPISODE 3 – THE LEEWARDS – DOCUMENTARY SAILING BABY BLUE: EPISODE 4 – THE WINDWARDS – DOCUMENTARY SAILING BABY BLUE: EPISODE 5 – CAMP GRENADA – DOCUMENTARY SAILING SCHOOL ( Newton Ferrers School of Yachting) – DOCUMENTARY SAILING THE NORFOLK BROADS – THREE EASY STEPS – DOCUMENTARY SAIL MARTHA’S VINEYARD – DOCUMENTARY SAINT PETERSBURG YACHT CLUB – Classic Week Trailer – DOCUMENTARY SEA CLOUD – LUXURY SAILING SHIP – DOCUMENTARY SCHOONER MARTHA – 2015 TRANSPAC – DOCUMENTARY SHACKLETON’S EPIC VOYAGE REVISITED – DOCUMENTARY STAR: A LEGENDARY CLASSIC BOAT – INFORMATIONAL SURVIVAL – THE SHACKLETON STORY – DOCUMENTARY SYDNEY HOBART YACHT RACE 50 GOLDEN YEARS – DOCUMENTARY TED TURNERS GREATEST RACE – THE 1979 FASTNET – DOCUMENTARY THE BOAT PEOPLE – DOCUMENTARY THE BRISTOL BAY SAILBOAT DAYS – DOCUMENTARY THE EDNA FRANDSEN ADVENTURE – DOCUMENTARY THE FINEST HOURS – OFFICIAL TRAILER – Chris Pine, Eric Bana Movie DOCUMENTARY THE GREAT STAR FLEET – DOCUMENTARY THE LAST CAPE HORNERS – The End of the Great Sailing Ship Era – DOCUMENTARY THE MIGHTY TI: MARION-BERMUDA – DOCUMENTARY The RACING TENDER – DOCUMENTARY The LEGEND OF CAPTAIN CHARLIE BARR – DOCUMENTARY THE RIME OF THE ANCIENT MARINER – POEM THE TRUE STORY OF MOBY DICK – DOCUMENTARY THE WATERWAYS OF IRELAND LOUGH ERNE – DOCUMENTARY THE WOODEN BOAT STORY – DOCUMENTARY TANGAROA EXPEDITION – DOCUMENTARY UNTIE THE LINES – DOCUMENTARY VANISHING SAIL – DOCUMENTARY WHALING SHIP THE “CHARLES W. MORGAN” – DOCUMENTARY WOOD, SAILS, DREAMS – TRAILER YOU HAVE TO GO OUT – TRAILER

Electric Propulsion:

ALERION EXPRESS 33 – ELECTRIC PROPULSION – INFORMATIONAL TORQEEDO TRAVEL 1003 – DOCUMENTARY TORQEEDO TRAVEL 1003 – ALERION EXPRESS 33 – INFORMATIONAL MASTERVOLT – THE LABORATORY BOAT – INFORMATIONAL MASTERVOLT ON TOUR – TRAINING MADE EASY – INFORMATIONAL PLANETSOLAR – AROUND THE WORLD – INFORMATIONAL WHICH MOTOR IS RIGHT FOR YOU – ELECTRIC PROPULSION – INFORMATIONAL

General Interest:

BAHAMAS SAILING – SEA OF ABACO – DOCUMENTARY BBC COAST – EDDYSTONE LIGHTHOUSE – DOCUMENTARY BILL NYE’S GLOBAL MELTDOWN – NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC – DOCUMENTARY CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE PACIFIC – DOCUMENTARY DOCUMENTARY DRAIN THE BERMUDA TRIANGLE – DOCUMENTARY EARTH UNDER WATER IN NEXT 20 YEARS – NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC – DOCUMENTARY EUROPEAN SAILING REGATTA (1930) – DOCUMENTARY GROWING UNDERGROUND – FOOD TO THE CITY FROM UNDER THE CITY – DOCUMENTARY HOW THINGS USED TO BE – LIFE IN MAINE – DOCUMENTARY INSIDE THE TITANTIC II – DOCUMENTARY JOHN TRUMPY ESTATE FOR SALE – INFORMATIONAL INNSIFAIL REBORN – DOCUMENTARY LIGHTHOUSE OF “LA JUMENT” – PHARE de “LA JUMENT” – DOCUMENTARY MINUET – AWARD-WINNING SHORT FILM – SHORT-FILM NEW YORK THE WAY IT WAS – SHORT-FILM ONE OF THE FUNNIEST COMEDY SKETCHES OF ALL TIME – SHORT-FILM PADDLE STEAMER WAVERLEY – DOCUMENTARY PORTOLA – CLASSIC 1929 YACHT – INFORMATIONAL PRISTINE SEAS – PROTECTION OF UNTOUCHED REEFS – INFORMATIONAL RUSSIAN TITANIC – SOVIET FLEETS GREATEST DISASTER – DOCUMENTARY SEQUOIA ON THE HISTORY CHANNEL – DOCUMENTARY SCOURGE OF THE LIONFISH – SAVING THE OCEAN – DOCUMENTARY SIDECAR BOAT- DOCUMENTARY STRANDBEEST: THE DREAM MACHINES OF THEO JANSEN – DOCUMENTARY TRADITIONAL SAILING IN CROTIA – DOCUMENTARY TAKE TO THE BOATS – BRITAIN’S INLAND WATERWAYS (1962) – DOCUMENTARY THE CAPE LIGHT: AWAY FROM THE EDGE – DOCUMENTARY THE DA VINCI CODE – THE TRUE STORY – DOCUMENTARY THE DEEPEST PLACE ON EARTH MARIANA TRENCH HD DOCUMENTARY – DISCOVERY CHANNEL – DOCUMENTARY

Marine Photography:

ARRIGO KURT PHOTOGRAPHY – PROMOTIONAL BLACK BILLY PHOTOGRAPHY – Front Street Shipyard Promo: PROMOTIONAL LANGLEY ALISON PHOTOGRAPHY – 2015 Promo Reel: PROMOTIONAL RENEDO JESUS PHOTOGRAPHY – PROMOTIONAL ROSENFELD & SONS MORRIS – INFORMATIONAL TAYLOR JAMES R. – Cambria Photos: PROMOTIONAL

Maritime Museums:

MARITIME MUSEUM CHESAPEAKE BAY ( St. Michaels, Maryland ) – INFORMATIONAL MARINE MUSEUM HERRESHOFF ( Bristol, Rhode Island ) – INFORMATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM ( Bath, Maine ) – INFORMATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM ( Halifax, Canada ) – INFORMATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM ( Helsingør Denmark ) – INFORMATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM ( Auckland, New Zealand ) – INFORMATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM ( San Diego, California ) – INFORMATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM ( Barcelona, Spain ) – INFORMATIONAL MERSEYSIDE MARITIME MUSEUM ( Liverpool, England ) – INFORMATIONAL NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM ( Amsterdam, Netherlands ) – INFORMATIONAL NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM ( Sydney, Austrailia ) – INFORMATIONAL NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM ( Greenwich, London ) – INFORMATIONAL

Ports of Call:

FALMOUTH MASSACHUSETTS – A QUICK TOUR – INFORMATIONAL HULL MASSACHUSETTS – A QUICK TOUR – INFORMATIONAL MARBLEHEAD MASSACHUSETTS – A QUICK TOUR – INFORMATIONAL MATTAPOISETT MASSACHUSETTS – A QUICK TOUR – INFORMATIONAL NIANTIC CONNECTICUT – A QUICK TOUR – INFORMATIONAL STONINGTON CONNECTICUT – A QUICK TOUR – INFORMATIONAL VINEYARD HAVEN MASSACHUSETTS – A QUICK TOUR – INFORMATIONAL VINEYARD HAVEN MASSACHUSETTS (PART 2) – A QUICK TOUR – INFORMATIONAL

Sailmakers:

NORTH SAILS – BETTER BY DESIGN – INFORMATIONAL NORTH SAILS – FACTORY IN NEVADA- INFORMATIONAL NORTH SAILS – MILESTONES IN SAILMAKING – INFORMATIONAL NORTH SAILS – THE SCIENCE OF LOWELL NORTH – INFORMATIONAL NORTH SAILS – TRIM FOR SPEED – INFORMATIONAL SOLAR CLOTH SYSTEM – VOILES ET TEXTILES SOLAIRES – INFORMATIONAL

Yacht Designers:

BURGESS W. STARLING: No Ordinary Being: The life and times of W. Starling Burgess – LECTURE HUNT RAYMOND C 2014 Eastern Yacht Club Speaker – LECTURE HUNT RAYMOND C Part 1 – LECTURE HUNT RAYMOND C Part 2 – LECTURE HUNT RAYMOND C Part 3 – LECTURE HUNT RAYMOND C Part 4 – LECTURE HUNT RAYMOND C Part 5 – LECTURE FOX UFFA – DOCUMENTARY HAMLIN CY – INTERVIEW HERRESHOFF: 120 years of yachts, development trends and breakthrough designs – HSS Classic LECTURE HERRESHOFF: How Herreshoff Designed His Boats LECTURE HERRESHOFF: Halsey Herreshoff takes measurements from original Capt. Nat S-Boat Model INFORMATIONAL HOLM TORE: INFORMATIONAL STEPHENS OLIN: Olin Stephens on Yacht Design DOCUMENTARY WARING STEPHENS: Spirit of Tradition DOCUMENTARY

Yacht Design Schools:

BOATBUILDING ACADEMY: INFORMATIONAL FALMOUTH MARINE SCHOOL: INFORMATIONAL GREAT LAKES BOATBUIDING SCHOOL: INFORMATIONAL INTERNATIONAL BOATBUILDING TRAINING COLLEGE: INFORMATIONAL THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF YACHT DESIGN: INFORMATIONAL THE LANDING SCHOOL: Yacht Design Program INFORMATIONAL THE NORTHWEST SCHOOL OF WOODEN BOATBUILDING: INFORMATIONAL THE WOODENBOAT SCHOOL: INFORMATIONAL

Leave a Comment Cancel

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Email Address:

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

5 Best Sailing Documentaries To Inspire Your Adventurous Spirit

To inspire my soul, I’ve routinely engaged in watching sailing documentaries which have certainly inspired me to keep going towards my dream.

If you’re excited to sail around the world, or need some inspiration to motivate your significant other, then this is the list you need. Best part? Most of these are FREE to watch on YouTube right now!

Here are the best sailing documentaries of 2022:

1. Chasing Bubbles – The Documentary

There is nothing more moving and beautiful than this sailing documentary about Alex Rust. Just inspiring and a story which truly draws you in right until the end.

I won’t make any spoilers but I assure you, with more than 2.2-million views on YouTube, there is a strong reason why this documentary has captivated people’s hearts.

2. Beta Centauri

If you’re hell-belt on a circumnavigation on a boat like myself, then don’t go past Beta Centauri. It’s an incredible and one-of-a-kind adventure. It’s a little on the old side (circa 2014, and yes, that’s old by YouTube standards) but well-worth the watch!

A documentary created by Daniel Poulson, about circumnavigating the world. He and his little daughter Explorer 39 countries. They go through Savage cannibal territories. Dino meats and interviews the president of Fiji. Sailing across the Pacific Ocean with no engine. Trials and tribulations only a sailor could understand. To the purest silica beaches of the whitsunday islands. Their scientific research with the “toad cam” may prove invaluable. “Humorous” witty “intelligent” the sailing Adventure you can’t miss. Dino almost being thrown into jail in South Africa on trumped-up charges. Exploring Napoleon’s grave. Incredible two thousand mile passages,Blue Water sailing at its best!. “One of the only films of its kind” Beta Centauri the Voyager of Hadar. For the first time ever beta Centauri is being given away. A world circumnavigation documentary narrated by Patrick James written by Jay Fisher and Daniel Poulson. a documentary taking you around the world via sailboat Sail the world. A world circumnavigation documentary. In the history of humanity there’s been five World circumnavigation documentaries ever made. This is beta Centauri the Voyager of Hadar the number one film of its kind. Award-winning documentary about circumnavigating the world and raising hell as I go.lol⛵🌎. Enjoy Dino Poulson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIwiV1mJ30Y

If you enjoy racing and especially around the world sailboat racing, then you’ll love this documentary. I’m a huge fan of racing especially as us Australians took the America’s Cup many years ago! Maiden is a documentary well-worth watching too.

(Unlike everything else on this page, this is merely the trailer and you’ll need to pay for the documentary)

The story of Tracy Edwards, the woman who became a skipper on the first ever all=female crew to enter the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxhEInUzqlE

4. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston: Sailing Legend

There is nothing better than yachtsmen that have sailed the world’s oceans numerous times over. Remarkably, this man has done exactly that at a time when technology was very primitive.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston: Sailing Legend looks into the man who became the first person to sail solo and non-stop around the world. In his own words, Sir Robin explains the story behind his epic achievement over 50 years ago. Hear from Ben Ainslie Alex Thomson Racing, Sir Chris Bonington and Dee Caffari on how Sir Robin continues to inspire others to push themselves to their limits and be adventurous. Find out what it was like to be in isolation with no communications to training ordinary people to become ocean racers. From battling through monster waves, to being ‘lost at sea’ after losing his radio, and fighting off a shark, Sir Robin relieves the journey and shares never before seen photographs and diary entries. The documentary looks back on his remarkable life, career, legacy and his astonishing influence on the sport. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdIIYr1GdIs&t=2s

5. Relentless

I’ve saved the very best until last! If you’re a fan of the Vendée Globe like myself, then you’ll love this documentary as his passion is infectious!

You’ll love the captivating story of Alex Thomson Racing’s journey to win the previous 2016/2017 Vendée Globe. Alex also attempted in 2020 but unfortunately he had to retire early due to a broken yacht.

There we have it! On those cold winter days when it rains non-stop, tuning into one of these documentaries is an excellent way to stay hungry for the dream.

Adventure Destination and How-To Sailing Videos

Cruising european waters, with gary jobson - sailing quarterly, tahiti and the leeward islands, with antoine, with jean-du-sud, around the world, lin & larry pardey, offshore sailing series, distant shores, sailing adventures with paul & sheryl shard, tuning your rig, with legendary rigger, brion toss, spending time with miss t, storytelling for sailors, with lin pardey & friends limited introductory price: $99, nigel calder - electrics 101, limited time launch offer: $199, the real deal: larry pardey, legendary sailor & adventurer, with tracy edwards and her all-woman whitbread crew, sailing adventures of the irish rose, the inside passage, latitudes & attitudes tv, 5 seasons ... 65 episodes, annapolis book of seamanship, video series with author, john rousmaniere, inspecting your rig, journey back to myself, with margie woods, beyond the west horizon, with eric & susan hiscock, sailing instruction 2-video set, with captain jack klang, the northwest passage, greenland to the bering sea, sail trim & performance sailing, with gary jobson, the last sailors: the final days of working sail, narrated by orson welles, the complete street 5-video series, with don street, red dot on the ocean, the matt rutherford story, sailing adventures, sail to exotic locations around the globe, cruising on the mary t, nova scotia to the bahamas, sailing & cruising tips, learn from experienced mariners.

Sailing Videos for Cruising Sailors

Thesailingchannel offers dozens of sailing documentaries and how-to sail videos free and for purchase via streaming, digital download, dvd and subscription..

Our films span the modern film and video era including classic 16 mm sailing films scanned to HD, voyage and how-to videos from legendary sailors, and HD productions from an emerging generation of new sailing adventurers.

Series Deals

Annapolis Book of Seamanship Video Series – John Rousmaniere

Antoine’s Beautiful Islands Video Series

Bluewater Cruising Destinations Video Series

Distant Shores Sailing Adventure Video Series Paul and Sheryl Shard

Latitudes and Attitudes TV Series DVD Set

Latitudes and Attitudes TV Video Series Season 1

Latitudes and Attitudes TV Video Series Season 2

Latitudes and Attitudes TV Video Series: Season 5

Offshore Sailing: Lin & Larry Pardey 5 VideoPack

Sail Vicarious Cruise Refit Video Series

Sailing Instruction with Capt. Jack Klang Videos

Storytelling for Sailors – How to Earn Money Storytelling Your Sailing Adventures Video Seminar

The BIG Sailboat Project: Boat Building Video Series

The Complete Street: Don Street 5 Video Pack

The Last Sailors 3 Video Series

Pardey offshore sailing: 5 video pack dvd.

Latitudes and Attitudes TV Video Series Season 3

Latitudes and Attitudes TV Video Series Season 4

Sailing adventures.

600 Days To Cocos Island and Galapagos Video

Beyond the West Horizon Download

Beyond the west horizon video.

Caribbean Secrets: Sailing Video with Antoine

Cruising European Waters Video

Cruising Has No Limits: Lin & Larry Pardey Sailing Adventures Video

Cruising with Bettie: Sail Los Angeles to Bahamas Video

Dancing With The Wind – Spirit of Sailing

Don Street Antigua Race Week Video

Ice Blink: A Family Sailing Adventure Video

In the Wake of the Schooner Zaca Video

Odyssey to Cape Horn Island Video

Outfitting the Ideal Cruising Sailboat

RawFaith: A Family Sailing Saga Video

Red Dot on the Ocean: The Matt Rutherford Story Video

Sail Around New Caledonia Video with Antoine

Sail Around New Zealand Video with Antoine

Sail Around Santa Cruz Island Video

Sail Atlantic Islands Video with Antoine

Sail Mediterranean Islands Video with Antoine

Sail Tahiti and the Leeward Islands with Antoine

Sail the ICW: First Timers Video Guide

Sail to Cuba: Forbidden…Forbidding Video

Sailing Adventures of the Irish Rose: Inside Passage Video

San Blas Islands Panama Canal: Voyages of Entr’acte Video

Suliere: Atlantic Crossing Video

Tall Ships: The American Privateer Lynx Video

The Partnership – A Sailing Couple: Voyages of Entr’acte Video

THE REAL DEAL: Larry Pardey, Legendary Sailor & Adventurer Video

Transatlantic Crossing with Don Street Video

U.S. – Canada Lakes Cruising Video

U.S. East Coast Cruising Video

U.S. West Coast – Mexico Cruising Video

Wind, Sand, & Sea with Lin & Larry Pardey

With Jean-du-Sud Around the World (Download – Includes English & French)

With jean-du-sud around the world video.

Maiden Blu-ray

Northwest Passage: Greenland to the Bering Sea Video

The Real Deal: Larry Pardey – Legendary Sailor & Adventurer DVD

Cast Off for Catalina Island Video

Cast Off for Mexico: Sailing to Ensenada

Cruising on Mary T: Sail Nova Scotia to Bahamas Video

Cruising on the Mary T: Sail Newfoundland SW Coast Video

Sailing & cruising tips.

Cost Control While You Cruise: Lin & Larry Pardey Cruising Budget Tips Video

Cruising Tips with Capt. Jack Klang Video

Cruising tips with capt. jack klang video download.

Don Street Sailor Knots Video

Get Ready to Cross Oceans: Lin & Larry Pardey Ocean Sailing Tips Video

Sail Racing Tactics Video with Gary Jobson

Sail Trim & Performance Sailing Video with Gary Jobson

Sailing instruction: jack klang 2-video download.

Sailvation: Sailboat Charter Briefing Video

Seamanship Training Video Vol. 1

Seamanship Training Video Vol. 2

Singlehanded Docking & Sail Trim with Capt. Jack Klang Video

Singlehanded docking & sail trim with capt. jack klang video download.

Storm Tactics: Lin & Larry Pardey Cape Horn Tested Video

Streetwise Tips 1- Heavy Weather Sailing Video

Streetwise Tips 2- Anchoring & Docking Video

Yoga for Sailors Onboard

Celestial Navigation Simplified Video

Streetwise tips 2- anchoring & docking dvd, how to sail & maintain your boat.

25 Basic Sailing Knots with Brion Toss Video

Boat How-To Electrics 101 with Nigel Calder Videos

Boat Maintenance DIY Video with Gary Jobson

Get Ready to Cruise: Lin & Larry Pardey Cruising Tips Video

Inspecting Your Rig with Brion Toss Video

Sail Repair Video with Wally Moran

Tuning Your Rig with Brion Toss Video

Thesailingchannel.tv, buy, rent, and subscribe to current and classic sailing documentaries and how-to videos., titles are available as high quality digital downloads, streaming rentals, and dvds & blu-rays., stream our entire library through sailflix.com , our video subscription service., featured videos streaming on demand – buy, rent, subscribe.

Check out SAILFLIX

Thesailingchannel’s video subscription service, get access to all our sailing videos for cruising sailors: documentaries and how-to videos for one low monthly or annual price., start your 7-day free trial today ., cancel at any time. get 12 months for the price of 10 with an annual subscription., sailflix featured video, check out free curated youtube videos, youtube is awash with free sailing videos from around the globe. but they are not all equal. we constantly search for the best youtube free sailing videos that inspire and inform. to watch more of our curated free youtube sailing videos, subscribe to our youtube channel ..

Share Your Love of Sailing

Sailing videos - documentaries and how-to with a focus on cruising

Choose from our large library of free and paid sailing videos – sailing adventures ,  how-to sail, and sailboat maintenance..

Whether you sail across a lake, a bay, or an ocean, you’ll find our sailing videos inspiring and informative.  Our filmmakers are sailors who share your passion for adventure, travel, exploration, and the fun of just messing about in boats. Please consider purchasing a video to support our producers.

Download-to-Own | Streaming Rentals | DVDs/Blu-Rays | Subscriptions

Purchase as download-to-own with streaming, streaming rental, dvd & blu-ray, and subscriptions..

For Sailing Video Downloads, we highly recommend using our Vimeo Sailflix option . Purchase your sailing video download through Vimeo On Demand for off-line viewing and get free online streaming everywhere there’s a Vimeo App: computer, tablet, smart phone, smart TV. Most of our Vimeo Sailflix videos are available for short-term streaming rental at about half the price of the Download.

Want a sailing video DVD or Blu-ray? Purchase them directly through TheSailingChannel online store using Paypal. Credit Cards also accepted.

Want access to ALL our videos? Start your 7-DAY FREE TRIAL subscription to Sailflix.com . Stream ALL our titles for one low monthly or annual fee. Cancel at any time.

Go below decks and check out individual sailing videos

Check out our site using search to find the sailing videos you want ….

• sailing videos by destination… like Caribbean, Atlantic, and Australia
• sailing videos by how-to topic… like Rigging, Sail Trim, and Cruising Budget
• sailing videos or by producer… like Pardey, Jobson, Street, and Klang .

Click on a movie poster or use our navigation menu to watch free trailers, get more information, and make purchases. Throughout our site, you’ll find free curated videos from our dozens of YouTube and Vimeo playlists.

SAILFLIX - our new Subscription Service at www.SAILFLIX.COM. Questions, sales, support. U.S. customers, call TOLL FREE: 855-5SAILING (855-572-4546). PRESS 1 to speak to us, 5 to leave a message. LISTEN for Red Dot on the Ocean purchase info. Dismiss

• AROUND THE SAILING WORLD
• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Email Newsletters
• Best Marine Electronics & Technology
• America’s Cup
• St. Petersburg
• Caribbean Championship
• Boating Safety

One Wild Night At Sea

• By Herb McCormick
• January 30, 2024

It was just after 0200 on a wild and woolly August morning, just north of Block Island on the rather thrashed waters of Rhode Island Sound. On the 58-foot catamaran Impossible Dream , we were about 12 hours into and a third of the way around our ­129-nautical-­mile racecourse during the annual running of the Ida Lewis Distance Race. We’d come to a crossroads: It was time to make the sort of decision one never wishes to contemplate in any offshore boat race.

Quickly closing in on Rhode Island’s shoreline, in deteriorating conditions with the wind rising and a crew scattered about in various states of blurry awareness or total incapacitation, should we 1) tack for the next mark, dead to weather, off Long Island; or 2) cut our losses, ease sheets, and head home?

Dream ’s 15-person squad included owner Deborah Mellen, Capt. Jim Marvin, former America’s Cup racer Sarah Cavanaugh, my old Newport friend Harry Horgan, a four-person film crew making a documentary, and a handful of intrepid disabled sailors negotiating the race from their wheelchairs—an eclectic team if ever there was one.

At the wheel, cocooned in the cozy confines of the central inside steering station, as I watched a gust on the anemometer top 40 knots, I was quite aware that I was enjoying a false sense of security. I knew Impossible Dream well, having raced the boat from Key West to Cuba across a roiled Gulf Stream in the 2017 Conch Republic Cup, and was confident that the big cat could handle just about anything. But I also wondered, Was there even more breeze building? Because I understood that if I slipped up, the worst happened, the cat flipped and we all went swimming, it would be an unmitigated disaster. I had a definite opinion on whether to bail, but it wasn’t my call. 

“Hey, Jim,” I said to the skipper, “I have to turn the boat. Which direction? Montauk or Newport? I reckon you and Deborah need to have a chat.” 

For me, racing aboard Impossible Dream was not only unusual, exciting and challenging, but it also was personal. That’s because, for better and worse, I had more than a passing acquaintance with crewing alongside wheelchair-bound sailors. I was on a camping trip in the early 1980s with one of my best friends, a wild man known as Jack Mack, when he slipped on a steep ridge above a New Hampshire river, instinctively tucked for a dive, broke his neck and became a quadriplegic. In an instant, both our lives were forever changed. 

Not long after, one evening in my Newport apartment, the wail of sirens broke the silence, and the next day I learned that Horgan, another mate, had been in an automobile accident down the street and was paralyzed from the waist down. 

Neither Jack nor Harry took matters sitting down. Jack continued charging through life with his usual dry wit and fierce tenacity. And with a small fleet of specially designed Freedom 20 sloops, Horgan founded Shake-A-Leg, which was dedicated to helping folks overcome devastating injuries and disabilities through firsthand experiences at sea. In one of the very first Shake-A-Leg regattas, Jack and I went sailboat racing, a healing experience for both of us. The saddest thing about spinal-cord injuries, I’d come to learn, is that they’re largely incurred by active young folks, relative “kids” in the prime of their youth. Couch potatoes are immune. I also learned that the greatest things they have going for them are their hearts and resiliency. 

Eventually, Horgan and his wife, Susie, relocated to South Florida and started Shake-A-Leg Miami, which has become a vast watersports entity with world-class sailing facilities on Biscayne Bay that not only annually serves upwards of 10,000 disabled children, military veterans and their families, but also hosts numerous international one-design regattas. It was 2014 when Mellen, a Shake-A-Leg volunteer and local businesswoman who’d also survived a car crash, teamed up with the group to purchase the rugged offshore catamaran that exponentially expanded its breadth and reach. 

Impossible Dream was launched by extreme-sports enthusiast Mike Browne, a Brit who was paralyzed in a skiing accident and commissioned naval architect Nic Baily to design a boat on which he could still pursue adventures. Among its features are a wraparound deck that allows wheelchairs full access forward and aft, internal lifts for wheelchair boarding and access to the below-deck staterooms, and a deckhouse with special seating on tracks and all sailhandling lines led inside within reach of the enclosed helm station. 

In addition to offshore races like the previously mentioned Conch Republic Cup and the 2018 Regata del Sol al Sol from Tampa Bay across the Gulf of Mexico to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, each summer Impossible Dream embarks on an annual voyage up the coast from Florida to Maine (the late President George H.W. Bush once enjoyed a spin off Kennebunkport), introducing literally thousands of inner-city kids, wounded vets, and others to the singular joys of a day on the water.  

This past summer, there was an additional event on the cat’s calendar: the Ida Lewis Distance Race. There was but one hitch: There was no multihull division, but this was a trivial matter to the very persuasive Horgan. The club agreed to a start for an Exhibition Multihull Class, the sole entrant being Impossible Dream. What sealed the deal, Horgan believes, was the documentary. “It’s going to be an inspirational piece that’s going to inspire people to believe in their dreams and pursue them,” he told me. “For me, personally, Ida is where I learned to sail when I was 12 years old. We wanted to demonstrate that people with disabilities can achieve good things with the right team and technology, and be part of the Ida legacy.”

All of which put Impossible Dream on the starting line.

Tall and lean, with a cool demeanor and the striking appearance of a Rastafarian—and a pair of spindly prosthetic legs from the knees down—Bradley Johnson cuts an imposing, impressive figure. Before all was said and done, I was going to be very happy to have made his acquaintance.  

Among others, director Anna Andersen’s film—tentatively titled This Is Not a Dream —will focus on Dianne Vitkus, a former physician’s assistant who was paralyzed relatively recently in a fall, and Johnson, who was returning from the entrance exam to law school at the University of Florida in 1993 when his sports car hydroplaned on a rainy highway straight into a guardrail. “One leg was severed completely,” he told me. “The other was ­lacerated beyond repair.”

Some folks might’ve retreated to their basements. Not Johnson. “It was a choice,” he said. “What are you going to do? I can’t grow my legs back. I also can’t waste the valuable time given to me by being alive. All the efforts by the people who saved me would go for naught if I just shriveled up. I wasn’t going to hold on to something I can’t ever get back.”

Instead, he threw himself into sports, and was competing in volleyball in the 2000 Paralympic Games, when, by chance, he met sailing coach Betsy Allison in a hotel bar, who asked what turned out to be a life-changing question: “Would you consider sailing?”

It led to an international sailing career on Sonars, including a bronze medal in the Athens Paralympic Games in 2004, and eventually on to Impossible Dream. “The sailing’s been incredible,” he told me later. “I’d lose the legs all over again ­without reservation.”

Which is one of the most remarkable things I’d ever heard. Although our fun night on the Ida race might’ve given him some second thoughts. 

It was a scramble from the outset. For the first time ever, engine problems had forced ID to cancel most of the New England stops on its summer tour. Once in Newport, the generator conked out, and without power, there was no way to hoist the mammoth new North Sails in-boom furling main. The diesel mechanics were still working that out just hours before the start, which, thanks to a two-hour postponement for a passing front, we made with ­little time to spare. But the sporty weather was a definite preview of coming attractions. 

Horgan, with many miles behind him and a light touch on the helm, handled the start and the long beat out to the first mark in the rising southwesterly with aplomb. Already, however, the conditions had laid low a few wobbly souls, a handful of whom were experiencing their first ocean race. And an inaugural bout with seasickness. Another sign of things to come. 

I took over the driving on the next leg, thankfully a downwind run to Buzzards Bay Tower. It required sailing hot angles compared with our monohull brethren, which I later learned elicited much confusion with the folks at the yacht club tracking the fleet. But I also knew that the long boards and frequent jibes were stacking miles on an already lengthy boat race.

The conditions had laid low a few wobbly souls, a handful of whom were experiencing their first ocean race. And an inaugural bout with seasickness. Another sign of things to come.

At the tower, with the prospect of a 70-odd-mile overnight beat to Montauk ahead of us but with all bunks already accounted for, I grabbed a pillow and plonked down in the galley to catch some rest, but not before suggesting that we hug the coastline at the outset of the leg for current relief. About two hours later, I roused myself and was stunned to see that we were on an inshore tack directly toward Sakonnet Point, and on the wrong side of a government mark we needed to honor. Capt. Jim was on the cabin top sorting out a traveler issue, but I yelled that we needed to tack—like, now!—and luckily the experienced Johnson was on the helm and quickly spun us out to seaward, away from ­trouble. Close one. 

Shortly thereafter, I took back the steering duties. By this time, there were a few sentient beings among us, one of whom was Horgan’s son, Eli, riding shotgun and keeping me updated on boatspeed and windspeed, buoys and shoals, and so on. His company was welcomed, and though he was more or less a novice at this game, he has a future in it if he wants one. 

Meanwhile, a couple of miles or so to windward, a plethora of blinking lights, including what appeared to be a US Coast Guard cutter, suggested that someone was in major distress of some sort, though there was no VHF traffic to confirm it. The whole thing was starting to feel somewhat apocalyptic. 

That’s when we came to the figurative fork in the road, and I got the order that I was hoping to hear: Bear away to Newport.

I caught up with the crew at the awards ceremony, nobody looking the worse for wear, and explained that it wasn’t the first race I’d abandoned, and it wouldn’t be the last. Sometimes the winning move is exercising discretion over valor. We’d all learned something—about sailing and ourselves. It was all good. And a dozen other boats had retired, including a couple that had dropped their rigs. It was absolutely the right move. We all got a fresh sea story or two out of it.  

I had to laugh later on when Horgan referred to the entire episode as “The Impossible Nightmare.” But I think that they got the title of the film right. It sure as hell was not a dream.

• More: Catamaran , offshore sailing , Print January 2024 , Racing , Sailboat Racing
• More Racing

Reineke’s Battle For the Berth

One-Design Wingfoil Racing Takes Off

Brauer Sails into Hearts, Minds and History

Anticipation and Temptation

America’s Offshore Couple

Jobson All-Star Juniors 2024: The Fast Generation

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin Play Matchmakers With Nat Geo Series Pairing Doc Filmmakers With Photographers

By Addie Morfoot

Addie Morfoot

Contributor

• Imagine Plunges Deeper Into Documentaries With ‘Stormy’ Fare 3 hours ago
• Paramount+’s ‘Ctrl+Alt+Desire’ Explores a True Story of Loneliness, Cam Models and Murder (EXCLUSIVE) 2 days ago
• Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin Play Matchmakers With Nat Geo Series Pairing Doc Filmmakers With Photographers 3 days ago

After making their first narrative feature “Nyad,” which debuted last year and earned Oscar nominations for the film’s stars Annette Bening and Jodie Foster, Academy Award winning directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi (“Free Solo”) are returning to their documentary roots with “Photographer.”

To bring each of the National Geographic photographers’ stories to life, showrunners Chin and Vasarhelyi hired six veteran documentary filmmakers: Marshall Curry (“Racing Dreams”), Crystal Kayiza (“Rest Stop”), Sam Pollard (“MLK/FBI”), Kristi Jacobson (“Solitary”) Rita Baghdadi (“Sirens”) and Pagan Harleman (“The Trade”), who was also served as the series’ showrunner/executive producer.

“We were really trying to pair world class documentary filmmakers with world class photographers and see what would happen,” says Chin. “We gave the filmmakers some space to look at which photographers would resonate or which stories resonated with them the most. But in a lot of ways we thought that intersecting these two great creatives together from the filmmaking side and from the photography side would be a really cool experiment.”

Chin and Vasarhelyi directed the series’ first episode about acclaimed ocean photographers and partners Nicklen and Mittermeier. The episode demonstrates how the photog duo aims to raise awareness through their art and nonprofit organization, SeaLegacy. Chin and Vasarhelyi follow Nicklen and Mittermeier as they travel by boat to the Bahamas to take on oil drilling and document the recently discovered seagrass beds there.

“We had always dreamt of trying to make a film with Paul and Christina,” says Vasarhelyi. “They are icons and heroes of ours as well as dear friends. The way they compliment each other, their individually unique visions, how they’ve built this world and this activism together, and how they bring purpose to their photography was really meaningful to both Jimmy and myself.”

“I love pictures of elephants, war footage and movie stars and that charismatic stuff as much as the next person,” says Curry. “But there’s something about that worldview of somebody who just says, ‘That’s not what I’m focusing on. I’m going to focus on a frog.’ I loved that about Anand — his, ‘Hey, there’s something amazing here if you will just sit quietly with me and look at this tidal pool.’ It’s something you would normally just walk right past because it’s not the big ocean. It’s not the blue whale. Instead it’s like a little tongue sticking up out of a barnacle in a tidal pool. That was beautiful and extraordinary and it makes you feel things.”

In the series’ fifth episode, Jacobson chronicles Wright, who after a decade of traveling the world and shooting extreme sports stunts, experiences an unexpected medical emergency that forces her to slow down and reevaluate her life. Jacobson captures Wright as she re-enters the industry to chase tornados in the American southwest and create images in Moab, Utah. Viewers witness Wright’s struggle to balance her ambition to create innovative works with her newly discovered desire to nurture herself and have a true home.

Nat Geo “sent me some information about Krystal, and then when we got into the Zoom meeting I was like, ‘Do you really want me to tell her story?,'” Jacobson recalls. “This isn’t what I do in terms of the extreme sports piece of it. That conversation was the beginning of this incredible journey and collaboration in which they said to me, ‘We want you to bring who you are and what matters to you, and how you tell stories to this series. Specifically this woman Krystal rather than someone who is experienced in filming the Arctic or climbing and extreme adventure environments.’ I hadn’t really thought of it that way.”

Chin and Vasarhelyi contacted Jacobson two years ago about directing the episode. The idea behind the docuseries immediately interested her.

“Art is messy, but I think that we all share, both the photographers and the filmmakers, a belief in its power,” says Jacobson. “Its power to affect real change whether that is how you are defining yourself or being your authentic self and showing people the way.”

In an age where anyone can take a picture or film whatever they want on their phones, “Photographer” was made in part to remind people what photography can really be.

With this series, “we were really trying to touch on and bring to life just how many different forms photography can take on,” says Vasarhelyi. “We wanted to show the breadth and diversity of photography and of photographers.”

The first two episodes of “Photographer” premieres March 18 on National Geographic and is available to stream on March 19 on Disney+ and Hulu.

More From Our Brands

Stanley just launched a neon collection — check out our spring must-haves, a tech magnate is asking $85 million for his extravagant beverly hills compound, fanatics executive fires back at draftkings in court battle, the best loofahs and body scrubbers, according to dermatologists, 3 body problem premiere recap: a deadly numbers game — plus, grade it, verify it's you, please log in.