The Sailor’s Cinema
As a cinematographer who has spent many hours on the open sea, I have seen my fair share of sailing movies. In this blog post, I will be recommending my favorite sailing movies that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home, be it on the water or on land. So take a break from the waves and get ready to enjoy some of the best sailing movies ever made.
Title: Wind
Year: 1992
About it: One of the few movies out there that’s actually about racing! This is the story of an underdog group of American sailors determined to win back the America’s Cup, an international sailing competition that has been around for over 140 years. Their journey will take them through a world of money, power, love, and ambition, and the story shows how all these elements are interconnected. The movie WIND is the fictional account of their mission to prove themselves and reclaim the America’s Cup for the United States.
Title: Red Dot on the Ocean: The Matt Rutherford Story
Year: 2014
30-year old Matt Rutherford, once regarded as a “youth-at-risk,” set out to accomplish the impossible: sailing alone and nonstop around North and South America. Red Dot on the Ocean is the narrative of Matt’s daring journey and the formative experiences of his childhood.
Title: Maidentrip
Year: 2013
About it: It’s a documentary about 14-year-old Laura Dekker’s journey to become the youngest person ever to sail around the world alone. After a two-year battle with Dutch authorities, Laura sets off on her own in her boat, Guppy, and embarks on a two-year voyage. Along the way, she faces storms, loneliness, and the challenge of being a young girl in a male-dominated sport. Maidentrip is an inspiring story of courage and determination, and a must-watch for anyone interested in sailing movies.
Title: Following Seas
Year: 2017
About it: This movie is a must-see! It’s one of our top favorites and if you only have time to watch one movie from the list, this is the one. It follows a couple who sail around the world for many years and experience a range of events, from a major family loss to being shipwrecked on an island with a convicts. It’s an incredible story, so don’t miss out!
Title: The Weekend Sailor
Year: 2017
About it: The second movie on our list about racing! It tells the true story of a rag tag crew from Mexico in 1973 entering the Whitbread Round the World Race which was the predecessor Volvo Ocean Race. It details the life and trials of Ramon Carlin, the captain of Sayula II.
Title: Sea Gypsies The Far Side of the World
Year: 2017
About it: This tells the story of Infinity, a 120 ft hand-built sailboat on an 8,000 mile journey across the Pacific from New Zealand to Patagonia, with a stop in Antarctica. This vessel departs from the norm as it is not a well-financed, ice-reinforced super yacht, crewed by well-paid professionals. Instead, it is crewed by a band of miscreants with no clear agenda except adventure.
We hope these movies help you unwind after a long week. Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a tear-jerker, or a thrilling adventure, we’ve got you covered. Enjoy your movie night!
