Sailing documentaries offer a unique blend of adventure, history, and human triumph. They transport viewers to stunning locations, introduce them to remarkable individuals, and provide a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of life on the water. Here's our list of captivating sailing documentaries that will inspire your inner mariner:
The Top 8 Sailing Documentaries to Watch Before Your Next Voyage
1. Maidentrip (2013)
This inspiring sailing documentary follows 14-year-old Laura Dekker, who sets out to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. Maidentrip explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of pursuing one's dreams against all odds.
2. Spirit of the Ocean (2011)
This documentary tells the story of Abhilash Tomy, the first Indian sailor to compete in the Vendée Globe, a solo, non-stop, around-the-world yacht race. The film highlights Tomy's incredible journey, showcasing his determination, courage, and unwavering spirit.
3. Sailing the Atlantic (2010)
This documentary follows a group of young people with disabilities as they embark on a challenging sailing expedition across the Atlantic Ocean. The film celebrates the human spirit and demonstrates the power of teamwork and perseverance.
4. Captain Ron (1992)
This movie follows a family in Chicago that inherits the yacht formerly owned by Clark Gable. They decide to sail it from the island of Ste. Pomme de Terre to Miami. They sail with the assistance of Captain Ron, and their lives will never be the same again.
5. Maiden (2018)
This documentary follows the story of Tracy Edwards, a 24-year-old 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.
6. Following Seas (2018)
Bob Griffith sailed into Honolulu Harbor in 1960 and met fellow iconoclast Nancy Hirsch. From that moment, they were wedded to the sea. Steering their 53-foot cutter Awahnee to places no small boat had been before, they spent decades navigating the relentless pull of family and adventure.
7. 180° South (2010)
Conquerors of the Useless follows Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes, Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins, to Patagonia. Along the way, he gets shipwrecked off Easter Island, surfs the longest wave of his life, and prepares for a rare ascent to Cerro Corcovado.
8. Losing Sight of Shore (2017)
Losing Sight of Shore follows the extraordinary journey of four brave women, known as the Coxless Crew, who set out to row the Pacific Ocean from America to Australia unsupported. As they row over 8,000 miles during their nine months at sea, they face extreme mental and physical challenges they must overcome to go down in history.
Conclusion: Check Out these Sailing Documentaries
Whether you're an experienced sailor or just discovering the allure of life on the water, these documentaries offer a unique window into the world of sailing. From breathtaking voyages to inspiring stories of perseverance, they capture the spirit and adventure that define the sailing lifestyle. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these films fuel your passion for the open seas!
