The Best Sailing Documentaries in 2024
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Updated 20 March 2024
Adventure is out there waiting — and if you’re after some sailing escapism or inspiration to get out there and give it a go — you’ve come to the right place. I’ve put together an extensive list of all of the best sailing documentaries for you to watch. From the early pioneer solo-sailors circumnavigating with 16mm film shot in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, to the crisp HD adventures of a lifeboat in the Arctic — I’ve got you covered.
Below you’ll discover 28 films with:
an overview of the themes
a short description of the film (no spoilers here!)
a heads up if it’s a pay-to-view (some are free!)
and where to watch them online or in theatres.
Grab your popcorn, a glass of red and enjoy!
Coming soon to New Zealand (19 June 2024) — Ice Maiden
Themes: Solo-Sailor, Discovery
Pay to view: TBC
Available on: TBC
Ice Maiden is a riveting portrayal of the unwavering resolve of Lisa Blair, an Australian world record solo sailor and adventurer. Her groundbreaking feat of becoming the first woman to navigate solo around Antarctica is a testament to human determination. The documentary captures Blair's remarkable journey, showcasing her relentless pursuit of a seemingly impossible goal. It's a story of resilience, pushing boundaries, and the belief in one's ability to conquer the unknown.
This feature length documentary premiers via DocEdge with cinema screenings throughout New Zealand then nationwide at The Virtual Cinema. Tickets on sale from 9th May 2024. Stay tuned for international streaming information.
Due for release: June in New Zealand
Official site: Ice Maiden
Coming Spring 2024 — Melges: The Wizard of Zenda
Themes: Yacht race
Pay to view: TBC
Available on: TBC
Director Mark Honer has crafted a remarkable journey through the life and career of an extraordinary sailing icon Buddy Melges. For anyone wanting to inspire themselves to read the wind and waves to better their sailing, this one’s for you! With behind-the-scenes archival footage of the 1992 America’s Cup and a interviews with sailing greats Dennis Conner, John Bertrand, and Gary Jobson, this is an incredible insight into how a young boy from the mid-west who fell in love with sailing, became one of the most respected sailors of all time.
Due for release: Spring 2024 — read my full Wizard of Zenda film review and mark this one on your calendar!
Official site: Wizard of Zenda
Coming soon — Women & The Wind
Themes: Discovery
Pay to view: TBC
Available on: TBC
Women and The Wind is a female-led voyage spotlighting plastic pollution in the Atlantic, while shining light on the awe-inspiring capabilities of women. Based on the preliminary trailer this may well be Saltwater Journal’s documentary to watch for 2024.
Now in post-production phase, Women & The Wind have crowdfunded to help bring their film to life. Now we await the release! Experience the voyage of three women across the North Atlantic on Mara Noka, a 50-year-old wooden catamaran. Captured through the eyes and lens of filmmaker Alize Jireh who records the intensity of the voyage and the ocean, throughout 30 days of calms, storms, setbacks, and unimaginable scenery. The ever-changing state of the sea, in all its splendour, and duality—shifting between gentleness and rage—reflects our own humanity and opens us to contemplation on our relationship with the most unknown parts of ourselves and the planet.
Due for release: 2024
Official site: Women & The Wind
Watch Now — A Voyage of Discovery: The Ocean Race
Themes: Yacht race
Pay to view: Yes
Available on: Discovery+, Aired exclusively in three parts across Europe at 21:00-22:00 CET on Friday 3, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November 2023 on Eurosport’s channels. Streaming of all three episodes will also be available on discovery+ and the Eurosport App in Europe, and Eurosport Extra in Poland. Will also be available on Max in the USA at a future date.
This riveting three-part documentary A Voyage of Discovery: The Ocean Race from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) offers an intimate portrayal of the grueling six-month-long competition. Experience the exhilarating highs and heart-wrenching lows as onboard cameras penetrate the exclusive realms of both sea and shore, capturing the relentless challenges and triumphs faced by the intrepid sailors, including the acclaimed Charlie Enright, skipper of the triumphant 11th Hour Racing Team. This immersive exploration unveils the unseen drama behind the scenes, granting viewers an all-access pass to watch the finest seafarers on the planet tackle the formidable tides of this iconic offshore odyssey, showcasing the resilience, camaraderie, and unwavering pursuit of glory.
The Voyage of Madmen
Themes: Circumnavigation, Solo-sailor, Yacht Race
Pay to view: Yes
Available on: Vimeo (Note: Vimeo is the only place to order the special LONG PLAY 112 minute version for sailors – all others are 90 minutes.)
Once dubbed a journey for the insane, this remarkable expedition altered lives in unimaginable ways: yachts met their watery graves, a tragic suicide unfolded, and out of the initial nine participants, only one man emerged victorious. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston etched his name in history as the first individual to conquer the daunting feat of sailing solo, nonstop, and unassisted around the globe. For half a century, no other competition has mirrored its audacity. The Voyage of Madmen chronicles Don McIntyre's recreation of this legendary race on its 50th anniversary, as he embarks on a mission to entice amateur sailors to brave the treacherous seas, defying all odds aboard small boats.
True Spirit
Themes: Circumnavigation, Solo-sailor
Pay to view: Yes
Available on: Netflix
Many of you will have read Jessica Watson’s book True Spirit, about her remarkable attempt to be the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world. At the time, many expected her to fail as she navigated some of the world’s most challenging stretches of ocean over the course of 210 days. Now Watson’s story as a determined teen has been brought to life onscreen. Watch True Spirit — as she doggedly follows her dreams and proves age is no barrier to epic sailing adventures.
The Race to Alaska
The Race to Alaska is now available to watch online!
Themes: Yacht race
Pay to view: Yes
Available on: Amazon, Vimeo, YouTube, and more
Described as ‘the hardest race you’ve never seen’, This is the story of the Race to Alaska. A race that has changed the lives of hundreds of people. Through one of the most complex waterways in the world. 15 knot currents, gale force winds, cold water, deep water, logs, bears, cold, fatigue, and endless unknowns. First prize: $10,000. Second prize: a set of steak knives. This feature length documentary explores the extreme and impressive individuals who accepted this utterly unique challenge.
Untie The Lines
Themes: Discovery
Pay to view: Yes
Available on: Projektor
You might be familiar already with Nike (of White Spot Pirates on YouTube) — now you can see the full feature documentary of her journey. Watch Berenike (Nike) Steiger transform from a landlubber into a salty sailing woman, who adapted her needs and skills to the rules of the ocean, forming a beautiful unity between her and her boat “Karl”. A raw, honest account of the realities of buying a project boat, and setting off to sail the Western Caribbean.
Untold: The Race of the Century
Themes: Yacht race
Pay to view: Yes
Available on: Netflix
A chronicle of the thrilling 1983 America’s Cup, “The Race of the Century” is a classic underdog story. It tells the tale of the scrappy group of Australians who band together to dethrone the New York Yacht Club, and break the longest-running win streak in history— 132 years!— in the most prestigious sailing competition in the world. Key members of the 1983 U.S. and Australian crews sit down for interviews sharing their experience of this ultimate race to victory.
The Sailor
Themes: Discovery
Pay to view: Free
Available on: WaterBear
Slovak director Lucia Kašová tells an intimate biographical story of Paul Earling Johnson — respected pioneering sailor, free spirit and renowned boat designer in his twilight years. We spend time with Johnson as he faces the frailty of age, reminises on his life choices and contemplates his final days on the sea. The Sailor is an incredibly moving and poetic experience about a man’s relationship with chasing freedom and living life on his own terms.
The Art of Slowing Down Time: 164 Days Alone at Sea
Themes: Discovery
Pay to view: Free
Available on: YouTube
Emma Ringqvist leaves the stress of modern life behind and spends 164 days alone on the Atlantic Ocean in a small sail boat. This film includes poetry from Stephen Jenkinson, recorded and arranged by Gregory Hoskins. It also features artwork from Daniel Beerstecher's Land Sailor project, filmed by Erik Schimschar. Also: photography from the remote island Tristan Da Cunha by renowned travel photographer Andy Isaacson. The Art of Slowing Down Time a film by Mattias Olsson for Campfire Stories.
The Real Deal: A Tribute to Larry Pardey
Themes: Circumnavigation, Discovery
Pay to view: Yes
Available on: Vimeo
There’s not much that Larry Pardey hasn’t done in the world of sailing, and this epic documentary is a tribute to the man who paved the way for world cruising; sailing more than 200,000 miles and circumnavigating both east-about and west-about in engine-free boats. The Real Deal: Larry Pardey, Legendary Sailor and Adventurer is a must-see for anyone wanting inspiration to set sail around the world
Blown Away
Themes: Discovery, Music
Pay to view: Yes
Available on: Vimeo
Blown Away is an authentic and inspiring film about the adventurous journey of two friends by boat and bus around the world and almost without money, and a moving soundtrack. Follow Ben and Hannes as they travel 31 countries over four years, recording 130 songs with 200 musicians.
Maiden
Coyote: The Mike Plant Story
Themes: Circumnavigation, Solo-sailor, Yacht race
Pay to view: Yes
Available on: Google Play, Apple, Vimeo, Amazon Prime
The story of Mike Plant, legendary single-handed racer, will inspire you to live life on your own terms and with dogged determination.
Maidentrip
Themes: Circumnavigation, Solo-sailor, Discovery
Pay to view: Yes
Available on: Amazon Prime
Maidentrip tells the epic journey of Laura Dekker, a New Zealand-born Dutch teen, who sets out in 2011 to become the world's youngest solo circumnavigator.
Red Dot on the Ocean: The Matt Rutherford Story
Themes: Circumnavigation, Solo-sailor, Discovery
Pay to view: Free
Available on: YouTube, Amazon
Matt Rutherford buys a yacht off the internet without knowing how to sail, and at 21years old, sets out to become the first person to solo sail and non-stop around North and South America.
Robin Knox-Johnston: A Force of Nature
Themes: Circumnavigation, Solo-sailor
Pay to view: Free
Available on: YouTube
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston: A Force of Nature is a fantastic BBC short documentary with interviews and original footage about one of the most legendary British sailors of all times.
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston: Sailing Legend
Themes: Circumnavigation, Solo-sailor, Yacht Race
Pay to view: Free
Available on: YouTube
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. Sir Robin Knox-Johnson: Sailing Legend looks back on his remarkable life, career, legacy and his astonishing influence on the sport.
Jean Du Sud Around The World
Themes: Circumnavigation, Solo-sailor, Discovery
Pay to view: Free
Available on: YouTube
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. Shot in original 16mm film, this 1984 adventure filled documentary has been re-released in HD.
Sea Gypsies
Themes: Discovery
Pay to view: Yes
Available on: Amazon
Sea Gypsies follows the epic sailing adventures aboard a non-ice-reinforced hand built 1970’s boat, that sets out on an 8000mile Pacific crossing from New Zealand to Patagonia, stopped in Antarctica on the way. Crewed by a band of wandering miscreants, with no permits or insurance and an almost non-existent budget, they battle the most extreme sailing elements.
The Tales of Vienna
Themes: Discovery, Short-film
Pay to view: Free
Available on: Vimeo
The Tales of Vienna is a short film about five men who embark on a journey aboard sailing vessel Vienna in search of rough seas and secluded mountainous areas. Tacking their way up the coast, they are in for more than sailing and skiing. A fictional story based on true events.
Hard Ship
Between Home
Themes: Solo-sailor, Discovery
Pay to view: Yes
Available on: Vimeo
Between Home: Odyssey of an Unusual Sea Bandit follows the journey of amateur sailor Nick Jaffe, who decides to sail solo from the UK to Australia, negotiating the treacherous waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
Kekoa
The Weekend Sailor
Themes: Circumnavigation, Discovery, Yacht-race
Pay to view: Free
Available on: Amazon Prime
The Weekend Sailor is an inspirational film about Ramón Carlín — a Mexican captain who enters the deadly 9-month Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973 with almost no experience in an unforgettable journey.
Chasing Bubbles
Themes: Discovery
Pay to view: Free
Available on: YouTube
Chasing Bubbles follows 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.
STØDIG
Themes: Discovery
Pay to view: Free
Available on: YouTube
STØDIG is a marine survival lifeboat converted into a home and self-sufficient exploration vessel by two young architects Guylee Simmonds and David Schnabel. Follow their four voyage from the UK to Tromsø, far north in the Norwegian Fjords, as they explore the breathtaking scenery of the wild and isolated landscape of the Arctic.
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