10 Cracking Sailing Films – A Sailor’s Take

Right then, shipmates! After countless watches and more than a few nights at anchor, I’ve rounded up what I reckon are the best sailing films out there. Whether you’re a seasoned salt or just finding your sea legs, these’ll get your nautical juices flowing.

1. Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World by Peter Weir

Bloody brilliant, this one. Russell Crowe plays Captain Jack Aubrey during the Napoleonic Wars, and it’s as close as you’ll get to life aboard a man-o’-war without building a time machine. The attention to detail is spot on – from the way they handle the sails to the gut-churning battles.

What’s good:

• Proper job on showing what life was really like at sea back then
• Crowe and Bettany are fantastic together
• The sea battles will have you gripping your chair

What’s not so good:

• Bit slow in places
• You might need a nautical dictionary for some of the lingo

2. All Is Lost by J.C. Chandor

Robert Redford goes toe-to-toe with Mother Nature in this nail-biter. It’s just him, his yacht, and a whole lot of trouble after he hits a container. Not much talking in this one, but trust me, you won’t miss it.

What’s good:

• Shows exactly how things can go pear-shaped at sea
• Redford’s acting is top drawer
• Feels real – none of that Hollywood nonsense

What’s not so good:

• If you like dialogue, you might be disappointed
• Don’t learn much about who he is or why he’s out there

3. White Squall by Ridley Scott

Based on a true story, this. Jeff Bridges takes a bunch of lads to sea on the Albatross for a bit of education and character building. Then it all goes sideways when they hit the mother of all storms.

What’s good:

• Proper coming-of-age stuff with lots of sailing thrown in
• The storm scenes will make your hair stand on end
• Good message about teamwork and growing up

What’s not so good:

• You can see some plot points coming a mile off
• Some of the characters are about as deep as a puddle

4. Adrift by Baltasar Kormákur

A true story this one, and it’ll make you think twice about checking the weather forecast. Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin get caught in one of the nastiest hurricanes you’ve ever seen. It’s part love story, part survival tale, and all edge-of-your-seat stuff.

What’s good:

• The sailing bits are pretty spot-on
• Gorgeous shots that’ll make you want to hit the Pacific
• Shows how tough sailors really need to be

What’s not so good:

• Jumps back and forth in time like a flying fish
• They’ve jazzed up some bits for drama

5. Kon-Tiki by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg

Mad Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl reckoned the ancient South Americans could’ve made it to Polynesia on a raft. So what does he do? Builds one and gives it a go! Talk about putting your money where your mouth is.

What’s good:

• Shows what proper adventure looks like
• The ocean scenes will have you feeling the spray
• You might learn something while you’re at it

What’s not so good:

• Sometimes feels more like a history lesson than a film
• They’ve played fast and loose with some facts

6. The Mercy by James Marsh

Colin Firth plays Donald Crowhurst in this tough watch about a round-the-world race gone wrong. It’s not all sunshine and following seas – this one shows the dark side of ocean challenges.

What’s good:

• Firth nails it as Crowhurst
• Really gets into the head of a solo sailor
• Makes you think about what drives us to sea

What’s not so good:

• Moves slower than a boat in the doldrums
• More about the man than the sailing

7. Wind by Carroll Ballard

This one’s for all you racing types. It’s about the America’s Cup, and while it might not be spot-on with the technical bits, it’ll still get your competitive juices flowing.

What’s good:

• The racing scenes are proper exciting
• Good underdog story
• Makes sailing look as thrilling as it really is

What’s not so good:

• Plot’s simpler than a sheet bend
• Characters are about as deep as a tender’s draft

8. Maiden by Alex Holmes

Now this is a proper documentary about Tracy Edwards and her all-female crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race. Shows what happens when you tell a sailor they can’t do something – they go right ahead and do it anyway!

What’s good:

• Real footage that’ll make you grin and grip your seat
• Proves that the sea doesn’t care what gender you are
• Proper inspiring stuff

What’s not so good:

• Might be a bit technical for landlubbers
• If you don’t like docs, this might not float your boat

9. Captain Ron by Thom Eberhardt – my favourite masterpiece !

Time to lighten things up a bit! Kurt Russell plays the most unconventional skipper you’ve ever met. It’s silly as anything, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need after a long watch.

What’s good:

• Good for a laugh with your crew
• Russell clearly had a blast making it
• Reminds you that sailing should be fun

What’s not so good:

• About as realistic as a chocolate anchor
• The jokes might be a bit naff for some

10. The Old Man and the Sea by John Sturges

Spencer Tracy versus a massive marlin. Simple as that, but by Neptune, it works. Based on Hemingway’s book, it’s as much about the battle in the old man’s head as it is about fishing.

What’s good:

• Tracy’s acting is as solid as a proper cleat hitch
• Gets the loneliness of being at sea just right
• Makes you think about why we’re drawn to the water

What’s not so good:

• Moves at the pace of a becalmed boat
• Not much happens besides the fish fight

There you have it, crew! Ten films that’ll keep you entertained when you’re stuck on shore. Just remember, no film can match the real thing – so get out there and make your own adventures!

If you’re feeling inspired and want to get your own vessel ocean-ready, I’ve got a guide on prepping your yacht for blue water sailing. And if you’re keen to understand what Mother Nature might throw at you, check out my roundup of the best weather books for sailors.

For more salty tales and practical advice, drop anchor at SkipperDelivery. We cover everything from keeping the ocean clean to navigating those tricky shipping lanes.

Fair winds and following seas!

If all this cinema talk has got you itching to get out on the water, pop over to the Royal Yachting Association’s website for some proper training or contact us to find one. And if you’re after more sailing films, the British Film Institute usually has some hidden gems.

Fair winds, folks!