The Best Sailing Movies of all Time – Top 12 to Watch

Are you looking to seek a sense of adventure from your sofa? Are you curled up on your couch, imagining what the thrill of being at the helm is like? We have the perfect list of 12 of the best sailing movies of all time to spark your imagination, and might just get you to set sail! Discover these cinematic adventures and documentaries that will leave you speechless.

Maidentrip 

What was painted as a cautionary tale became the coming-of-age story of Laura Dekker, the youngest person to circumnavigate the world alone. Dekker spent 4 years of her formative period living on a boat, and her dream was to one day return. Maidentrip captures from a first-person point of view the compelling endeavour that Laura undertakes as a testament to the perseverance and ambition of a 14-year-old girl.

The Mercy

Next, the tragic and hapless tale of the last voyage of Donald Crowhurst is recounted through Colin Firth. In 1968, Donald sets off in The Sunday Times Golden Race with the aim of being the first man to navigate/sail single-handedly around the world. Donald is a failing businessman on the brink of financial ruin and dreams of claiming the coveted cash prize. In a bid to succeed, he overestimates his vessel-building prowess and subsequently finds himself both underprepared and underperforming. This tale documents a shocking voyage laden with treachery, suspense and a lone man’s disastrous journey at sea.

Relentless

Open-sea conditions and the Vendée Globe require being relentless! Often dubbed as one of the world’s most difficult sporting challenges, the Vendée Globe is a solo non-stop round-the-world yacht race. “Relentless” relays the journey of Alex Thomson and what it takes to reach a podium spot as he defies howling winds and fierce conditions.

The Odyssey

“The Odyssey“ is a biopic which chronicles the life of Jacques Cousteau, the French ocean explorer. Although the manner in which the story has been recounted has been the subject of criticism, one thing that cannot be denied is that the film is beautifully crafted. The underwater sequences are wildly vivid and have the ability to transport the viewer! This is one of the best sailing movies of all time if you want to explore the beauty of the depths!

In the Heart of the Sea

“In the Heart of the Sea” reveals the harrowing real-life events that inspired “Moby Dick”. the story follows the crew as they are pushed to the edge of sanity in order to survive on account of their vessel being crushed by a sperm-whale of mammoth proportions. A movie that promises breathtaking cinematography and a star-studded cast!

Chasing Bubbles

This captivating documentary follows free-spirited Alex Rust as he abandons life on land to sail around the world on his humble sailboat called Bubbles. This 25-year-old man who traverses the seas for three years is an inspiring story that will leave you wanting to take to the helm yourself!

Deep Water

The tale of Donald Crowhurst is such a gripping one, that we had to include it twice! This movie portrays the tale from a more factual standpoint. The engrossing documentary details events such as Crowhurst building his own ill-equipped vessel, facing financial ruin, and becoming embroiled in a scandal which ultimately became the catalysts in the deadly chain of events that he didn’t precede.

Red Dot on the Ocean

Previously cast aside as a wayward and troubled youth, 30-year-old Matt Rutherford departs on an awe-inspiring journey in an attempt to become the first person to circumnavigate the Americas alone. After becoming a self-taught sailor, Matt undertakes a death-defying and arduous charter on his second-hand 27-foot sailboat!

Maiden

Maiden truly is one of the best sailing documentaries as it follows Tracy Edwards and the first all-female crew as they take part in the gruelling Whitbread Round the World Race in 1989. Their 33,000-mile voyage across harsh and violent waters refuted any nay-sayer who believed that they couldn’t endure it!

Coyote – The Mike Plant Story

This documentary encapsulates the fascination and the passion that drives many to embark on sailing adventures. “Coyote” tells the story of legendary single-handed racer Mike Plant. Accompany him as he braves the Vendée Globe Challenge and follow his other exploits that proved him to be the restless soul that could conquer the sea.

Life of Pi

The adaption of the novel “The Life of Pi” is an amalgamation of themes of survival and belief. Pi is surrounded on all sides by the wild waters of the Pacific Ocean and a tiger as he attempts to survive on a lifeboat after a devastating shipwreck.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

This has to be one of the best sailing movies of all time for some comic relief. In addition, this saga incorporates stunning visuals, tales of the high-seas, a touch of eccentricity and the charming rogue that is Captain Jack Sparrow!

We could prattle on for days about the best sailing movies of all time here at Click&Boat! Are you itching to grab the helm and set forth into the Caribbean yourself? Or, does a relaxing, stress-free yacht getaway sound more like you? Check out the fantastic boats available in our fleet, and you and your crew could be sailing the seas in no time.