Watch Racing Around the World Alone

Racing Around the World Alone is a feature-length documentary film that chronicles the incredible journey of the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe, a grueling round-the-world sailing race that is considered one of the toughest and most prestigious contests in the sport. The film follows several of the race's competitors, including Canadian sailor David Kinsman, Frenchman Boissieres Arnaud, and Basque sailor Unai Basurko as they navigate 30,000 miles of open ocean, battling treacherous weather, mechanical failures, and their own physical and mental limitations in a quest to be the fastest sailor to circumnavigate the planet.

The film is expertly crafted, using stunning footage shot from both land and sea to convey the unique challenges of the race, from the massive waves and howling winds of the Southern Ocean to the desolate beauty of the remote Cape Horn. Over the course of the film, we get to know each of the sailors intimately, learning about their backgrounds, motivations, and fears as they brave the elements alone for months on end. Whether it's Kinsman's quiet determination, Arnaud's fiery temper, or Basurko's Basque pride, the film's subjects are all fascinating characters who keep us on the edge of our seats with their gripping stories.

One of the film's greatest strengths is its ability to convey the sheer physical toll that the race takes on the sailors. From sleep deprivation to exhaustion to injuries and illness, the Vendée Globe is a test of endurance like no other, and Racing Around the World Alone doesn't shy away from showing the devastating effects of this grueling competition on its participants. We see Kinsman nursing a painful shoulder injury, Basurko struggling with hypothermia, and Arnaud succumbing to a stomach bug, each of them pushing themselves to their limits as they battle to stay in the race.

But beyond the physical challenges, Racing Around the World Alone also explores the psychological toll of the race, as the sailors grapple with the isolation, loneliness, and intense pressure of competing at the highest levels of the sport. We see Kinsman struggling with homesickness and self-doubt, Arnaud raging with frustration at his equipment failures, and Basurko grappling with the weight of his country's expectations. Each of these moments is raw and real, and they give us a deeper understanding of the human side of this amazing competition.

Throughout the film, we are treated to breathtaking footage of the sailors in action, as they harness the power of the wind and waves to propel their boats forward at speeds that seem almost impossible. From the heart-stopping moments when a huge wave crashes over the bow of a boat to the quiet calm of a starry night at sea, the film immerses us in the world of ocean racing in a way that is rarely captured on film. The cinematography is simply stunning, and it's clear that the filmmakers went to great lengths to get the perfect shots, using everything from helicopters to underwater cameras to capture the action from every angle.

All in all, Racing Around the World Alone is a thrilling and inspiring film that will appeal to anyone with an interest in sailing, adventure, or simply the power of the human spirit. It's a tribute to the men and women who take on this incredible challenge, and a testament to the strength, resilience, and courage that it takes to sail around the world alone. Whether you're a die-hard sailing fan or simply looking for an exhilarating and uplifting documentary, this film is sure to leave you breathless.

Racing Around the World Alone is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.