Deep Water (2006)

2006

92 mins

Directed by Louise Osmond, Jerry Rothwell
96%
87%
Documentary

Tells the fascinating, jaw-dropping story of Donald Crowhurst, an amateur sailor who, in 1968, set off on an race against... More

Tells the fascinating, jaw-dropping story of Donald Crowhurst, an amateur sailor who, in 1968, set off on an race against eight experienced yachtsmen to be the first to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe – a massive test of physical and mental endurance. Crowhurst might not have had much of a nautical background, but he certainly had pluck. Banking his savings & future on the race, he prepared his trimaran as best he could until his departure deadline, sailing off (still wearing his tie) with vital parts of his vessel unfinished. A quiet and intriguing character – Crowhurst’s anxiety sets in early on, as it becomes clear his vessel won’t last the distance.

This account, and it’s unbelievable consequences, is drawn from new interviews with his wife and son, archival news footage, audio log tapes and 16mm footage taken by the lone sailor.

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Deep Water (2006) | Ratings & Reviews

96_%55 reviews
Rotten Tomatoes® rating
87_%4,967 reviews
Audience score rating

"Contains more than enough drama to keep the tale on course. As it explores the limits of human endurance, the picture should suck even landlubbers into a whirlpool of gripping adventure, overblown ambitions and sheer human folly..."

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Variety

"A fascinating story, well and sympathetically told..."

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The Guardian

"It is not merely a dramatised historical document: the interviews capture the poignant personal tragedy in which Crowhurst was just one player. It is, in the end, a film as sad and touching as it is dramatic..."

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New Zealand Herald

"A sad story, but well told, with respect for its subject and an eye for the Shakespearian tragedy in the tale..."

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Empire Magazine

"Full of rarely seen, extremely telling archival footage, interviews and authentic recreations, Deep Water is a poignant documentary about pride and folly, human courage and human frailty. Full of joy, suspense and drama, this is a must-see for adventure lovers, whether you're a yachtie or not..."

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Christchurch Press

"The result is a deeply moving documentary, buoyed up by teary interviews with Crowhurst's family, friends and rivals. Stories celebrating heroic journeys are commonplace, but this is a sobering, anti-heroic tale of an ordinary man who set out to attempt the extraordinary... and failed through a cruel combination of bad luck and bad judgement..."

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