DVD Alinghi: The Inside Story - America's Cup 2003 Review

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(More customer reviews)The DVD Alinghi is more like an edited home video than an in depth documentary of the Cup Run. Those who can't get enough of wonderful sailing images and some great on the deck looks won't be dissapointed; however, if you are looking for a sophisticated look at the America's Cup journey this is not for you. Without spliced in segments from TV coverage this video would have earned a 2-3 stars. Perhaps its greatest strength is in the folly that became New Zeland's pathetic attempt at a defense and a great clip of the infamous NZ demasting... May be a little overpriced for what you get but entertaining nonetheless.

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Sailing in Heavy Weather Review

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(More customer reviews)This title comes pretty close to the category "interesting" and "almost fun to watch" sailing video. The footage of historical offshore races is awesome, interviews with the likes of Warren Luhrs, Olaf Harken et al. are appealing, the many references to Whitbread are both sad and amusing. Above all, the advice given is to the point, well illustrated and useful.
At some point when the narrator explains the dangers of broaching they actually roll a coast guard video of a fishing vessel veering broadside to the waves and then simply disappearing after being hit by the next wave. Truly, better to see once than to hear hundred times. On the cons side, the DVD is skippy and grainy at times, I think video to DVD transfer process is to blame (original was shot and released in early 90's I believe)
Overall, this production clearly stands out from the long line of boring sailing DVDs that I watch when I can't be on the water.

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Go offshore aboard a 40ft. sailboat for an exciting look at heavy weather sailing techniques and tactics.Join Warren Luhrs, Steve Dashew, John Neal and other top sailors as they cover steering in large seas, heavy air sail trim, heavy weather sailing techniques and tactics, personal protection and storm tactics.

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Drum: Journey of a Lifetime Review

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(More customer reviews)This documentary is a fascinating tale of 24 men who's lives were changed forever by their beloved 77 foot maxi-yacht, Drum. A short time out into the Fastnet race, she lost her keel and nearly killed all of the men. Not your typical rock star tale. Although Simon le Bon was at the time, and still is, a respected musician - he is also a respected sailor.
What you may not find out in this documentary, sad to say, is that Simon was instrumental in saving the life of a man who was trapped in the hull of the yacht when it capsized. Simon does not take credit for that heroic effort - but the rest of the crew have, in the past, talked of his being one of the biggest reasons for their survival.
Celebrate with the crew of Drum as they come in third in the Whitbred Round The World Race - not a bad finish when you find out how they just barely got there!

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Accidental Voyage Review

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(More customer reviews)I saw a few of these programs while in Italy and they are far and away the best sailing adventure shows I've ever seen. I have not seen them broadcast in the U.S. (strange, because the boat leaves from California), but I'm very happy to have found them on Amazon.
The shows are professionally produced and look and sound great--with captivating story lines, beautiful sailing and underwater cinematography, and fascinating locations (ie, a Black Pearl Farm, and an uncharted South Pacific island to name a few).
The sailors (filmmakers) impart an extraordinary amount of sailing and science knowledge, and though I have sailed and traveled around the world, I learned quite a lot from these DVDs. Best of all my non-sailing wife loved watching the DVDs too--they are very entertaining.
An excellent series for experienced sailors or those folks who just love adventure. Highly recommended!

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Hundreds of years ago, when mariners sailed these same waters or Polynesia, a chance encounter with an uncharted island was sometimes referred to as an Accidental Voyage.Though we had a general idea where we were going, we had no idea what we would see and experience during this journey ...this Accidental Voyage...So begins each episode of Accidental Voyage, the six-part sailing adventure series that documents the dynamic sea-faring expedition of three sailors in their small sailboat as they journey through the Polynesian Islands of the South Pacific Ocean.This action-packed series provides a unique opportunity for the viewer to experience first-hand the discovery of new lands and encounters with different worlds. Expedition travel and high seas adventure, sailing know-how and scientific analysis, cultural insights and spectacular imagery, all propel this story of the small sailboat and crew stretching the limits of the horizon...on this Accidental Voyage.Accidental Voyage is packaged in a beautiful six DVD Box set.Each DVD is professionally replicated or pressed through a glass mastering process to ensure maximum quality.

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Learn the Racing Rules Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a very comprehensive explanation of the racing rules. Black and white, nuts and bolts, classroom style. This is not entertainment, but rather designed for those sailors who would prefer a more visual presentation of the rules over reading the rule book. - Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt

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This two DVD set is the best way to learn the 2005 to 2008 international yacht racing rules. "Learn the Racing Rules" is written and narrated by David Dellenbaugh, winning America's Cup tactician, Chairman of the US Sailing Rules Committee, Senior Rules Judge and internationally recognized rules expert. The "Learn the Racing Rules" series gives racing sailors a better understanding of the 2005-2008 "Racing Rules of Sailing" and how to apply them on the race course. It uses computer animation, computer graphics, on-the-water sailing demonstrations and actual racing footage."Learn the Racing Rules, Part 1" explains all the basic right-of-way rules that you need to know while racing, plus their general limitations. "Part 2" explains the often-confusing rules that apply when you approach marks and obstructions. Each includes the text of all rules and definitions discussed, plus reference to international appeals cases.Whether you race a big boat or one-design, as a skipper or crew, "Learn The Racing Rules" will help you understand the rules so you will feel more confident around other boats and more in control of your race. Great for junior programs and helps experienced racers to win more races!Part 1 Basic Right of Way Rules Part 2 Rules at Marks & Obstructions Running time: 60 minutes each DVD Sponsored by North Sails, North U and US Sailing.

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The Racing Sailor: Winning Tactics for Small Sailboat Racing Review

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(More customer reviews)Though I've sailed most of my life, I'm a beginning racer. I believe I must be pretty much the target demographic. The DVD does start with an overview of sailing, though I'd think if you were brand new to it you'd be lost as it goes by pretty quick. It does give the basics of terminology and sailing -- I think if you'd done some time on the water but needed a little refresher this would be about right.
I sat through this DVD in its entirety in one session and was left feeling it was ok as far as it went, but was somehow superficial. The DVD is narrated by a guy who is engaging and clear and does a good job. He generally introduces a topic, then we get some animation showing what he's talking about. There are also many video segments, mostly of junior sailors in Lasers. The animation segments are generally quite good and demonstrate a principle pretty well. The video is as well, though sometimes it's hard to make out what we're supposed to discern from the footage.
There were some things that just didn't make much sense to me -- the one that comes to mind being the section on starts. The DVD spends quite a bit of time on something described as advanced called the dip start. I'm reading Getting Started in Sailboat Racing (which I'd highly recommend) and there are a number of starting techniques described in there -- none of which is the dip start, and none of which are covered in this video. There are some good tips on starts, largely about getting clear air.
I was also hoping to learn more about roll tacking, but we don't get that. We do learn that maintaining boat speed is important and get some information on following puffs. I thought this was good, but would have liked to get more detail in this section. I am getting the idea of seeing ripples and calm spots, but don't have a clear idea of how to move from puff to puff -- how to know (guess?) where the puff is headed, for example. Do you head for where you see the puff or where you think it will be by the time you get there? I'd really love to see a computer model showing how puffs occur and what they look like traveling across a body of water.
All in all, it's worth a look, though for the price I'd like a little more meat. The animation is good, the video helps and the selection of topics is good.

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Get Ready to CROSS OCEANS: Lin & Larry Pardey - Offshore Sailing Part 2 Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, yes, this is a simple home-made production but they do give some very practical and good advice including the beauty and realities of cruising. They do not take you on a romantic voyage with dancing natives under palm trees but they show you how you can make it there for yourself. A worthy DVD for ones collection as you'll want to watch it more than once to take in all the advice which is shown in detail on their own boat and advice of what you can expect at different ports around the world as far as people and supplies go...like how to refill your propane tank when there is no pressure fitting and other such things as you might not have considered. I learned a lot from watching it.

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Now you feel confident with cruising local waters. Before you "start planning to set off across an ocean join Lin and Larry Pardey on board Taleisin in Fremantle, Australia as they demonstrate gear storage for offshore voyaging, dinghy choices, warping out a stern anchor, proper life-raft storage, storm trysails, sail repairs and other valuable hints to help you prepare yurself and your boat. Then voyage along with them on a classic tradewind passage across the Indian Ocean toward Africa, with stops at Cocos (Keeling) Atoll, the quiet island of Rodriques, and the remote French colony at Reunion. Weather planning, landfall considerations, windvanes, sail choices and crew comfort are only a few of the subjects covered. Shot in Fremantle, Australia; at sea during their Indian Ocean passage; near their home in New Zealand; and on board 114 year old Thelma, the classic racing yacht they restored, this DVD incorpoartes the best ideas from their highly praised videos; voyaging: Hints for Upgrading your Cruising Boat, and Cruising Coral Seas.Completely re-edited and re-mastered, this program is supplemented with new information and ideas from these master voyagers who now have more than 185,000 miles under their belts, including a contrary-to-the-wind rounding of the four great southern capes.Join the Pardeys and learn some of the secrets that, even after forty years afloat make them eager to keep cruising...äs long as its fun!

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The Incredible Tristan Jones Review

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(More customer reviews)It's a shame that there were not more videos or movies of Tristan's life and adventures. I have read all of his books, and the video was a nice addition to my knowledge of him and his personality (what you see is what you get).
A must-see for Tristan fans.

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NEW REVIED EDITION! New, rare photos and footage of Tristan.Tristan Jones is the author of 18 books on his sailing adventures such as The Incredible Voyage, ICE!, Adrift, Saga of a Wayward Sailor, and To Venture Further. His books recount his incredible adventures sailing from the Arctic to the Amazon and through treacherous river passages. He also survived tremendous personal hardships in order to continue his writing.This rare encounter with Tristan succeeds in capturing the fascinating personality and soul of the man behind the pen. Every bit as exciting as his adventures, Tristan stands as one of the world's greatest "old salts." "An extraordinary exponent of living, with courage, on the edge."This riveting video is loaded with Tristan's adventures, humor, opinions and yarns. He talks of a dangerous encounter with a whale, smuggling, trimarans, sailing alone, other famous sailors and on being disabled.Tristan died at the age of 71 in June,1995. He rarely ever appeared on camera., but he felt that this video portrayed him honestly and was" a classic." Recorded on location at the Lion's Head pub in New York City's Greenwich Village.This new revised edition now has new scenes and never-before-seen photos and footage of Tristan. Also, just released the new Tristan Jones: The Psychology of Adventure.Running Time 60 minutes.

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Around Alone with Dodge Morgan, First American to Sail Solo, Non-stop Around the World Review

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(More customer reviews)Around Alone presents a realistic veiw of a solo sail. Good inside look at what it takes to sail around the world.

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"I believe that it's our duty to reach as far as we can reach, to extend the edge of our capabilities in some way no matter the cost." Dodge Morgan
The inspiring adventure story of Dodge Morgan, the first American to sail solo, non-stop around the world. Morgan, a successful businessman, had made a promise to himself. One day he would attempt what few others have dared: to sail around the world without stopping and alone. Using automatic cameras, he films his own at-sea journey aboard his specially designed boat, American Promise.
The viewer is his only confidante as he confronts his fears and copes with loneliness, gear failures, fierce gales, the mountainous seas of the Southern Ocean, the frustrating days of no wind and no progress. Totally isolated and dependent on himself for survival, he is forced to find new emotional strength to persevere.
Dodge Morgan's determination brings him home victorious after 150 days at sea, shattering previous records for solo circumnavigation.
As seen on PBS Adventure.
Running time: 58 minutes. Produced by: The New Film Company, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
For private, home use only. Educational and group rights must be obtained from The New Film Company, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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Storm Tactics - Cape Horn Tested Review

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(More customer reviews)The Pardeys are awesome and inspirational, especially to small boat sailors. In this day of big, high tech yachts, they remind us that 15 years ago, a 30ft cutter was way more than anyone needed. And the Sea hasn't been the one changing.
This video was advertised on the Pardey website as having footage of their 29ft yacht rounding Cape Horn in extreme conditions, safely and competently, east to west. The DVD however, fails to show more than a few brief seconds of intermittent sea time and leaves the route and journey, in Lin & Larry's memories alone. It does show the deployment and theoretical use of a para-anchor along with a good review of hove-to principals. Both of which are done in what appears to be a windy lake or at the dock. Yep, much of the film is at a dock or inside their boat via monologue. Their yacht is beautifully shown shouldering through some swell, chop, and a fresh breeze, but as to rounding the Horn the wrong way against even 20ft seas and 60kt winds, that film has yet to be made.
I'll keep the video and my para-anchor, but $15 would have been much more appropriate from the authors of "The Cost Conscious Cruiser" for so little content.

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The Pardeys have been called the "enablers" Their books and videos have encourage sailors of all ages to stop dreaming and start doing Now they take you well out to sea and demonstrate methods to help you bring your boat and crew safely through storms with your gear and dreams intact. Join them near South Africa's windswept Cape of Storms to watch a live demonstration of setting and retrieving a para-anchor, then sail on board Taleisin during Lin and Larry's voyages across the Atlantic, through the windswept waters off Cape Horn as they round contrary to the wind and use the storm management methods they share here. You will see their storm sails set and working in winds of 70 knots. The Pardey's use this visually explicit medium to demonstrate the technical details of storm tactics for both modern and classic boats, and they show how you can adapt their ideas for your own use.

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