Film review: Deep Water *****

matnoo

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I think anyone who sails would benafit from seeing this. The psychological effects of single handed sailing on all the contenders is explored, predominantly crowhurst. He must have felt more alone than any man has ever felt.

The part where tetleys boat broke didnt mention that it was due to pushing too much to beat crowhursts fictional position. I think it should have been given more detail, as what happened to tetley was equally as moving as he could have easily have won the fastest time if it werent for trying to beat in impossibly quick crowhurst.

It is presented in an excellent informative way, the editing of the witness statements is concise but not lacking detail.

Id recommend seeing it to anyone. By far the most moving film ive ever seen.

Mat
 

boatmike

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I do really think that is is time the world forgot poor sad Donald Crowhurst and let his relatives have some peace.
 

l'escargot

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I don't think his relatives agree with you, they contributed to the film and gave interviews.

I thought the film contributed to a greater understanding of events by use of news footage which gave a better feel of contemporary attitudes to single handed sailing at that time - the general populace were excited by it and the race was a significant news item.

To begin to understand the man though you should also read "The Strange Voyage of Donald Crowhurst" and "A Voyage for Madmen" which gives a broader picture of the race.
 

CPD

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I completely agree with L'escargot. Have just read A Voyaeg for madmen and also seen the film. What we very quickly forget is that within (probably most of ) our lifetimes, we have gone from not knowing if it was possible to sail round the world, to sailing round the world non-stop, to doing it in less than 80 days, all solo. Seeing RKJ on stage with Ellen McC after she had completed her journey is a moment I will never forget. The Golden Globe competitors were all, to me at least, utter heroes, including Crowhurst. He tried to do it differently, and failed, and we all know what happened to him. But he was a hero, he tried, and for that, he demands out utter respect. Yes, some were after glory, and some perhaps an eye to the winnings (dont forget that RKJ gave the 5k to the Crowhurst family), but these men should never be forgotten, not least Crowhurst.

It is an excellent film and yes, should be watched by all solo'ers.

Can you tell I am a (mostly) solo sailor with strong feelings !
 

[10753]

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Despite his failings Donald Crowhurst was a genius. I used to have one of his RDF's and what a piece of kit that was !

He may not have ultimately succeeded but he has left us with one hell of story that will live on forever.
 

tome

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Have to agree with you

Read The Strange Voyage several times - it's quite a compelling insight into a disturbed man, starting with his upbringing in India where his mother (always wanted a girl) dressed him as a daughter and his father sat by smoking his pipe. For me, this was the start of the massive insecurity which was evident in his formative years and into the voyage itself

I've also read A Voyage for Madmen. Have fiddled with one of his Navicator RDF sets many moons ago which was ok-ish

But to describe him as either a hero or a genius is a step too far for me
 
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