The Boat That Ian Built(1974)

Captures the highlights of the weekend in July of 2000 when 80 of the world's tall ships arrived in Halifax Harbour before the start of the race back across the Atlantic Ocean for a trans-Atlantic race.

This Sportscope short focuses on sailboat racing in Bermuda.

When an alien visitor discovers it can communicate with Earth’s oceans, it becomes the only intermediary between humanity and a vast marine intelligence whose patience with the human race is running out. Part survey, part discovery, the film explores a stretch of the wilderness that has largely slipped through the cracks of human attention, and in some places, bears the marks of human failure. The alien encounters a force both beautiful and terrifying, a voice as old as the planet itself, carrying memories, warnings and a power beyond human control. The film is a parable about nature on Earth by establishing an unidentified alien as interacting with the planet. By way of subtle messages the sea warns the alien that the existence of the planet is at stake. The alien discovers a controlling city but does not interfere with it and hopes that the sea will find a way to survive.

Cameras follow Irish solo sailor Tom Dolan as he attempts to sail single-handed around the island of Ireland, which is one of the toughest feats in sailing.

This Sportscope series entry highlights sailboat races in Holland.

Shipyard is a landmark documentary covering the creation and life of Bellingham, Washington's wooden boat shipyard, which was built in response to the Axis threat of WWII, it's continued growth through the '50's and '60's, as well as it's innovative role in the development and production of fiberglass boats, including patrol riverboats for the Vietnam war.

In this spectacular real-life adventure, a small team of Argentinean mariners sets sail for Antarctica in a custom-built sailboat. But to get there they and their vessel will have to brave the treacherous Drake Passage, one of the most dangerous bodies of water on Earth.

The story of the 2008/2009 Vendée Globe race. 30 skippers embark on a quest to be the fastest to sail 27000 miles around the world, non stop, without assistance and alone on 60 foot sailboats. This is one of the most extreme challenges a human being can face. The sailors are alone at sea for months and physical and emotional strength are essential. Growlers (Icebergs), sea mammals, and massive waves are a constant danger. On any day the forces of nature can bring an end to the best sailor's well made plans. They harness the wind, hope for safe passage over the sea and push hard to win. They are a testament to the audacity of the human spirit.