We just watched this on satellite and were absorbed with this remarkable tale. Australian Jesse Martin sets out at the age of 17 to become the youngest person to sail around the world unassisted. This short documentary features actual video taken by Jesse as well as interviews spliced in at appropriate times to draw the story together. Jesse showed uncommon poise and wisdom in tackling this journey, but it was not a cake-walk. Jesse had email and a satellite phone to keep in contact. Imagine what it was like when he lost power and communications for three days. There are moments of great beauty (dolphins, whales, Cape Horn, etc.), tedium (no wind), and humor (Jesse playing the guitar and singing, sounding a lot like Tim Robbins in "Bull Durham"). There are plenty of moments that show the power of the ocean and the challenge of sailing around the world alone in a small boat. There is also a gut-wrenching scene when he was being battered severely by storms, enduring several knock-downs, becoming completely soaked, cold and shivering uncontrollably. It was clear that Jesse knew he was facing death and he has a complete break-down caught by the camera on the boat. It is an unforgettable moment. It made his triumphal return to Australia, greeted by 25,000 people, all the sweeter.
This is a very inspirational story. Highly recommended.
This is a very inspirational story. Highly recommended.