This is undoubtedly interesting to anyone involved with sailing, however I wonder if it tells the real story. It is rather unbelievable that the US and Australian teams made such gross mistakes such as hitting a buoy or tearing each other spinnaker. It would be curious to know if these "details" have been added for sake of suspense and movie making. In addition, I find excessive the emphasis given to the American proud ("we are the best in the world and can overcome anything"). Humbleness does not seem to belong to the American team dictionary. Perhaps is this how one should be to win the America's Cup?
Despite its cheesy, Hollywood take on the America's Cup and its retelling of Dennis Conner's adventures 'on-the-other-side-of-the-pizza' this movie is not only beautiful eye-candy but more importantly it is exactly what they say in the movie: it's good, clean fun. If you're trying to get friends and family interested in taking a sail, this is one of the best tools to get the blood following yup, there are a lot of yachts, but there is the scene with the 14s. Enough excitement to dispel the idea of sailing as a laid-back sport. For the AC die-hards, its a chance to see the 12-meters in action once again, to hear the legendary PJ Montgomery comment on the races and read the tech/advisory credits which reads like an AC who's who list. So it isn't "real" or even possible (the 'whumper' is what kills it for some) but after all, you're looking at a movie. Enjoy it for what it is and appreciate the fact that this movie is the product of a love of sailing!
Overall rating: 7 out of 10.
Despite its cheesy, Hollywood take on the America's Cup and its retelling of Dennis Conner's adventures 'on-the-other-side-of-the-pizza' this movie is not only beautiful eye-candy but more importantly it is exactly what they say in the movie: it's good, clean fun. If you're trying to get friends and family interested in taking a sail, this is one of the best tools to get the blood following yup, there are a lot of yachts, but there is the scene with the 14s. Enough excitement to dispel the idea of sailing as a laid-back sport. For the AC die-hards, its a chance to see the 12-meters in action once again, to hear the legendary PJ Montgomery comment on the races and read the tech/advisory credits which reads like an AC who's who list. So it isn't "real" or even possible (the 'whumper' is what kills it for some) but after all, you're looking at a movie. Enjoy it for what it is and appreciate the fact that this movie is the product of a love of sailing!
Overall rating: 7 out of 10.