Nico is a Californian "stowaway" who was bored on land and decided to take to the sea in search of adventure and the unknown. After reading an advertisement for a job as a sailor, he found himself a year aboard the Infinity, a 37-metre custom-built sailboat, which has been sailing the Pacific for 10 years, in the hands of the German captain Clemens, known as "Clem", and his girlfriend Sage, originally from Wyoming.
Captain Clemens
With his gang - who live on board most of the time - this "old" sea wolf, who raised his four children on board his sailboat, will travel 13,000 km between New Zealand and Patagonia, passing through Antarctica. A trip for "fun", not especially well prepared, but eagerly desired.
The course
It is through Nico's "eyes" that we share the journey, between New Zealand and Patagonia, of a dozen sea nomads, in search of thrills, in rebellion against the system and rules and above all in a vital search for freedom. A large community - almost a family as they say themselves - where each crew member has a defined role and actively participates in the life on board. Thus we find Dom, a French welder, Andy, a Scottish professional navigator, Davie Bowie, a Canadian electrician/puppeteer and Ayack, a French sailing expert.
Ayack, in the middle of sewing
From New Zealand - where the crew is preparing for the voyage with their small means, but above all their great excitement - to the icy shores of Antarctica - where the men will face a force 12 storm in the Ross Sea and help Sea Shepherd fight the whalers - then on arrival in Patagonia, we share the daily life of these men, who are living their dream, without worrying about death or fear.
In the Deep South
"Infinity provides the opportunity to experience a reality that is completely different from the norms imposed by society. It's chaos, but also something unique and extraordinary. It's a unique ship, a community where we take care of each other. It's a place where we're based on the human."
Force 12 storm in the Ross Sea
They will have to juggle with engine breakdowns, lack of heating, icy water and air, torn sails, seasickness, fatigue, icebergs - in number - and a cartography that is not always up to date. But always in a good mood and positivism. A great life lesson for "change the way we look at things and approach life, put things into perspective, like sunsets and sunrises on the horizon, the stars and the vastness of the ocean, a gigantic, uninterrupted playground"
Ice is everywhere on board
A video logbook, punctuated by quotes from more or less well-known sailors, precisely chosen soundtracks, accelerated sequences and beautiful images, in which one easily immerses oneself, projected alongside these "eccentrics" who are living a senseless voyage of exploration, just for fun, motivated by this thirst for freedom, for the refusal of authority. Who take advantage of the present moment and sail on impulse, without insurance or permission and with a minimum budget. A mixture of alcohol, humour, courage, sweat, fear, songs on board... Infinity is nothing like the other boats leaving for Antarctica. It is neither sponsored nor reinforced against the ice and has no precise objective... Just a great desire to discover, to explore, without really taking into account the danger..
"Adventure is the pursuit of astonishment and the natural world is vast and inspiring. It reminds us that we are small and insignificant, yet connected to something much bigger and more important than ourselves. Although this portion of the journey is over, I know that as soon as I can, I will return to take my place in front of the Infinity's mast. Because before we become interstellar explorers, in the vastness of space, there are few unknown places left on the charts to satisfy our insatiable adventurous souls."
In the middle of the ocean, lost between the waves
The film "Sea Gypsies: from the other side of the world" is now available for rental and sale in France and won the audience's "Coup de Coeur" award at the Banff Festival's French tour. Discover it on Viméo.
