Wind

Director: Carroll Ballard (1992)

Cast: Matthew Modine, Jennifer Grey, Ciff Robertson

A funny thing happened in the mid 1970's, this flamboyant entrepreneur from Atlanta Georgia named Ted Turner turned the sailing world on its ear by winning The America's Cup with  his boat Courageous in 1977.

Turner’s victory invigorated the competitive yachting world to new heights. in 1992 and eventually this story of lifelong friends Will Parker and Kate Bass played by Matthew Modiine and Jennifer Grey.  Will is the first mate to Captain Morgan Welds (played  by former Oscar winner Cliff Robertson)Yacht defending the America's Cup against an Australian boat and lose the cup for the first time ever. Will is in shock, Captain Weld is decimated and the Ausralians have bragging rights for 4 years.During this time Welds somewhat looney daughter Abigail, played by  Rebecca Miller,creates a new syndicate to build a better boat designed by Kate's boyfriend Joe Heiser, played by Stellen Skarsgard and with Will as the Captain. 3 years later the new boat and the new team are in Australia trying to get the America's Cup back. How do you think it turns out?

Fun Facts: Director Carrol Ballard started his career as a cinematographer for Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas. He got his directorial break in 1979 with "The Black Stallion". When he was given the reins for "Wind" he reached out to Coppola who agreed to be the executive producer of the film and his whole staff came to help their old friend.