Library to show documentary on all-female sailboat crew

The Fairfield Public Library will show a free film at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, 2019. Doors open at 7 p.m.

This documentary film is about the first all-woman sailboat crew to compete in the Whitbread Round the World Race. In 1989, the very idea of a competitive all-female crew was nearly inconceivable to the manly world of open-ocean yacht racing.

The 26-year-old skipper, her second-hand racing yacht, and her seasoned crew not only were the first all-woman challenge to the Whitbread, they proved able competitors in the famously grueling race, besting male crews in their class. By the time they returned to their starting point at Southampton, England after 32,000 miles of global racing, they had shocked, inspired, and transfixed the sailing world and the British nation.

This story of a defiant run at Whitbread has all the elements of an epic adventure tale . . . 50-foot waves, life-and-death drama, near-mutiny, and thrilling victory. The female crew pioneered the sport of long-distance racing for all women who followed, and inspired women in all fields to prove themselves the equal of men. The film is rated PG and lasts one hour and 37 minutes. Donations for organic popcorn help to renew the library's movie license.