Sea Gypsies: The Far Side of the World

It takes an ocean for the picaresque band of nomads introduced in this documentary by filmmaker Nico Edwards. Nonconformists all, the men of the Infinity—a 120-foot, handmade sailboat—spend their young lives seafaring, going where they will and constantly tinkering with their vessel to keep it afloat. Edwards joins the crew for an epic 8,000 mile journey from New Zealand to Patagonia, with a stop in Antarctica just for fun. And, no, the Infinity is not outfitted to sail through ice, but risk is a part of the psychological makeup of the well-lubricated rogues here. Edwards captures the haunting beauty of the Infinity's approach to the ice continent, as well as efforts to avoid icebergs and survive an ice hurricane. A thrilling chapter finds the crew hosting members of the environmental group Sea Shepherd, hatching a plot for the Infinity to act as a decoy to throw off a Japanese whaler (the ruse works). When Edwards isn't shooting breathtaking action or crew members improvising repairs, he's busy hanging out with the guys as they drink and sing (badly) old sailor songs. A rousing true-life adventure, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)