The Incredible Voyage of Bill Pinkney

The 1994 documentary The Incredible Voyage of Bill Pinkney is a mixed blessing in terms of quality vs. nobility of purpose. As a film it's semi-professional at best, with truly awful music on the soundtrack, a combination of raw home video and rudimentary videography, and a general tone of motivational optimism from narrator Bill Cosby that is syrupy thick. On the other hand, this documentary about Bill Pinkney, the first African American to complete a solo circumnavigation of the Earth, is specifically meant to promote Pinkney's inspirational message to children that they can fulfill their dreams with hard work and focused determination. Pinkney, whose journey encompassed 22 months (from August 1990 to June 1992, with port stops and breaks for winter and maintenance) and 27,000 miles, transmitted his adventures via satellite to participating classrooms in Boston and Pinkney's native Chicago. A celebrated makeup artist by trade, Pinkney set out on the sailboat Commitment, traveling from Boston to Bermuda, and on to Salvador, Brazil, South Africa, Tasmania, and Uruguay, before returning to Boston. Offering a riveting lesson in the challenges of ocean sailing, the film sometimes finds Pinkney huddled in his galley while gale force winds buffet his sailboat on the open sea, but ultimately his journey teaches viewers about preparedness, dedication, and perseverance amidst daunting challenges and occasional self-doubt. Recommended, overall. Aud: I, J, P. (J. Shannon)