Watch Following Seas

Following Seas is a 2016 documentary film directed by Tyler J. Kelley and Araby Williams which tells the story of Bob Griffith and his family's incredible sailing adventures over the course of several decades. The film opens with stunning shots of the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, where Bob and his wife, Bobbie, lived on their sailboat with their four children. From there, we see footage of the family's travels all over the world, including trips to Alaska, Australia, and Polynesia. Bob narrates the film, giving insight into his motivations for sailing and expressing his love for the ocean.

As the story unfolds, we learn that Bob and Bobbie had always been drawn to life on the water. They purchased a small sailboat in the late 1960s and began to hone their skills as sailors. In the 1970s, they made the decision to quit their jobs and set off on a journey that would last for several years. Along the way, they had two more children and encountered many challenges, both on the water and off.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the film is the way that Bob and his family maintained their sense of adventure and optimism even in the face of adversity. They encountered storms, theft, and illness, but always managed to find a way to keep moving forward. Bob credits his wife with teaching their children to be resilient and resourceful, qualities that have served them well in life.

Despite the many difficulties they faced, the Griffith family never lost sight of the beauty of the natural world around them. They marveled at the vast expanse of the ocean, the majesty of whales, and the intricacy of coral reefs. The film is filled with breathtaking footage of the sea and the creatures that live there, making it a treat for nature-lovers as well as sailing enthusiasts.

Throughout the movie, we also get glimpses into the personal lives of the Griffiths. They talk candidly about their relationships with each other and their children, as well as their individual struggles with depression and other mental health issues. These moments of vulnerability add depth and humanity to the story, making it more relatable and emotionally resonant.

Along with Bob's narration, the film incorporates interviews with family members and friends, as well as archival footage from their early sailing adventures. We get to see the family grow and change over the years, as their children become adults and begin to forge their own paths. There are moments of humor, like when Bob recalls mistakenly picking up a hitchhiking serial killer, as well as moments of sadness, like when he reflects on the loss of his wife to cancer.

Overall, Following Seas is a poignant, inspiring, and visually stunning film that celebrates the human spirit of adventure and the beauty of the natural world. It is a must-see for anyone who loves sailing, nature photography, or inspiring stories of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Following Seas is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.