Ep 8. Ted Turner's Greatest Race

In season 3 episode 8 of 30 for 30 Shorts titled "Ted Turner's Greatest Race," director George Butler explores media mogul and entrepreneur Ted Turner's passion for sailing and his journey to win the America's Cup.

The episode begins by introducing Ted Turner and his love for competitive sailing. We see archival footage of Turner racing in various regattas and hear from Turner and his peers about his intense drive to win. Turner's desire to compete at the highest level leads him to set his sights on the America's Cup, the oldest and most prestigious sailing race in the world.

To achieve his goal, Turner buys the America's Cup winner, a boat called Courageous, and assembles a team of experienced sailors to compete in the 1977 America's Cup. However, Turner's team is not favored to win, and he faces skepticism from his peers in the sailing world. Despite these obstacles, Turner is determined to succeed, and he and his team work tirelessly to make Courageous the fastest boat on the water.

As the episode progresses, viewers witness the intense battles between Courageous and her competitors, as well as the grueling conditions the sailors faced during the races. Butler masterfully captures the excitement and tension of the races, building to a thrilling climax as Turner and his team fight to capture the America's Cup.

Throughout the episode, Butler also delves into Turner's larger-than-life personality and his impact on the media landscape. Turner's bold and innovative ideas revolutionized cable television and the news industry, and his passion for sailing was just one aspect of his adventurous and unorthodox personality.

"Ted Turner's Greatest Race" is a compelling and well-crafted portrait of one man's determination to achieve greatness, both on the water and in his professional life. With stunning visuals and insightful interviews, this episode of 30 for 30 Shorts is sure to captivate viewers and leave them in awe of Turner's incredible accomplishment.