In the Heart of the Sea

http://youtu.be/vWU5qvGEKZM

‘In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, and an almost human sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster would inspire Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. But that told only half the story.

‘In the Heart of the Sea reveals the encounter’s harrowing aftermath, as the ship’s surviving crew is pushed to their limits and forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive. Braving storms, starvation, panic and despair, the men will call into question their deepest beliefs, from the value of their lives to the morality of their trade, as their captain searches for direction on the open sea and his first mate still seeks to bring the great whale down.’

Well, it’ll be fun – but no doubt it will also feature pretty young people, and some serious dollops of the schmaltz Hollywood uses to sell films to the youngsters that buy most of the tickets. But at least the story of the Essex is not being forgotten.

Sea songs from Sails, Whales and Whiskey

Sails, Whales and Whiskey

Fancy getting all maritime as you huddle over your computer? You could do worse than download and play back Waiheke Radio’s weekly programme Sails, Whales and Whiskey.

Despite its hokey name, the New Zealand radio programme has the good taste to include some good singers of sea songs – last weeks playlist included Ewan McColl, Bert Lloyd, Seamus Ennis, The Shanty Crew and others.

Thanks to Chris Brady for pointing this one out.