A film by Louise Osmond and Jerry Rothwell. Unrated. Plays Friday to Wednesday, December 14 to 19, at the Vancity Theatre

Deep Water is a heart-wrenching documentary on the first solo, nonstop, around-the-world boat race. The unprecedented test of endurance–which kicked off in 1968 and featured a cash prize sponsored by London's Sunday Times–sparked a bleak chain of events skillfully mapped out by codirectors Louise Osmond and Jerry Rothwell. Nautical types expecting rousing tales of derring-do should prepare themselves for some rough emotional waters. Think Joseph Conrad in a sailboat.

Of the nine international contestants in the race, the film chooses to focus on England's Donald Crowhurst, a young family man who sees competing in the gruelling race as a way of redeeming his crushing lack of professional success. He's the least experienced of the competitors by far. Still, his boyish charm makes him a favourite with Fleet Street reporters. Soon, Crowhurst's conviction that his state-of-the art vessel can win the race is getting major play in the British media.

The directors make excellent use of original archival footage from TV and newsreels. From the start, Crowhurst seems like a man intent on hiding an innate sense of psychological frailty. Behind the scenes, the financially strapped dreamer is an emotional wreck. His investors require him to finish the 10-month solo race at all costs. If he returns for any reason before circling the globe, he's contractually obligated to buy the boat from them. With a wife and four children depending on him, turning back at any point would mean financial ruin.

What follows is Crowhurst's strange metamorphosis from shy idealist to an eerily unstable man who'll resort to anything to stay in the race. Utilizing interviews with everyone from fellow competitors to family members–as well as the on-board journals, film footage, and tape recordings that Crowhurst employed to chronicle his voyage–the filmmakers provide a harrowing record of his descent into the heart of darkness. To reveal much more would spoil the impact of the film. Let's just say that you'll come away knowing just how unforgiving the sea can be.