Women & the Wind

After over a year of rebuilding an old boat, and a month of waiting for wind, three women raised anchor and set sail from North Carolina with their compass pointing east. Their mission was simple: to follow the movement of plastic pollution along the Gulf Stream to Europe. As they departed, however, it became apparent that the journey would encompass so much more.

Since 2018, Kiana had sailed Mara Noka solo and knew ocean passages well. Lærke and Alizé, however, had little sailing experience and had never crossed the Atlantic. As land disappeared, the three women felt a growing unity with one another, the boat, and the sea. The first two weeks brought both adventure and unexpected introspection. After four calm days drifting through plastic-littered waters, they faced three fierce low-pressure systems: 10–20 ft seas, torn sails, wet beds, relentless rain, and no sun. Alizé was seasick throughout, unable to keep down food or water, yet continued filming. Some days they left the cabin only to use the toilet or be sprayed by waves rather than endure the damp, airless interior. When the weather finally cleared, the voyage became one of reflection and connection. After outer storms and inner tempests, sunlight restored calm, and laughter replaced the howl of wind. Thirty days at sea—guided only by night, day, and each other—followed an ancient rhythm: rest, eat, fish, survive, enjoy, wait. Then the island of Flores appeared. Reaching land proved hardest of all, as none wanted to release the bond they had formed. Returning to civilization reminded them why they sailed: to reveal humanity’s impact on the ocean and share the voyage’s emotions and lessons through a powerful visual experience.

TAGS: sailing, oceans, adventure, human condition, survival, plastics