The legendary Eric Tabarly was a Gallic naval officer who set a remarkable string of speed and distance records in his sailing boats, each of which he christened Pen Duick. This stunning documentary charts Tabarly’s incredible life journey and his tragic disappearance on his way to a Regatta in Fife.

Tabarly shot to fame in France and ultimately became Europe’s most influential sailor of the 20th Century. The film follows Tabarly sailing aboard various Pen Duicks through various world championships highlighting his remarkable resilience and charisma despite the harsh realities of solo sailing on an often rough and unforgiving sea.

With stunning cinematography including thrilling shots of waves washing over the boat during storms, and a new score from Yann Tierson (Amelie), Tabarly is not only the story of a sailor but of one mans obsession to rule the seas.

Director Pierre Marcel will present the film at DCA and take part in a Q&A session for the opening night of the French Film Festival. Himself a professional sailor, Marcel started shooting film as an amateur, making a short film for the Eric Tabarly Association. This film eventually earned him the assignment to edit this full leangth Tabarly film.

"Undoubtedly the biggest and strongest line-up for a while, this year's French Film Festival UK selection is a feast of ancient and modern." - The List