White Squall (1996)

The film is based on the fate of the brigantine Albatross, which sank 2 May 1961, allegedly because of a white squall. The film relates the ill-fated school sailing trip led by Dr. Christopher B. Sheldon, whom the boys call “Skipper”. He is tough and teaches them discipline. He forms a close connection with all-American Chuck Gieg, troubled rich kid Frank Beaumont, shy Gil Martin and bad-boy Dean Preston. On the first days, it is discovered that one of the student crew members, Gil Martin, suffers from acrophobia and does not even try to rescue Chuck, who nearly chokes to death when he becomes entangled in some rigging after slipping from one of the masts. After Chuck is saved by Skipper Sheldon, Gil is ordered to climb the ropes, which he ultimately cannot do, and is assigned to alternative limited duty while on board.

Frank’s snobby attitude causes him to bump heads with most of the boys, especially Dean, while Gil opens up to Chuck about his troubled home life one night in their bunks, which Frank listens to and identifies with it as well. After many misadventures on land and on the boat, the boys begin to take Skipper’s teachings seriously and begin acting like real shipmates, with Chuck, Frank, Gil and Dean becoming strong friends. Eventually, the brigantine puts into shore and the boys take their leave on the island. Frank’s wealthy father and mother give him a surprise visit while the crew is in port. Frank is upset that the visit seems poorly timed by his overbearing parents, and he becomes separated from the boys and their festivities when his parents require him to go out to “steak dinner” with them.