The Old Man and the Sea: Return to Cuba (Feature - Full Movie)

Winner of the Key West Film Festival. Sailing Documentary of the Year.
His family fled Cuba when Castro took over. Now, after 50 years, master sailor Finbar Gittelman returns to Havana for the first time to see what is left of his former home. Sailing to Cuba on his beloved Topsail Schooner "WOLF", Captain Finbar tells stories of his life on the open sea, battling hurricanes, and facing off with the Cuban military during the Mariel Boat Lift.
Filmed in Key West, the Florida Straits and in various locations in Cuba, this documentary is filled with exceptional vistas as well as original Cuban Music and newly recorded sea shanties made especially for this film.
If you wish to support WOLF and Admiral Finbar in their further adventures bringing relief to the Bahamas, you can donate through their website: flagshipwolf.org/
Soundtrack is available for streaming on itunes, amazon, spotify and all streaming services as well as for purchase at: danielward.net...
Subtitles in numerous languages. If you don't see your language in the Captioning files, please contact us and we'll add it.
Film ©2018 by Matt Dean Films, Score and Music ©2018 by Matt Dean Films, Daniel Ward and César Beauvallet.
For More information on sailing with Captain Finbar and WOLF - Visit: schoonerwolf.com, / schooner-wolf-key-west... , - or email [e-mail] . Private charters and sunset sails available. #documentary #sailing #cuba #travel #boat #keywest #conchrepublic #caribbean #ocean #danielward #mattdeanfilms #schooner

[@barnieboyd7959]

What a wonderful documentary. I am a 72 year old female and still have dreams of sailing the sea. I have had several sail boats over the years but the furthest I have gone is just over 50 miles. I long to do a journey such as this and this film has really inspired me knowing it's never to late. Thank you so very much.

[@realmattdean]

Hi Barnie! As long as you're alive - really is never too late! Finbar use to sail with a crew of mainly women and the women I sailed with down in Key West were some of the TOUGHEST sailors you could ever meet. There are so many wonderful places to sail and if you can find a good crew to be part of, then you don't have to do it on your own. I encourage you to look for local sailing groups or one of the many teams who sail internationally either for education or shipping. SO many opportunities await you!! Fair winds and following seas to you and I hope to see you out on the open water some day!

[@crocodilefarmer]

I wish if I'll be THERE with you 26 years old Young Youth from Bangladesh 🇧🇩

[@realmattdean]

@@crocodilefarmer perhaps you can go with us sometime! You're at a perfect age to go exploring the world. There is so much to do and see. Hope to see you out on the water soon!

[@zwergje1096]

Summer 2020 I met an Australian of 80 years old sailing the world in his 15 m self build catamaran. Very inspiring!

[@realmattdean]

@@zwergje1096 very inspiring indeed!!!

[@iansmith1556]

A wonderfully produced documentary. Finbar is the very essence of an old, wise sea dog. I’m approaching 84 and unfortunately gave up sailing years ago. My last trip was a 500 mile singlehanded sail on a Wharram Pahi catamaran. Etched in my memory. This brought it all back and I was welling up with emotion. Thank you.

[@realmattdean]

So glad you enjoyed it! Too many people don't get to have experience like we do. It's so important to share those memories and pass on the love of sailing and the ocean. thank you!

[@robertarnold1449]

I just turned 90 years old, and this made me realize how blessed I am still alive and well.; God Bless and thank you!

[@realmattdean]

Hello Robert! Wow, thank you for the kind words. We hoped to inspire people with this story and I'm so glad we found you and you found us! I'm glad you're alive and sharing this with us. Have a blessed week. Fair winds and following seas my friend!

[@CubanoAmericano2008]

I’m Cuban I can’t cry anymore I promise myself but this film made me feel happy and sad because I leave Cuban 20 years ago and come Back just to see my mother and friends but recently in February I lost my lovely mother I don’t know if I can come back again

[@realmattdean]

@@CubanoAmericano2008 I'm so sorry for you loss. It's been so hard for those who still have family in Cuba. Hopefully things will change soon. Fair Winds to you my friend.

[@brianbelton3605]

my dad will be 102 next month Gonna try to get him on a catamaran tomorrow! wish us luck.. . . .

[@realmattdean]

@@brianbelton3605 Did you get him on the boat??! I hope it went well!

[@dominikz.1376]

Finnebar is my uncle and I am so glad you posted this documentary. God bless, so glad to hear he is doing well and I will be calling him shortly

[@realmattdean]

Yes - please do reach out to him. It's been a tough winter. I'm sure he'd be glad to hear from you. - Matt

[@captpeady2176]

As a Captain, this movie checks all the boxes, and could be a documentary of my life. You really put your back into this film.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you Capt Peady! Very kind of you. There's nothing like spending your days and nights sail is there?! Hope to see you out on the open water someday. Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@dontask448]

As a Canadian I fell in love with Havana and have been back 7 times. Forget Veradero, Havana is an amazing, historic adventure.

[@realmattdean]

Veradero was built specifically as a tourist town and when we were there, it was terribly quiet. No real night life or markets or things to see. The beaches were however AMAZING. You are correct - Havana is the best place to start.

[@jorgelongoria1098]

Unless you’re Cuban of course

[@grahambaker1736]

Superb documentary, I felt Finbar listening to every creek and sound of his vessel Wolf. Having been at sea and eventually sailing my own wooden clinker built ketch, your mind is always tuned to your boat and her well being as well as that of your crew. One crew member of mine whilst at the wheel, I asked "hows your head" to which he replied..it's fine, adding we had a good night out last night,.....I smiled and said the compass head! Now 76 my love of the has endured. This feeling was shown by those aboard "Wolf".Thank you for this excellent Sailing movie!!

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! That is so kind of you to say. The sounds on a sailing vessel are like the strings on the most elegant violin. All of it is music to my ears. Thank you for sharing your story! I love hearing about what sailing means to other people and how it’s affected them. Thank you for joining us and I hope to see you out on the water someday! Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@NothingMaster]

This is far more captivating than anything that Hollywood has ever put out. There is humanity here not fakery.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! We loved bringing these stories to people.

[@NothingMaster]

@@realmattdean: Thank you, for an amazing documentary. 👍🏻

[@delzworld2007]

A superb documentary and worth far, far more views that it has had up to now. The old man, his life and the stories, must make many people realise what they have been missing in theirs.

[@realmattdean]

Thanks Derek. So glad you enjoyed it! You hit it exactly. So many people are finding this film and becoming inspired to get out and do something for themselves. Several over 70's have even bought their first boat after waiting their whole lives to do it. Thanks for helping us get the word out so that more people see the film!

[@user-yl6wt2zh2c]

​@@realmattdeanฝ

[@andreflavell2689]

I live on a classic yacht and this man inspires us to keep living our dreams

[@realmattdean]

Congrats on the Yacht. Life on the sea is AMAZING. Life is too short not to chase your dreams.

[@yannminder6799]

Simply one of the best documentaries I have seen on KZbin for a long time. Nicely put together. Music, sea, salt and adventures. Fair winds Captain.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. If you're interested in listening to the music, it's available on spotify, amazon and I-tunes as well as the composer's website: danielward.net/original-film-score-music

[@beneiseoleinmheart5614]

Beautiful& relaxing 💓❗⛵

[@realmattdean]

@@beneiseoleinmheart5614 Thank you! Very Kind of you!

[@barbraallbritton4222]

I must agree❤❤❤

[@elvisbrando6523]

Better than any silly effects-laden Hollywood movie.. these are the things that truly inspire people. What a great old guy, one would just love to sit with him for hours as you did and listen to his tales. I wish you much success, 'Matt Dean' Films Inc.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you. So very kind of you! I am thrilled that we've been able to inspire people with these stories. A life well lived is what we can hope for.

[@CameronKerrBocher]

Old men and the Sea. Two real constants that remain timeless. Aye.. well done.

[@realmattdean]

Indeed! And the older I get, the more time I want to spend out there amidst the waves. Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@bechkrisalah6416]

I visited Cuba just less than a month ago and revisited it through the eyes of the captain and producer again with an even greater delight. The Captain is such a great story teller ! He got us hooked on every single word he said. Thank you !

[@realmattdean]

So glad you enjoyed it! We hope that more people can visit Cuba like you have. Thank you for your kind words. Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@lloydbrown9327]

Wow that’s a great story! I would love to meet Finbar !!! Very wise, someone you can learn a lot from!! Sail on my friend!!

[@realmattdean]

Thank you. very kind! I hope you can join us out on the open water soon and hear all the stories we couldn't fit into this doc!

[@YojanselArt]

Incredible tribute to this man, the hero of 311 people. Only a wise wolf sailor like him could accomplish such a great feat. Much respect to Finbar Gittelman and Matt Dean

[@realmattdean]

Very kind of you. Thank you for your thoughts and I’m glad you enjoyed the film! He is an inspiration to many people.

[@jordisoler3269]

My brother passed away 6 years ago, he was a sea lover his whole live, sailing every summer in Mallorca crystal waters. He would loved this amazing documentary too. Thanks a lot.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you Jordi, that's very kind of you. I'm sorry for your loss. I'm so glad your brother was able to spend his life sailing. It's such a wonderful way to spend life. There's never enough time to spend with those we love or doing the things we love. I hope we get to see you some day out on the water with us! Fair winds and follow seas to you.

[@Nerd3927]

"Most people think of a ship as an inanimate thing, It is Not. A ship has a spirit. It is the sprit of the people who build her, the spirit of the people who sailed on her. A ship acquires a spirit over the years, and becomes a spiritual being just like a person is." Finbar Gittelman. So True...

[@realmattdean]

It's great getting a chance to listen to the wisdom of old school sailors. So few get that opportunity.

[@scomo532]

A ship will only do one thing by itself - rust.

[@Nerd3927]

@@scomo532 It takes a spiritual being to recognize this phenomenon. Go and volunteer on one of the many projects and reevaluate. Rust is of course the constant battle :-)

[@scomo532]

@@Nerd3927 No need to volunteer on a project to know that rust is not very spiritual. When I was 20 I spent a summah working as an OS on an oil tankah. One of my jobs was busting rust from deck machinery using a pneumatic “bumblebee”, so I know rust inside and out.

[@tropicsandoceans7945]

The night sky views were amazing, the days of ocean skies brought you there and the Cuban vibes weren't bad either.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! Those night skies would have been impossible to capture without Visual Effects just a few years earlier. So glad we got to share those with people!

[@bobtommi2430]

Such a pleasure to see this, an unexpected jewel on KZbin. I hope you are able to get many views; genuine and heartwarming.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you Bryan! Very kind words. I have been thrilled to see so many people finding it and enjoying it these last couple weeks. Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@luismirabet6882]

What a beautiful movie, it brought tears to my eyes I grew up on a beach east of Havana, not returned to Cuba since 2004. Some day everything will change for the good of all.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. We all hope for good things for Cuba. We thought that the events of 2015/ 2016 would lead to better relations and opening the country for the Cuban people. Hopefully, things will change soon.

[@MsMesem]

@@realmattdean I wonder if the regime is enforcing jabs there. I hope not, it is all truly evil.

[@abrelegowany]

So much wisdom from a master sailor. Love it

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! He's a treasure that needed to be shared.

[@mikedevere]

Great storytelling thanks ❤

[@realmattdean]

Thank you!

[@ericlawrenson7866]

A wonderful documentary about an amazing old man and his way of life. Huge respect. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@realmattdean]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I've been thrilled to share his stories with people. I'll be adding even more interviews with him that didn't make it in the film - and Finbar reads the comments on here from time to time so I'm sure he'll be happy to read what you wrote. Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@TermiteUSA]

If I was on voyage with Mitzi I would never want to return to port.

[@Kitiwake]

Older man..90 is old

[@juanmanuelparadacontreras9565]

Todo un emotivo documental sobre un hombre en regresar a una Cuba de tantos recuerdos que tenía desde su infancia, al mejor estilo de un Hemingway. No podía ser de otra manera tan singular aventura en ser acometida por este anciano en cuestión. Saludos y bendiciones desde Venezuela.

[@realmattdean]

¡Estoy tan contenta de que hayas disfrutado de la película! Tenemos tantas lecciones que aprender de personas como Finbar y Hemingway. Bendiciones para ti también. ¡Quizás algún día nos encontremos en mar abierto!

[@raulpendas]

Thank you for your service. You are a great a Captain.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! Finbar is one of a kind. I'm going to try and get him on a live youtube stream someday soon to talk with everyone.

[@iadoreadonai]

Great Film & an Amazing story of a great Sea Captain!…I left Cuba as a child during the revolution 53 years ago and have never returned again.I remember the Hotel Nacional where we used to stay but the boulevards and many buildings are in ruin nowadays .Wonderful film ! ❤

[@realmattdean]

Thank you so much. This story is full of both love and heart ache. So glad that you and your family got out. Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@cesarreyes8150]

Go WOLF...!!!!!!! Great memories, HATS UP FOR YOU....!!!!!!!

[@realmattdean]

Thank you!

[@marilynibanez8893]

Finbar is a wonderful person and a true son of the sea!

[@realmattdean]

Thank you Marilyn. I'll make sure he hear this!

[@jeffreydaniels7519]

Excellent! I have dreamed of Cuba myself and never have been....yet. Big lover of cigars and good rum when I started selling cigars at Dunhill in Chicago back in the late 70's. My father also told me of stories of Havana in the 40's and 50's at the hotel national. I have had dinner with Zino Davidoff and Ramon Cifuentes of the Partagas cigar manufacturer. I also had a few lucky dinner stories in the company of Joe DiMaggio who was a friend of my old man. This man, Finbar is the "Real McCoy"! What an exciting adventure and well documented story, Well Done!

[@realmattdean]

So kind of you! Thank you for sharing your story as well. Sounds like you've had an interesting life! Hopefully you can join us on a future adventure, or even another trip back to Cuba!

[@steini6771]

This documentary was just great. Very well made and heartwarming. Fair winds and safe harbours Captain Gittelman -

[@realmattdean]

Thank you for your kind words! I'm sharing all these comments with Finbar. Hope to see you on the open water someday!

[@WildWoodlandsSW]

Loved the attention the film maker made to capture the stars, was a really nice touch. And the stories were awesome from Captain Finbar. Great stuff 🙂🙏

[@realmattdean]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

[@selverzengin1162]

I super enjoyed your film Matt, thanks.. The captain is a super hero and a real seaman.. His words are so wise and his life is almost epic.. Great work!

[@realmattdean]

Thank you. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! It's been wonderful to get to share his stories with everyone.

[@CaptainAction]

Love It. Rum, woman, and cigars. A man wiser than I once said, "a woman is just a woman but a good cigar is a smoke" Fair wind to you Capt. Finbar and thanks for a great film Matt

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! I hope you can join us for a great cigar sometime!

[@rikirix1]

As a sailor myself and the fact that i was staying in Havana for long periods of time when my father was working there, i appreciated even more the story. Thanx.

[@realmattdean]

So glad you enjoyed the film and have shared in similar circumstances. I hope more people can experience Cuba. Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@Dr.4386]

Stumbled across this after watching the Sailor documentary... What an amazing journey to be a part of. Thanks for sharing

[@realmattdean]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@rickdaniels3471]

WOW I'm honored to be the first to pen a comment here. I'm very surprised. I met this gentleman in Key West yrs.ago one winter. Very interesting fellow with LOTS of stories. It's nice to see him here still with us and doing what he loves. Here's to ya buddy!✌️❤️

[@realmattdean]

Thanks Rick! Glad you liked the film. We love sharing Finbar's story and the world of old school sailing with everyone. Hopefully we can all join him for a sunset sail soon!

[@thinkforyourselfjohn3167]

Beautiful documentary. What an amazing gentleman he always knew what his passion was and followed it ♥️.Thank you for sharing this lovely documentary.

[@realmattdean]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thinkforyourselfjohn3167]

@@realmattdean Very much so ! :-)

[@TAM-gz5tc]

A great man.Content in his life. We should all strive for this.

[@realmattdean]

Agreed! So glad you enjoyed his stories.

[@RichardLWhite]

Well done sir..greatly enjoyed your documentary..fair winds an following seas..to you and yours..and the Wolf and her crews.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you Richard! So glad you enjoyed it. Finbar is grateful that people have enjoyed his stories. Hope to see you out on the open water someday!

[@shamsshams20261]

Admirable captain and excellent documentary. Thank you very much for sharing.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you. So glad you enjoyed it!

[@kf1645]

Fantastically made! A great story about a Real Man! Just like my Father in Law. He happened to be on the last plane out of Cuba during the Revolution, being part of the Film Crew of the "Old Man and the Sea" with Spencer Tracy. This Film shows the populated areas of Cuba. But, to get a real look at Southern Cuba's Reefs and Islands and its wonderful people, a setting that rivals anything in the Caribbean, look up the Sailing Channel "Sailing into Freedom". My two favorite hard scrabble sailers. Thanks again.

[@realmattdean]

Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. And thank you for sharing your story about your father in Law. How fascinating! We will definitely go back and capture more of Cuba one day. We focused mainly on the areas surrounding Finbar's stories, but you're right - there is SO much more to see. We're releasing more of Finbar's interviews on this channel so stay tuned for more!

[@CubanoAmericano2008]

I would like meet the captain any days in my life as soon as possible to give him big hug because is a great person and nice heart using his boat to take out the Cuban to the land of freedom Thank Captain

[@realmattdean]

Thank you, I will let Finbar know. Those were difficult times. We all wish that relations between the US and Cuban could have been better and we are glad for those who could come here for a better life.

[@barbraallbritton4222]

What an amazing man Finbar is. This documentary really is beautiful. Thank you for posting. Blessings and much Aloha to the master sailor and navigator. ❤❤❤

[@gerry45]

Did he ever find Maria

[@realmattdean]

So very glad you enjoyed it! I gave Finbar your regards. He stops in to read these from time to time. :)

[@johnwatson9518]

Simply outstanding! Well done. To be satisfied with one's life, especially in the later years, is as good as it gets. A 1715 Lost Spanish Fleet Sunken Treasure Hunter. Another great film to be made.

[@realmattdean]

Thanks John, so glad you enjoyed it! Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@twinflowerfioretta]

OMG! From the first moment, this film catched my Heart! It is wonderful filmed with amazing views, beautiful music and a stunning story about Life.......this old Captain is so wise with a strong character and i can share his Love for the mystical Ocean 💙💦 I will say a very big Thank you for this great documentary!💝

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! So very kind of you! I hope you get to join us on a sail someday and I wish more people could experience the ocean the way we do! If you're interested in the music - our composer Daniel Ward has it on his website: danielward.net/original-film-score-music as well as on Spotify, itunes and Amazon. Fair winds and following seas to you!!

[@twinflowerfioretta]

@@realmattdean great! and thank you so much for informations, i appreciate it. Fair winds to you and happyness!🎈🙏

[@CubanoAmericano2008]

Thank u for my part too, I’m Cuban I lived here for 20 years I would like meet the captain one day to hug him

[@realmattdean]

@@CubanoAmericano2008 Thank you, I will let Finbar know!

[@georgesboutz8080]

Excellent story and documentary, as well as the photography and the music. Thank you for making this film.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you Georges! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Our composer Daniel Ward did an AMAZING job. We were also so fortunate to have the incredible Cuban musician Cesar Bauvallet create the original Cuban music for us. If you're interested, you can find the music on Daniel's site: danielward.net/original-film-score-music as well as on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon!

[@steveshoemaker6347]

O'My gosh this is so very awesome...l to am a very old man,l loved this movie....Thanks very much....!

[@realmattdean]

Thank you Steve! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. More people need to here the stories of our old men and old women who have lived full and challenging lives. We just uploaded a new video with additional interview footage of Finbar. Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@steveshoemaker6347]

@@realmattdean Thanks....!

[@andrewshaw4401]

Thank you Matt for a great film, which had exactly the right tempo to fit the story. I am a sailor who followed my dream, as has Captain Finbar. Thank you.

[@realmattdean]

So glad you enjoyed it! I wanted to share the sailing life with those who don't get to experience it like you and I. They don't know what they are missing out on!

[@sandrasarandon5670]

Matt Dean Films , I liked your Perspective of View Point of your Filming, You could imagine you were actually on board , with just the creaking of the Sailing, and seeing the Star Light reflecting on the Night. You set this to Great Cuban Music. Thank You.

[@realmattdean]

That's so kind of you! I'm thrilled you enjoyed it. The Cuban music was written specifically for this film by our amazing composer Daniel Ward and his friend César Beauvallet. The soundtrack is available on Spotify and on Daniel's website: danielward.net/original-film-score-music

[@Juliezflowers]

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful film.

[@realmattdean]

So kind of you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@tamanduaa]

What a story!Thank you so much!

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!!

[@dimakonax]

I dont know how i stumbled upon this , but this was great ! Best thing i seen in a while.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! That's very kind. So glad you enjoyed it!

[@Kampup]

@@realmattdean is Finbar Gittelman still alive? i'd like to write him, cheers

[@realmattdean]

@@Kampup He is! We are talking about doing another film about more of his global sailing adventures. Their business contact in on this website, but if you have trouble reaching them, let me know and we can message privately. His wife Julie usually answers the email. www.schoonerwolf.com/contactus/index.html

[@Kampup]

@@realmattdean Thanks so mush :) can't wait to see your new film :)

[@josephmichalic1784]

Eq

[@kenlewis4524]

I loved this. Finbar's stories within the story are the best part. Smooth sailing to you.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@ToddandAmandaWilliams-bm8mi]

Finbar will go to heaven in the waves of the water god bless him and crew what a great man

[@sheiladesoysa7112]

Perfect gem of a documentary. Kept me spellbound. Learnt so much.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you Sheila! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Come join us on Wolf sometime!

[@davidmannukraine]

Fantastic film! I spent my formative years sailing, from dinghy in the English Channel to racing for the Royal Navy, including on the ketch Maribu (a prize 'windfall' yacht seized from the German navy at the end of WWII). She was a handful, having no engine and so really honed ones ability to handle a vessel using only sails, including docking and undocking. Without all of the modern navigation instruments, dead reckoning was the name of the game. I went on to sail for my local police force and ended up going to Hong Kong to command an offshore patrol craft; still in the times before all of the new gadgets but was blessed to have a very powerful radar; very useful for threading in and out of the islands during bad weather. I miss the sea; it is a wonderful, if somewhat spiteful mistress. "I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and sky; I left my shirt and socks there, I wonder if they're dry?"

[@realmattdean]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the film! Too many people don't get a chance to go sailing and people like us can share our experiences with them. There really is no home like being home on the water.

[@blueocean2510]

​@@realmattdean or the desert.

[@realmattdean]

@@blueocean2510 indeed. I grew up in the desert. My new desert is much more blue.

[@ricardona18]

"The sea is a hard mistress sometimes, but a wonderful lover"😀

[@lindalakota38]

Man what a great documentary best hour ever

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! That's so very kind of you. So glad you enjoyed it. Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@jayjayjj380]

Somehow this movie brings perfect peace to my soul.... thanks from Germany for this inspiring hour !!!

[@realmattdean]

Thank you, that’s so very kind of you. So glad you enjoyed it! I hope to see you out on the water one day!

[@JT-wn7wb]

Absolutely beautiful documentary, love story of a sailor. The return to Cuba a sentimental journey. He spoke of greater freedom, yes bur only for the tourist. I’m still waiting to return after 53 hopefully to a FREE country without dictators.

[@realmattdean]

We are all hoping for that day. The people of Cuba need to be able to live free lives to pursue what they love as we do. So glad you enjoyed the film!

[@cindyreid6404]

That was excellent, wonderful film and I'm thankful to have watched it on my own sailing vessel off the S.W. coast of Florida. The moon set beautifully on the 21st day of April 2021, there's nothing like seeing it on the water.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you Cindy! Such a great way to experience it - on your own boat! Thank you for sharing this with us and smooth sailing to you!

[@happyhermit2022]

Absolutely excellent thank you 👍

[@realmattdean]

Thank you. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@douglaslucas7612]

Love 💕 the clarity of quality of the filming! Angles and color realistic

[@realmattdean]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jonathanmillen1991]

A lovely tale well told. My boat is nearly ready and the inspiration helps more than you probably know. Back to the sea for me. Keep up the good work. Fair winds and new places.

[@realmattdean]

So glad we can inspire you!!! Hope to se you out on the open water someday soon!

[@toriicantrell295]

Totally love this!!! Just moved next to the wolf and can’t wait to go out with the crew! This boat is awesome and I am fascinated with it!!!! Captain you’re great 🤙 good job!

[@realmattdean]

Thanks Torii! I'm so glad you enjoyed it and I'm glad you're getting a chance to meet up with the Wolf crew in person. I hope you have a blast with them!

[@Carma4001]

I love Cuba and loved this book.

[@realmattdean]

we do too!

[@CabinFever1]

I always wanted to sail. Beieng under your command would be such an honor. Im 62 now, survived so many obstacles and this is one dream I have left to CD completes. Loved. c the video

[@realmattdean]

You should come to Key West and go on a sunset cruise on Wolf! And if you can't make it to Key West, see if there are any sailing clubs in your area. Sailors love to have people go out with them and help them sail the boats. Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@maddog.mcewan]

Beautiful story !!!! Beautifully shot and told !!! Well done !!!!

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! So Glad you enjoyed it!

[@WallStreetPanda]

Best sailing documentary since chasing bubbles

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! Very kind of you. I am hoping we can do more like this soon.

[@talatkoksal]

one of the best documentary I have ever watched about sailing and biography. Congratulations and greetings from Turkey

[@realmattdean]

Thank you so much! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Fair winds and follow seas to you!!

[@DavidGabriel-oc2jf]

Really lovely simple documentary. Love to watch and meet this gentle soul of the sea. Thank you for making this movie.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you David! That's very kind of you. I hope you get a chance to go sailing with us sometime!

[@svroyalatenea4908]

Such a great documentary, one of the best with true seamanship, great music and lovely vessel. Fair Winds Admiral

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! That's very kind! If you'd like to hear all the music, our composer has it up on his website. It's also available on spotify, itunes and amazon! danielward.net/original-film-score-music

[@keithjames2450]

Excellent content, cinematography and narration, a truly inspiring film not just for sailing but also for living!

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!!

[@laughwithme6821]

Yess

[@nihanozyldrm7217]

God bless the old man and the sea! Finder Gittelman reminds me who I am... Bravo!

[@realmattdean]

Glad you liked it! Thank you!

[@blueice6549]

The WOLF is heading out again on 12/1/21 as the flagship of the Conch Republic to honor Paul Whothington... Thanks once again Admiral Finbar.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you!

[@larsjohannesson398]

This is excellent! Beautifully filmed and edited. Thank you!

[@realmattdean]

Thank you Lars. So glad you enjoyed it!!

[@kcribin5654]

Beautiful and inspiring. Thank you. 💪🏻

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@thomasbaillie-carrigan3100]

Absolutely entrancing, especially as I am a great admirer of Hemingway and now Finbar. Thank you.

[@realmattdean]

So thrilled you liked it!

[@YojanselArt]

Wow this is an invaluable piece of my Cuba's history told in an exceptional way by this brave man, a few hundred who sailed risking their own lives to rescue their families from the terror and miseries of communism. It is sad to know that years have passed and the situation is even worse there. Long live Cuba Cojone!!

[@realmattdean]

So glad you enjoyed it! Yes. It is terribly sad that the situation has become worse since our trip there. We have friends in Cuba who have suffered greatly. We hope that things will be better for the people of Cuba very soon.

[@knightofthesun758]

I really don't know what's in there, in the stormy high seas, but it draws me to it as well as I feared it.

[@Beyondthebackyard-au]

WOW!!! Man you nailed this. A remarkably well filmed and told story about a remarkable man. Congratulations, amazing documentary.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! So very kind of you. I'm thrilled you enjoyed it. Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@scothayes9220]

Great documentary of a old salt. Fair winds and blue skies Captain. What a amazing journey.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@scothayes9220]

@@realmattdean Thank you sir for not only entertaining me but more importantly for documenting a 50 year old check on a bucket list for such a accomplished sailor. I'm hopeful this voyage has given you a new compass bearing in life.

[@realmattdean]

@@scothayes9220 It was a big help to me and it seems to have inspired a lot of others as well!

[@rogermace4516]

What a beautiful story

[@realmattdean]

thank you!

[@wayneholman5649]

Great video & captain real man of the sea great stuff reminds me of my own father cheers

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! Cheers to you as well!

[@luistpuig]

Thank you Mr. Matt Dean for a great film, and never give up, for God smiles to us all. God Bless you Finbar Gittelman Sir. My family and I escaped Cuba during the Mariel Boatlift 1980 after my father had served 12 years as a political prisoner in Cuban jails from 1965 to 1978. We left on an overloaded fishing trawler, I vomiting over the side for 14 hours... I will never forget the years of hardships and misery under the Cuban totalitarian communist regime, the years when I was being indoctrinated on a daily basis about marxismo leninismo in the school system there, while my family and I were suffering the reality of that leftist's totalitarian regime. And I tell American born, you have NO idea how lucky you are to have been born in the United States, a nation where in spite of everything, the sky is the limit... as long as you do the right things in your life. I wrote our experiences in an award-winning book "Born Again, from communism to American Submariner," and I wish all Americans would learn from our sad experiences, and not make the same mistake my former countrymen did, to go down the hole of a big all controlling leftists government, and to always defend the great principles that have made this nation great... Small Government, Capitalism, The Bill of Rights, and Liberty. So yes fellow Americans, kiss the ground you are on, for you are among the luckiest peoples on the planet. Signed: Luis Tomas Puig, Cuban communism escapee, Mariel Boatlift 1980, and US Navy Nuclear Submarine Force veteran 1987-2008, retired. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYHPh2t3f8qKr6c

[@realmattdean]

Very kind thoughts. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I've made sure to forward the message to Finbar. If you're ever in Key West, be sure to look him up! Fair winds and following seas to you.

[@luistpuig]

@@realmattdean thank you so much. And I wish the best to you all, keep doing what you are doing, it is a blessings, and a great thing. Hugs from Maryland. BTW, I passed the film to all my friends in facebook, people need to see your film.

[@realmattdean]

@@luistpuig thank you!! To you as well!

[@eddiezorro1]

What a Beautiful Story to Tell. This should be in The History Books Lessons In School.

[@realmattdean]

So kind of you. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danishdalvi01]

Respect for the Old but very experienced and Kind Captain🙏🙏🙏

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! I've been sharing the comments with him so he will see this. Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@danishdalvi01]

@@realmattdean Thanks too you too Matt.. U work is exceptional and unique.. Keep the high sea spirit on🙏🙏

[@realmattdean]

@@danishdalvi01 Thank you! that's very kind of you. I'm thrilled you liked the movie!

[@deborahchen641]

a beautiful documentary ❤️

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! So kind of you. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@stuiescampingadventures]

I am into sailing and I loved every single bit of this interesting film. Well done

[@realmattdean]

Wonderful! Thank you fro the kind words. See you out on the open water someday!

[@Dutchy-1168]

Been to Cuba many, many times and the people are the best ....the rum and cigars aren’t bad either ‼️🇨🇦💕

[@realmattdean]

Amazing people. Very much worth the visit. :)

[@Nulife23]

So enjoyed raising wonderful documentary! Beautifully done!

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@Cosmin.alex46]

Great story telling man! You should do more of these!

[@realmattdean]

Thank you, that's very kind! I've done a few documentaries, including "Across the Ice" for Redbull TV and "into the cold" for ESPN. I'm looking to do another one on sailing in the near future. I'm glad you enjoyed the film!

[@bogdanciekanski5421]

Great story

[@realmattdean]

@@bogdanciekanski5421 Thank you!

[@benjamingonsalves601]

"Best of the century"...thanks from Phillipine...

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! So kind. Fair winds to you!

[@alwayslive7460]

THANK YOU FINBAR... THANK YOU FOR SHARING

[@realmattdean]

Thank you. So glad you enjoyed it!!

[@mickeyh53]

On a cold winters night in Australia…I struck gold…Captivating viewing!!🇦🇺

[@realmattdean]

Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@ByMyRecords]

why doesn't this have more views?

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! We are growing the audience day by day. We have a few million views on Amazon Prime and will be adding more content related to this film and others very soon. I hope you enjoyed it and tell your friends!

[@momleon]

Really enjoyed this

[@realmattdean]

Thank you!!

[@eddiezorro1]

My Respect to you Sir, and your crew. May your Journey be full of adventures...Forever and ever.

[@realmattdean]

Thank you! Fair winds and following seas to you!

[@ricarossen6862]

Dear Mr Dean, Thank you for sharing this with us ! Y r film touched my heart...

[@realmattdean]

Thank you Rica! That's very kind of you. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Fair winds and following seas to you!