Quotes
" Pure Hemmingway on film" - Laura Siggins Irish Times
" Once is not enough to see this" - The Marine Institute journal

Johnny Bailey narrates this feature lenght documentary on his life and times as a fourth generation 'Máister Bád Mór' on his family boat 'An Capall'. His boat is the oldest Galway Hooker in existence today and served its time delivering turf and goods for two hundred years to the Aran Islands and around Galway Bay.

Having learnt the ropes as a small boy helping out on board, Johnny grew up to be a highly respected skipper. The revival of the Galway Hooker during the eighties saw 'An Capall' take on a new life and races and sailing festivals. Johnny was the last surviving skipper who had worked at this trade.

Through his own unique story telling ability,Johnny allows us to sail along with him and his many adventures on 'An Capall'. he recalls a hard and proud way of life that no longer exists today.

Beautifully made on location in Conamara and Galway by Éamon and Cian de Buitléar, this film includes some of the most dramatic sailing sequences of traditional Galway Hookers ever shown.

Sadly Johnny Bailey died in 2004 and his brother Padraig the following year, 'An Capall' still sails and competes in regattas around Conamara, proudly maintained by the Bailey Family

Photography: Cian de Buitléar
Sound: Brendan Deasy
Music: Maire Breathnach, Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich,
Alec Finn, Phillip King, Éamon de Builéar.
Produced and Directed by Éamon & Cian de Buitléar