The Hum

Short Film (Full Length) – 1974

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The Hum is about sailing legend Geoff Stagg, and his yacht Whispers. Directed by future advertising legend Tony Williams and written by actor Martyn Sanderson, the documentary is a paean to the lure of sailing; it focusses on Stagg’s colourful personality, and his veteran ocean-racing crew, as they take on the Wellington to Kapiti Island and down to the Sounds race. Fortunately for the film they deliver on reputation. Dolphins, Strait squalls, streaking, ciggies, and some fierce 70s moustaches are all in a weekend’s sailing. Stagg would go on to head renowned Farr Yacht Design (now Stagg Yachts).

It’s a hobby, an obsession, a lifetime commitment ... it’s like standing in a cold shower in a raincoat ripping up dollar notes.
– The narrator, on the lure of sailing