WIND AND WAVES

a documentary about the legacy of the Patí a Vela by Jan Latussek

Introduction

In the heart of the Mediterranean, a hidden gem of maritime culture thrives: the Patí Català. This traditional Catalan sailing vessel has a history spanning over a century and is intricately linked with the essence of sailing.

The Patí Català, also known as Patí a Vela, is a catamaran with a distinct and unique design. This rudderless vessel is controlled by shifting the weight of the sailor and features a mainsail without a boom. Success in maneuvering the Patí relies on the sailor’s ability to interpret and adapt to the elements, making each experience both challenging and exhilarating.

Described by enthusiasts as fast, fun, and addictive, the Patí Català captures the essence of sailing in its purest form. The monotype design, established in 1942 during a regatta in Vilanova i la Geltrú, has seen minimal changes since its inception. With only a handful of artisans crafting these vessels throughout Catalonia, the sport's growth has been steady but deliberate.

Preserved through generations by various clubs along Catalonia's coast, the Patí Català embodies a deep-rooted love for the wind, waves, and the liberating sensation of gliding through the open sea. This profound connection between sailor, craft, and nature is at the heart of its tradition.

Our documentary series will explore this rich and traditional Catalan art of sailing and leverage the momentum of the Americas Cup to introduce the Patí Català to a global audience.

Motivation for the Series:

The Patí Català embodies the essence of sailing, serving as a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and connection to the sea. By documenting the stories of individuals who have a deep connection to the Patí, we aim to preserve and celebrate this unique maritime heritage.

Our series will highlight the diverse characters and communities that make up the world of Patí sailing, fostering a greater appreciation for this craft.

As the Americas Cup will turn the eyes of the sailing world towards Barcelona, it not only brings forth a thrilling spectacle of modern sailing but it will also intertwine itself with the rich and vibrant nautical history of this coast. The cup and its long history, will permeate the Catalan Coast and make it vibrate with its historical significance, and its in that context that we want to develop this project.

This convergence presents a unique juncture, where the tradition of the rudderless Patí Català intersects with the cutting-edge realm of professional yacht racing. By capturing this essence at this pivotal moment, our series aims to shed some light on the profound cultural legacy of the Patí while propelling it onto the global stage.

Narrative Arc:

The production plan involves creating a documentary series consisting of 6 to 8 short episodes, each exploring different aspects of the Patí Català and its culture through characters that help us dive deep into the personal connection to this form of sailing.

Each episode will be meticulously crafted to stand on its own while contributing to the larger narrative arc of the series. Following the completion of the episodic content, we will compile and edit the footage into a final documentary that seamlessly integrates the individual stories into a cohesive whole.

This longer audiovisual piece, will be articulated around the Regatta that will bring together a record breaking 300 patíns to sail togeher in front of the coast of Barcelona in late October.

The idea is to in somehow follow each character in the individual pieces as they prepare for this event promoted by the Americas Cup. Throughout the series, one of the narrative arcs will be common to all stories, and that is the theme of the preparation for the regatta in Barcelona in the summer of 2024.

Each episode will contribute to the overarching story of the Patí community coming together to participate in this recordbreaking event, highlighting the passion, dedication, and camaraderie of Patí sailors as they work towards a common goal.

But furthermore, through the individual characters, and the groups and clubs they belong to, we will also explore the sense of community that is so unique to the Patí.

Themes and Concepts:

Cultural Heritage: Explore the rich history and cultural significance of the Patí Català, tracing its roots back through generations of sailors and craftsmen.

Community Connections: Highlight the strong sense of community fostered by Patí enthusiasts, showcasing the bonds formed through shared experiences and traditions.

Innovation vs. Tradition: Examine the delicate balance between preserving traditional sailing techniques and embracing modern innovations in boat design and technology.

Environmental Stewardship: Discuss the importance of environmental awareness and sustainable practices within the sailing community, emphasizing the need to protect marine ecosystems.

Gender Equality: Address the role of women in sailing and advocate for gender equality within the sport, showcasing female sailors who challenge stereotypes and break barriers.

Interdisciplinary Art: Explore the intersection of sailing with other art forms such as music, literature, and visual arts, highlighting the creative expression inspired by the Patí Català.

Youth Engagement: Showcase the involvement of young sailors in the Patí community, highlighting their passion for the sport and the importance of passing down sailing traditions to future generations.

Cultural Exchange: Celebrate the cultural diversity within the sailing community, highlighting the unique perspectives and experiences of sailors from different backgrounds and regions.

Spirit of Adventure: Capture the thrill and excitement of sailing on the open sea, emphasizing the sense of adventure and exploration that drives Patí enthusiasts.

Historical Resonance: Reflect on the historical significance of the Patí Català and its enduring legacy, highlighting its role in shaping maritime history and preserving cultural heritage.

ONCE YOU TRY IT AND GET OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME, YOU ARE HOOKED.

THERE IS NO TURNING BACK

Character Concepts:

Patí Legend: An experienced sailor who has been involved with the Patí Català for decades, offering insights into the rich history and traditions of the craft.

Female Skipper: A pioneering female sailor who challenges gender norms in the traditionally male-dominated world of sailing, advocating for greater inclusivity and representation in the sport.

Young Sailor: A passionate young sailor who represents the next generation of Patí enthusiasts, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the community.

Environmental Activist: An advocate for marine conservation and environmental stewardship, promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans.

Traditional Boat Builder: A skilled craftsman who specializes in building and restoring Patí Català boats, preserving the artistry and craftsmanship of this traditional sailing craft.

Cultural Historian: An expert in maritime history and cultural heritage, providing valuable insights into the origins and significance of the Patí Català within the context of Catalan culture.

Musician Sailor: A sailor who is also a talented musician, exploring the harmonious relationship between sailing and music and how they intertwine to create a unique sailing experience.

Youth Mentor: A dedicated mentor who works with young sailors, instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship while fostering a love for sailing and adventure.

Community Leader: A respected figure within the Patí community, organizing events, regattas, and workshops to promote camaraderie and engagement among sailors of all ages and backgrounds.

Handicapped Sailor: A remarkable sailor who competes in Patí Català competitions despite being blind, demonstrating courage, determination, and resilience in overcoming challenges and achieving success on the water.

PRODUCTION PLAN

Once the character are defined we will proceed with the shooting, and I feel that should start as soon as possible in order to get the series rolling before easter, so we have at least four months of traction. The idea is to explore the characters lives at a specific point in time, but also do some smaller crew follow ups in the time preparing for the regatta.

We will divide the shooting into three main blocks that will have different crew and technical needs.

Land-based Shoots: Schedule and conduct land-based shoots with selected characters, focusing on interviews, background stories, and behind-the-scenes footage. Capture the essence of each character's connection to the Patí Català and their unique perspective on sailing. We want to see with them, and through them, how the wind, waves and sails translate into other aspects of their landlocked life, and how the Patí, serves as a door to a deeper connection to themselves and their surroundings.

On-water Shoots: Coordinate on-water shoots with participants, documenting their sailing experiences aboard the Patí Català. Capture dynamic footage of the boats in action, the scenic coastal landscape, and the camaraderie of the sailing community as well as the flow moments when sailor and Patí become one. I feel that it is very important to show how the relationship to this sailing vessel has those two sides of community and individual challege.

Regatta Coverage: Attend and film a couple of different regattas or social sailing event throughout the Americas Cup buildup, capturing the excitement, competition, and camaraderie of the Patí Català community. Highlight the diverse range of participants showcased at these events.

Shooting Mechanics and Production Plan:

Our production plan involves a streamlined approach with a small, efficient crew to capture the essence of each Patí Català sailor. Each character will be filmed over two days, allowing us to gather comprehensive footage and in-depth interviews. The first day will be dedicated to conducting interviews, where we will explore their personal stories, insights into Patí Català sailing, and their unique perspectives. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding each sailor's connection to the sport.

On the second day, we will focus on capturing the characters in their daily routines and activities that complement their relationship with the Patí Català. This includes filming their preparations, interactions with their boats, and other relevant aspects of their lives. By documenting their daily chores and activities, we aim to illustrate the integration of the Patí Català into their everyday existence, highlighting the dedication and passion that define their commitment to sailing.

The core of our production will involve a full day dedicated to sailing. This will include setting up the Patí Català, from rigging the boat to preparing for the water. Onboard and boat-to-boat shots will be used to capture dynamic and visually striking footage of the sailing experience. This will allow us to showcase the Patí Català in action, highlighting the skill and artistry involved in maneuvering the vessel, and emphasizing the connection between the sailors and their boats.

This approach ensures that we capture both the personal and technical aspects of Patí Català sailing, providing a rich and engaging portrayal of the sport. By combining intimate interviews with immersive sailing footage, we aim to create a narrative that touches the audience and illustrates the uniqueness of the Patí Català.

For the two days of the AC37 Patí Regatta in October, we will expand our crew to capture the scope and the excitement of this onetime event. With a larger team, we will cover the regatta from multiple angles, ensuring a comprehensive and dynamic portrayal of the competition. Our expanded crew will include additional camera operators and if possible a drone pilot to capture aerial views and detailed action shots from the water. We will position ourselves strategically on the water and along key vantage points to document the full scope of the regatta, including the start, the race itself, and the final moments, the magnificent view of the Barcelona Skyline with the 300 sails will defenitelly be one of those memorable and historic images that will go down in the history of this sport.

This approach will allow us to convey the scale of the event, the intensity of the competition, and the vibrant atmosphere, providing a captivating visual narrative that highlights both the spectacle and the significance of the Patí Català in the global sailing arena.

Relevant work examples.

All content, ideas, and concepts presented on this page are the intellectual property of Jan Latussek. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of any part of this material, including but not limited to the project's concept, narrative, and visuals, is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.