STORM_PDF

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

1/120

STORM

by

Rick Adams

SCRIPTAPALOOZAPhone# 323.654.5809

www.scriptapalooza.com

WGA# 801607

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

2/120

"STORM"

FADE IN ON:

A SOUND leads us into the credits: whistling, whining,haunting...

EXT OCEAN -- NIGHT

DARK. The sound is nonstop and definitely disturbing.Streaks of white foam blow across the water and we realizewe're on the open ocean. And then we recognize the sound...it is the sound of the wind.

A voice, crackled over radio static:

VOICEMayday. Mayday. This is Freedom.Mayday.

A MONSTER OF A WAVE crosses the screen. The wind blows its

top off, and a single light appears on its crest as a 47-foot long YACHT descends upon us, under a storm jib, barelyunder control as it blows like hell. A legend:

"WESTERN APPROACHES - 1979"

ANGLE ON YACHT - TWO MEN tough it out on the cockpit, wearingfull foul weather gear, harnesses attached to the lifelines.

INT FREEDOM - BELOWDECKS -- NIGHT

The boat rolls and pitches violently: objects are strewnabout, along with pieces of hardware and sail bags, clothing,

and food, some floating inside the cabin, which is filledtwo-feet deep with water.

The NAVIGATOR, ROBERT BURKE, a stocky man in his forties,sits at the console, by the VHF radio. He repeats thedistress signal.

BOBMayday. Mayday. This is Freedom.Mayday. Can anyone hear?

On the berth alongside TWO MEN huddle close, one of thembleeding from a nasty cut to his head. Across from themanother MAN lies on a bunk in a fetal position: he's crying...

And then a YOUNG BOY of about eleven, pops his head out ofthe owner's cabin, located under the cockpit, protected,wrapped around a sleeping bag in his little niche.

Bob snaps at him.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

3/120

2.

BOB (CONT'D)And you get back in there.

A VOICE replies on the radio. It is the voice of LT.THOMPSONof the Royal Air Force.

LT. THOMPSONAttention Freedom, this is Lt.Thompson

on the Royal Air Force Nimrod patrolplane, please report your position.Over.

A dash of hope crosses the faces of the crew, despite theviolent jarring of the boat. Bob reaches for the radio.

BOBNimrod, this is freedom. We hearyou loud and clear. Our position 50degrees 50' north, 6 --

A Second VOICE cuts in.

VOICE 2-- This is Wild Goose. Mayday.Mayday. She's lost the rudder.She's going down! --

BOB-- Nimrod, this is freedom. 50degrees --

A third and desperate VOICE comes in.

VOICE 3

-- Man overboard! Man Overboard!Mayday. Mayday --

BOB-- Nimrod, this is Freedom. Do youcopy?

No response. A melange of desperate voices ensues...

VOICE 3-- We've lost John! We've lost John!Somebody, please, help. Mayday --

VOICE 4-- Mayday. This is Magic. We'velost the mast. I repeat. We'velost --

EXT FREEDOM - COCKPIT -- NIGHT

The SKIPPER of the boat and his sole crew do their best tokeep the boat under control. Visibility is nil.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

4/120

3.

The SOUND is shrieking through the rigging, spray is flyingeverywhere. And the lights in the horizon, like shootingstars, are the FLARES from the other boats in distress.

INSERT: The ANEMOMETER. Needle stuck at 60 knots.


Bob hits the table in frustration. The radio goes static.

BOBCome-on...

And then the sound. A magnificent ROAR, like the sound of afreight train approaching. The crew recognize it... Onlythis time it's louder.

BOB (CONT'D)HOLD ON!

And it is a SECOND before their world is TURNED UPSIDE DOWN!

With such force that Bob is thrown directly onto the roof ofthe cabin.

EXT OCEAN -- NIGHT

The rogue wave crashes over the yacht and knocks it upsidedown, destroying mast and rigging in the process.


Water pours from the companionway - washboards are gone.The electronics sizzle for a second and lights go out. Moansecho inside the cabin. Bob recovers from the beating and

instinctively reaches for the radio...

YOUNG BOYDad!

BOBMayday. This is Freedom.

Radio is dead. In a fit of rage, he slams it. Water floodsthe cabin... Freedom is going down. He bumps into something -a crew member, unconscious.

The kid steps out of his bunk and dashes towards thecompanionway as the boat starts righting itself. As it slowlyrolls, he adjusts his footing, climbs up the steps and --

EXT FREEDOM - COCKPIT -- NIGHT

The sheer force of the wind almost knocks him flat. He grabsonto anything he can. And there's plenty: the cockpit is amess.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

5/120

4.

The mast has broken and has wrapped itself around the boat:rigging and sails are entangled across the boat; lifelinesand stanchions are broken.

A crewman lies half-conscious, splayed on the cockpit - he'spulling on a rope --

The kid runs up to him and pulls on his hood --

It is NOT his father. His father is supposed to be at theend of the rope the man is pulling... but it comes up empty.The cable has snapped.

They both look toward the stern... there's a MAN on a brightsurvival suit floating away. The Men-overboard strobe lightflashing in the water.

YOUNG BOYDad!

The boy runs towards the stern with one purpose: to jump in.

The crewman grabs him, throwing him down on the cockpit.

CREWMANHe's gone! There's nothing we cando!

The skipper pins him down as they lay by the stern, and theboy sees his father being carried away by the ocean, thestrobe light slowly disappearing between waves.

EXT OCEAN -- DAY - LATER

A SEA KING HELICOPTER hovers over the yacht FREEDOM.

The boat lies adrift in the innocuous seas: broken stanchions;pieces of the mast and sail and rigging scattered on deck,alongside an unconscious CREWMAN.

An AIRMAN lands on deck. He quickly checks the crewman,dead. He continues towards the cabin.

INT FREEDOM - BELOWDECKS -- DAY

FOUR or FIVE bodies lie on the floor and bunks, severelybruised... and lifeless.

The AIRMAN hears a scraping and a muffled cry from the owners'bunk, he turns and there's the sole survivor, in the shapeof an eleven year old kid, staring at him, sobbing.

AIRMANHoly mother. It's ok, son, I gotyou.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

6/120

5.

11-YEAR-OLD KIDWe've got to find my father, we'vegot to find my father...

FADE OUT:

INT. APARTMENT - DAY

A framed TIME-LIFE PHOTO of a young boy being airlifted ontoa SEA KING HELICOPTER lines the shelf amidst other photos ofa father and the boy at his first try-outs at sailing.

A GIRL in the room is packing her bags with little time forthinking. She is ANNE MARIE WILKES, mid 20s, pretty andvery much independent at this point.

She is tracked closely by a young man, NICK EVANS, earlythirties, sunburned, handsome, and wearing nothing butsweatpants. It's early for him. Too late for her.

A legend:

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - PRESENT DAY 34.25'N - 118.54'W

NICKJust give me one reason.

ANNE MARIEI'm taking too much space in yourlife. I'm not right for you. I donot intend to be a sleep-in forever.

NICK

That was like three.

She stuffs the last item in a duffel bag with a snarl andexits. He follows.

NICK (CONT'D)Listen, this is like the final dayof the Olympic week. I mean, someof the best guys are out there --

ANNE MARIE-- I don't care if it is the SuperBowl. It is not about them. It isabout us.

NICKDid I say marriage? Who saidmarriage?

ANNE MARIEOur deadline, which YOU yourselfsuggested, was six months ago.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

7/120

6.

NICKOkay, you just don't need to wake upin here and make it look like it'san emergency.

Along the way, she picks up some correspondence in the livingroom.

ANNE MARIEYOU are the one in the emergencyward. Look at this: collegeapplications you never had the gutsto fill. You dropped out of three.You ankled two well-paying jobs inthe past six months. And your bankaccount is a mess.

She struggles with the duffel bag and a bag through the door.

NICKDo you need help with that?

ANNE MARIEStop following me.

EXT NICK'S APARTMENT - DAY

She lugs her gear down the front steps.

NICKWhat do you say we get a nice hotbath and talk about this tomorrow.

ANNE MARIE

Stop following me.

She steps on his feet, hard.

NICKOuch! No need to maim.

She opens the door of her car and throws the gear in.

ANNE MARIEYou think those people are going tosponsor you all your life? You thinkyou're gonna be the media darlingforever? Then get a grip on yourself,sailor, they're just waiting for thenext one to come around. And oneday you're going to get yourself toa point where you're going to ask:'what have I done with my life?'And it's going to be a very lonelyplace.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

8/120

7.

She has already crossed the car, opened the door.

NICKOk, Mrs. Psychic, where do I pay thebill?

ANNE MARIEFor you, it's free.

She locks the door shut, almost chopping his fingers.

NICKHey, hey, hey. I'm sorry, ok?Listen, it's very early and verycold out here. Besides, you're notserious-ly leaving.

She smiles.

ANNE MARIEOh, really?

Hits the ignition, steps on the gas and burns her way out,almost running him over.

He stops and looks around at some of the onlookers watchingthe scene.

NICKShe's on a diet. I know. It's beenvery hard on her the last three weeks.

(watching the car go)God, I love this woman.

INT AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE - CLASSROOM -- DAY

Veteran Airman HEYES, late forties, lectures to a group ofcrew-cut para-jumper trainees, all sturdy men, cocked andready. A legend:

AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE - LONG ISLAND, NY 39.58'N - 77.13'W

He paces the front of the room, holding a remote control inhis hand. He presses the next slide on his show.

The slide changes to an image of a FORCE 11 storm, alongwith a new sound: A LOUD MOAN, incessant, pleading,unsettling.

HEYESForce 11 is called a violent storm.The wind should be blowing about 72miles per hour by now, with gustshighly exceeding that.

(MORE)

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

9/120

8.

HEYES (CONT'D)The sea is covered in white, thewaves are exceptionally high.

PJ TRAINEESir, was there any kick-ass rescueoperation done in such conditions?

HEYESYes. But you don't get too cocky,son. Most of you would be wearingyour diapers by now. In this kindof storm the air is so saturatedwith water, and the water with air,that you won't know up from down.You won't know where the atmosphereends and where the sea begins. Aman will drown just trying to breathe.

A MARINE OFFICER walks up to Heyes and hands him a brief.He quickly scans it.

HEYES (CONT'D)That's it for today, gentlemen. Youcan get your assignments on the wayout.

PJ TRAINEE 2What about Force 12, sir?

Heyes stops and looks at the group of eager, but innocent,trainees.

HEYES

That's the sound you don't want tohear.

INT AIR NATIONAL BASE - ADMIRAL'S OFFICE - DAY

Heyes enters fast. ADMIRAL WILCOX, and old sea-salt withthe sketches in his face to show it, sits behind his desk.

ADMIRAL WILCOXYour country needs you, Heyes.

HEYESWith all due respect, sir, last timeI heard that I found myself danglingfrom a cable in the North Atlanticfending waves off with my feet.

ADMIRAL WILCOXI was thinking more along the linesof leisure.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

10/120

9.

HEYESLeisure, sir?

ADMIRAL WILCOXPleasure boating. Full benefitsincluded.

The Admiral smiles with a red envelope in his hands, with

the words Endeavor stenciled across. Heyes smiles uneasily --there's more to it than fits the picture.

EXT. YACHT CLUB - SAN FRANCISCO BAY - DAY

A windy day out in the bay. A tall and gangly kid, PETEGAVIN, waits by the lonely dinghy, an Olympic class boat onthe ramp. He checks his watch.

EXT. YACHT CLUB - PARKING LOT - DAY

A VAN pulls up and NICK steps out, grabbing a life vest andwet suit on the way out.

EXT. YACHT CLUB - LAUNCH RAMP - DAY

Pete Gavin watches incredulously as Nick runs down the ramp.

NICKSorry, buddy. Minor domesticentanglement.

PETE GAVINAs long as it's minor.

NICK

The rig all right?

PETE GAVINWe're set.

Nick stops, listening to the wind.

NICKListen to that. It's music.

EXT. SAN FRANCISCO BAY - DAY

Olympic dinghies go around the windward mark in the blast ofwind. Lots of shouting and close-calls. NICK and PETE catchup to the rear of the fleet and round the mark.

NICKWe're setting the chute!

PETE GAVINWe're what!?

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

11/120

10.

NICKYou heard me, chute is up!!

PETE GAVINBut... it's blowing near thirty!!

Nick just nods. Doesn't answer.

PETE GAVIN (CONT'D)Nobody has the chute up! Do you seeany chute!!?

NICKWe gotta catch up!

PETE GAVINWe'll break the mast!

NICKOh, we'll probably capsize beforethat!!

PETE GAVINOh.

Nick looks and decides silently. Pete's eyes widen and...

NICKNow!

He pulls on the chute's halyard and the spinnaker flies up,jolting the boat forward, barely under control.

PETE GAVIN

Here we gooo. Shiiiiiiiit.

P.O.V. OTHER DINGHIES AHEAD

Some of the skippers look back and decide to raise theirspinnakers as well - one of them immediately capsizes.

INT. CAR - DAY

Parked on a driveway. On the windshield we see a RED ENVELOPEwith the Endeavor logo.

A MAN gains frame, carrying a YOUNG GIRL up the driveway onhis shoulders. He is BRIAN McLEAN, late 30s, a strong manwith thick hands and an innocent smile.

EXT. HOUSE - DAY

A WOMAN, SUZY, soccer mom, waits at the front door with astern look. The young girl waves.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

12/120

11.

SUZYYou're late.

BRIANWe had the greatest time, didn't we?

YOUNG GIRLYes, Mommy. We went on the roller

coaster.

Brian takes her off his shoulders and avoids confrontation.

BRIANJust like this one time.

YOUNG GIRLThree times!

Suzy grabs her daughter by the hand and is already headingtowards the door.

BRIANI'm going away for a while.

SUZYSo, what's new?

BRIANWe don't have to do this. Listen,uh, I gave her a card, my e-mail isin there. Please have her write.

Suzy doesn't say a word. Just stares. All tenderness isjust gone.

BRIAN (CONT'D)I'm sorry. I don't know what to sayexcept I'm sorry and that I'm goingto miss you both very much.

Suzy turns.

EXT. YACHT CLUB - DAY

NICK and PETE hose down their boat and hi-five as other boatsare towed past them and sailors talk about how bad it was.

A boat is towed with a broken mast lying on its hull. Petedraws and X-sign on it with his finger.

A hose fight ensues. They start spraying each other acrossthe lot as a MAN IN A SUIT, John O'Keefe, 60s, an executivetype, stops short of being hosed down.

Nick doesn't notice it and sprays him right across mid-chest.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

13/120

12.

JOHN O'KEEFENick Evans?

Nick smiles apologetically.

NICKSorry.

EXT. YACHT CLUB - OVERLOOKING THE MARINA - DAY

NICK listens to John O'Keefe.

JOHN O'KEEFEA nonstop, non-assisted race aroundthe world. The south pole, to beexact.

Nick looks at this man, not buying into it. John checkssome papers he brought.

JOHN O'KEEFE (CONT'D)

And your next Olympic campaign ispaid for.

He hands a red envelope with the Endeavor logo to Nick.

JOHN O'KEEFE (CONT'D)You see, we usually mail those out,but I was out in the area I thoughtI'd hand it myself --

NICK-- I appreciate you thinking of meon this one, but I think you got the

wrong guy. I don't race offshore.This is what I do and --

JOHN O'KEEFE-- with your genetics. I don't thinkthat will be of consequence.

John reaches in his folder and hands out a BUSINESS CARD.

JOHN O'KEEFE (CONT'D)It came from Ron Davenport's desk.

Nick suddenly looks up.

INT. MANSION - NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND - DAY

We're looking at a replica of the Cutty Sark on the wall.Camera explores the room.

Amidst the trophies and U.S. Navy medals and ribbons andhundreds of books on oceanography and seamanship we see aPICTURE of a yacht piercing a wave at fifteen knots.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

14/120

13.

INSERT PICTURE: we can barely see the skipper or the crew inthe midst of all the spray.

The opened double door lead into...

EXT. MANSION - DAY

RON DAVENPORT, 60s, a legendary sailor in all his might and

bulk, sips from a scotch as he watches a pretty young woman,PAULA DAVENPORT, as she dives off into the swimming pool.

He is sided by GEOFF WARD, 40s, a fidgety boat designer.

GEOFF WARDThat's just, uh, too many factors.I'm afraid they haven't been testedenough.

RON DAVENPORTDo you know what this is? Prenatalstress. Those advanced composites

could probably take a nuclear blastand you know that. By next week,your design is going to test itsmetal with some of the finest menand women in this country.

GEOFF WARDThat's exactly what I fear.

RON DAVENPORTDo you think I would ever do anythingto endanger my daughter?

Geoff quickly takes a sip of his scotch and smiles.

EXT. HARBOR - SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND -- DAY

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31 50.57'N - 1.21'W

NICK walks the marina. The number of boats and masts pointingat the sky is staggering.

John O'Keefe, the 60-year-old bureaucrat, walks up to meethim, wearing the only suit he ever wore and the same polishedblack shoes since Genesis. Quite a character.

JOHN O'KEEFEHey, Nick. I told the Gods theweather should keep like this allweek.

NICKI'm glad you got the connections.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

15/120

14.

JOHN O'KEEFEHow was your trip?

NICKBumpy.

JOHN O'KEEFEYou don't know bumpy.

As JOHN leads NICK towards the yacht, the SOUND of anelectric drill becomes louder.

JOHN O'KEEFE (CONT'D)Let me show you around to the crew.

They stop by MARCO "COLEONE" RUGGERI, an Italian-American inhis late twenties, drilling on the BOOM, which is propped onsawhorses. He removes his plastic goggles and stops.

JOHN O'KEEFE (CONT'D)This is Marco Coleone.

MARCOMy name is Ruggeri. Marco Ru-gge-ri, capisci?

JOHN O'KEEFEAnyway, his family is apparentlyrelated to the Mafia somehow.

Marco rolls his eyes as he's heard it before.

MARCONumber one, if that was so, I wouldn't

be here. And number two, you wouldbe dead right now.

Nick looks right and sees the yacht Endeavor on its berthand it is an impressive sight.

Nick continues looking high, and higher, at the 80'foot mast -a dark carbon fiber rod touching the sky - and is awed.

He spots a YOUNG WOMAN, wearing a Jeans short and a cut-outtop, way up on the mast. She's PAULA DAVENPORT, 25, andbetter-looking the closer we get.

NICKWow. She's, uh --

MARCOBella, bella, bella.

JOHN O'KEEFEOut of bounds. Out of reach.

(MORE)

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

16/120

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

17/120

16.

STANOuch! Watch out, gentlemen. Thisis a very live environment.

JOHN O'KEEFEThese are our communications experts.Stan Bukowski and uh, where's Andy?

STANHe, uh, went out. Be back soon, hesaid.

EXT. OCEAN - SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DAY

Jet skis in action. Classic rock moment.ANDY AZMAN, 25, a young man with a smile and the attitudeyou'd expect from a self-made millionaire just out of SiliconValley tries to outrace his two opponents to the next mark.

ANDY

Come-on, you hooligans! Let's seehow you like this! Whoo-hoo! HappyHalloween!

The jet-skis skid around the mark lifting a huge spray ofwater, and they continue down the next stretch.

INT. ENDEAVOR - BELOWDECKS - NAVIGATION STATION - DAY

STAN is showing the equipment to NICK and JOHN.

STAN...MF and high-frequency digital

selective calling. We also haveInmarsat B and C and send out aconstant radio signal from an ARGOStransmitter outside.

Nick points to a series of yellow gadgets the size of abowling pin.

NICKAnd what's that?

STANOh that. Those are the EPIRBs.Emergency position indicating radiobeacons. Shit hits the fan, you popone of those babes into the water.The more the merrier.

PAULA (O.S.)Wherever we are, they'll know.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

18/120

17.

PAULA enters the cabin and extends her hand to Nick. Theyshake.

PAULA (CONT'D)Hi there, sailor. Nice to meet you.You've been getting a lot of mediaattention. I'm starting to getjealous. The star rookie.

NICKI really didn't ask for any, it'sjust, you know, some people don'tseem to... forget the past.

PAULAWelcome aboard. Don't let them scareyou. Stan has this kind of a morbidsense of humor. That's where hegets his kicks from.

NICK

Don't worry. I don't scare easy.

PAULAGood.

She leaves them and walks back to the drying room.

EXT. MARINA - DAY

A MAN of intense, piercing blue eyes, walks towards the yacht:former Navy Commander RON DAVENPORT, mid-50s, lines etchedin his face for every ocean crossing.

He is sided by a man of equal intensity, HEYES, fresh out ofAir National Guard Base.

EXT. ENDEAVOR - COCKPIT - DAY

NICK and JOHN step out of the cabin as ANDY pulls up on ajet ski alongside the yacht.

ANDYHey, you must be Nicky boy. Haveyou met the Captain's daughter? Hasshe got the finest stems this sideof Christendom or what?

NICKI'm just here to win a race.

ANDYYou get past training, that's a goodstart.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

19/120

18.

RON DAVENPORT and HEYES step on the cockpit and Andy turnsto them.

ANDY (CONT'D)Good morning, Mr. Davenport, sir.Andy Azman reporting. Ready to helpyou kick ass out of the competition.

DAVENPORT stops. John O'Keefe holds his breath. Marco stopsdrilling. Brian stops coiling ropes. Davenport slowly turns.

RON DAVENPORTWhat are you smirking at, ass-wipe?You got some quizzical look on yourface as if you don't know whether topiss or take a shit. Get changed,stow your gear and report back.You're late.

Andy revs up. Davenport turns and quickly appraises Nick.

RON DAVENPORT (CONT'D)Oh, shit.

NICKSir?

RON DAVENPORTYou don't look anything like yourfather.

Davenport suddenly opens with a slight smile and shakes hands.

RON DAVENPORT (CONT'D)

Welcome back to the game, son. You'vegot a hell of a lot to learn. JesusChrist, where do you get these kids?

Davenport continues down the cabin, shaking his head. Nickturns to John, who's like 'don't ask me.'.

INT ENDEAVOR - BELOWDECKS - DRYING ROOM - DAY

NICK, ANDY, BRIAN, MARCO and STAN are gearing up for a dayof sailing.

ANDYI love that Captain Ahab spiel, man.Like 'hey ass-wipe' that's so cool.I read everything about you guys.

BRIANYeah. Did you read I got the longestbishop in sailing history?

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

20/120

19.

ANDYNo. I read you were a cross-dresser.

Nick and Marco scramble towards the companionway.

NICKIs he going to be on the boat?

MARCOFor the duration. Just sold hisinternet venture, fifty milliondollars. Thought sailing was theway to go now.

EXT ENDEAVOR - COCKPIT - DAY

DAVENPORT stands besides HEYES, appraising the entire crew.

RON DAVENPORTNow, ladies! Let me introduceLieutenant Commander Heyes, US Naval

Academy! Unlike most of you moronshe didn't learn in some sailing-faggotschool or read in some beautifullyphotographed book. He's seen it,he's faced it, he went to hell andback and he's here to show you whyyou'd be better off with your mothers!

HEYESThat's not how I would put it butit's a nice picture. It's not afriendly environment out there.

EXT OCEAN - DAY

Endeavor glides past, pounding on the waves, going upwindunder a 15-knot breeze, taking off at each crest. The crewis on deck, most on the railing, wearing foul weather gear.

HEYESSailing on the Southern will be avicious attack on your bodies, mindsand souls. You're here for yourtalent, you're here for yourseamanship, but I am here to giveyou the right attitude.

EXT MARINA -- DAY

A foggy morning. HEYES leads the group of sailors joggingaround the marina. Synchronized steps, royal blue sweats.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

21/120

20.

HEYESI'm here to make you respect theocean. I'm here to make you dropeverything you take for granted rightnow, your sleep, your home, and yourmothers.

EXT ENDEAVOR - COCKPIT -- DAY

A HALYARD with a large SHACKLE at its end is loose andwhizzing by dangerously close to the sailors.

At the mast base, BRIAN, PAULA, and MARCO crouch down toavoid being decapitated. DAVENPORT yells from the cockpit.

RON DAVENPORTSomebody get him the hell out ofthere!

The halyard swings at his head, Davenport bends slightly,unfazed, as it whips by and bangs loudly against the boom.

Up on the MAST, six feet above deck level is NICK, hangingon to the mast as ENDEAVOR prances up and down under Genoasail alone.

EXT MARINA -- DAY

The CREW jogs around the marina in sweats. HEYES leads thegroup. There are sweat beads. They've been running awhile.

HEYESYou'll be pitched against theelements, you'll face hardship, and

some of the toughest, roughest, andwell-trained crews on earth.

EXT ENDEAVOR -- DAY

The yacht is going downwind under mainsail and spinnaker.The crew is ready for a spinnaker take-down.

RON DAVENPORTCareful now, take her down. Takeher down.

Unfortunately, the yacht lays over and the spinnaker collapsesbehind the main. Unnoticed, the lazy line from the sockwraps itself around STAN's leg...

Suddenly the main fills, and the spinnaker follows suit witha bang and STAN is lifted off the deck, sock line in onehand, and his leg at the other. He screams.

NICK watches from the mast, paralyzed.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

22/120

21.

Davenport quickly grabs a knife from his pocket, runs andcuts the line in one swift motion. Stan falls on deck.

RON DAVENPORT (CONT'D)You want a goddamn obituary notice,let me get it to you straight: Idon't give a rat's ass! Just don'tdo it on my shift!

He turns to Nick by the mast, wide-eyed.

RON DAVENPORT (CONT'D)Don't just stand there! What's thematter with you!?

Stan stares at them from the floor. Scared as hell.

EXT MARINA - PONTOON -- DAY

The group of sailors jog towards the compound and the pontoonsuntil it ends in the water. They turn to HEYES, who smirks.

HEYESYou don't think Captain would letyou on the yacht without a wash.

The sailors look out into the thick fog. There's no yachtin sight, only a faint WHISTLE in the distance.

HEYES (CONT'D)The last one to get there willHave to swim back.

NICK looks dumbfounded, until the other sailors start taking

off their shoes and diving into the water.

EXT OCEAN / MARINA -- DAY

We hear the WHISTLE at intermittent intervals. Then thesplash in the water as the sailors swim towards the yacht.

NICK stops in the middle of the foggy marina waters, notknowing where exactly the whistle comes from.

A BLINDING FLASH...

INT PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM -- DAY

FLASHBULBS explode amidst the camera lights, blinding NICK,who's fielding questions next to the crew of Endeavor.

REPORTERNick Evans, in view that you've neverbeen offshore in your entire adultlife, how do you feel about sailingthe Southern Ocean?

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

23/120

22.

NICKIt's only wind and water.

REPORTER 2Is it true you broke up with yourFiance to be in the race?

NICK

No. Anne Marie is very supportiveand she thinks we're going to win.

REPORTERDo you intend to follow in yourfather's footsteps now?

NICKI... just hope not to make the samemistakes he did.

A reporter stands up the middle of the auditorium.

REPORTER 3What's the point?

NICKExcuse me?

REPORTER 3What's the point of wasting yourtime and our time and all public andprivate funds so you guys can riskyour lives and exercise your egos inthis sort of contest?

Nick looks around for help. None given. Davenport glaresat the reporter, son-of-a-bitch.

EXT MARINA -- NIGHT

NICK walks along the yachts in the silent marina, yachtslike stallions in a quiet slumber, masts reaching for theskies.

A VOICE stops him.

VOICE (O.S.)It found you, didn't it? Such along time.

Nick stops. He turns. And sees the old seaman, ROBERT BURKE,aka BOB, staring at him.

NICKBob?

Bob offers a card, Nick takes and examines it for a beat.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

24/120

23.

BOBI'll be sailing Spirit. Then I'mgoing fly-fishing for a long time.

A pregnant silence ensues between them. It sits heavy andfull of guilt on both sides.

NICK

Never abandon the boat, I thoughtthat was the golden rule --

BOB-- we thought you'd be safer --

NICK-- it wasn't safe enough for you.

BOBYour father would never abandonThe ya --

NICK-- My father was an arrogant loserand he made the wrong call. We shouldhave stopped racing. He should neverhave continued through the WesternApproaches. He put the entire safetyof the crew and the yacht at risk,what for? For a goddamned race?

BOBIt was all a terrible tragedy, kid.That's all. The laws of men do notwork out there. There's is no good,

no bad, no rich or poor, no just orunjust. It just is. Pure and simple.

Nick turns and looks out to the marina for a long beat.

INT. HOTEL BEDROOM - NIGHT

The last words echo in Nick's head. He wakes up with a start.He sits up, breathing hard. Reaches for the telephone.Dials. And what we hear...

ANNE MARIE (V.O.)Hi, this is Anne. I can't come tothe phone right now. Please leaveyour number and I'll get back toyou.

INT MEDICAL CENTER -- DAY

The sailors gather round HEYES, Dr. ROMANELLI and older DR.WEISZ, two young doctors from WorldClinic. Several watertightcontainers are opened with its contents on display.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

25/120

24.

DR. ANDREA ROMANELLII'm Dr. Romanelli from WorldClinicand I will be responsible for anyhealth-related issues overseas. I'mhere to teach about the standardmedical offshore kit aboard yourvessel. It'll not give you a licenseto practice medicine, but it'll save

lives. In the booklet you'll findour number which can be reached viaInmarsat 24 hours a day, seven daysa week.

EXT ENDEAVOR -- DAY

The yacht is sailing smoothly and fast under spinnaker.HEYES is at the wheel.

The crew gathers round DAVENPORT as he adjusts the zipper onthe three-layered MUSTO foul weather gear on NICK, who standsby the stern.

Davenport closes the zipper on Nick.

RON DAVENPORTThe life expectancy in the SouthernOcean in a two-piece suit is about15 minutes! We're estimating recoveryat 02 hours! So, can anyone tell mewhat is the first rule for manoverboard!?

The sailors stare at each other in silence. Nick answersshyly.

NICKDon't fall overboard?

RON DAVENPORTThat's correct, sailor.

Nick feels relief. Davenport then pulls the face guard acrosshis face and speaks confidentially.

RON DAVENPORT (CONT'D)Just one last piece of advice: ItCan get awful lonely out there.Just stay away from my daughter.

And pushes Nick overboard. Starts his time-watch.

RON DAVENPORT (CONT'D)Man overboard! Fifteen minutes!

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

26/120

25.

ANDY(yells down the cabin)

Man overboard!

The sailors quickly scramble to position. Paula spots Nickand points her finger at him and keeps it there as the sailorswork fast in a well orchestrated maneuver to lower thespinnaker.

Nick struggles as the boat quickly separates from him. Awave covers NICK and he loses sight of the yacht for a second,then quickly re-gains his orientation.

INT HOTEL SUITE -- NIGHT

Nick dreamily opens the door and is almost knocked by aWAITER, who promptly offers an assorted tray of hors d'oeuvreover Strauss.

He is looks stunned in a world of his own and continues downthe room where he stops before the entire crew lounging about

and a table set for a LOBSTER DINNER.

He walks up to DAVENPORT, who amusingly enjoys a conversationwith John O'Keefe, holding a glass of the best wine available.ANDY smiles and turns to him.

ANDYNicky boy! You scared the hell outof Stanny here, he thought you werenot going to show up to save his assfrom getting piss-drunk.

The room is alive and laughing. Nick's POV laughing at him?

INT HOTEL SUITE -- NIGHT -- SAME

NICK, PAULA, ANDY, HEYES, BRIAN, MARCO, O'KEEFE and STAN areseated as DAVENPORT raises his glass. STAN's hands shake ashe reaches for his.

PAULA smiles. And we catch a subtle smile from MARCO.

RON DAVENPORTGentleman, when I met you I had littlehope for mankind. Now that I knowyou closer... I have NO hope. MayGod Bless Endeavor and all the menand women aboard, 'cause we're gonnaneed it.

The crew laughs and raise their glasses in a toast. We staywith STAN... he never sips his drink.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

27/120

26.

A building breeze leads us into

FADE OUT:

TITLE CARD:

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND, START DAY - NOVEMBER 7

EXT MARINA -- DAY

Grey skies. Boats bob uneasily on their pontoons to theincessant noise of the wind through the rigging and sparehalyards, picking up leaves and stray objects from the ground.

INT HOTEL - BEDROOM -- DAY

Early morning. The room is still darkened. The sky looksgrey outside, the wind is strong, trees shake their leavesand rain splatters against the window.

We search for NICK in the bathroom, staring into the mirror.

He looks down. And looks up again. And in that split secondhe gets the scare of his life.

It was the figure of HIS FATHER standing behind him.

INT. ENDEAVOR - BELOWDECKS - NAVIGATION STATION - DAY

The cabin is dark. MARCO plays with an electronic switch,turning the instruments on and off, absent-minded, fillingthe cabin with a red and green glow, alone.

PAULA (O.S.)Just like going to the moon, eh?

Marco turns. Paula is standing in the doorway to the maincabin. He smiles. She walks over.

MARCOI guess so.

She sits on his lap. And they kiss.

INT HOTEL SUITE - NIGHT

DAVENPORT is taking a picture out of its frame. It is anold photo of him and his wife, MRS. LINDSAY DAVENPORT.

He looks at it fondly, before stowing it into a zip-lockbag.

EXT HARBOR CHANNEL -- DAY

Never mind the weather. The line of spectators is ten-deep.A maddening roar. SPECTATOR BOATS now join in with HORNSand SHOUTS of encouragement.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

28/120

27.

WOMEN CLAD IN BIKINIS dance on the cabin to the blast ofROCK MUSIC.

EXT. MARINA - DAY

NICK and ANDY fight the crowd with their backpacks and teamEndeavor jackets.

ANDYDo you know the best thing aboutmoney?

NICKShoot.

ANDYNow I get to get laid too.

NICKThat's what I thought. Was HE gentle?

SNIPES, a sinewy young sailor, who was speaking to a reporter,watches as Nick passes by and walks up to him.

SNIPESWe could use some media ballast,If you know what I mean.

Nick turns and recognizes him. And sees the team Spirit logo.

NICKSnipes. Nice to see you again.

SNIPES

Just a piece of advice: wipe thatsmile off your face, no one goes inthe Southern with a smile.

NICKYeah. You have a nice one too.

Nick turns to leave. No intention to continue on.

SNIPESBe careful you don't go the same waythe old man did.

Nick suddenly turns and lunges at this guy. When a set ofstrong arms separate them clean off. It's BRIAN.

BRIANWe got a problem here?

SNIPESNo. We were just talking.

(MORE)

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

29/120

28.

SNIPES (CONT'D)(to Nick)

See you guys out there.

Snipes turns to go. ANDY walks up to Nick, enjoying this.

ANDYI don't mean to pry, but, did you

like sleep with his girl or something?

NICKNo. He was in too much pain already.I took his Olympic berth. Twice.

ANDYOh. That's sweet.

MARCO rushes up to them.

MARCODid any of you guys see Stan this

morning?

They look at his expression of pure disbelief.

EXT. HARBOR - YACHT SPIRIT - DAY

SNIPES climbs aboard Spirit. The crew is readying the yachtfor sail.

Among them we recognize BOB, the oldest; GUY, RICH andPATRICK, all cocked and ready young sailors; SARA, a middle-aged woman, and JO, the youngest, descends into the cabin.

Snipes walks up to BOB.

SNIPESI heard you were giving the rookiesome tips.

BOBWith his background I don't thinkhe'll need any.

SNIPESGreat. That's what we're going tofind out.

INT ENDEAVOR - BELOWDECKS - DAY

DAVENPORT is seated. ANDY, NICK, PAULA, BRIAN, JOHN O'KEEFEand ANNE MARIE stand around the main cabin in absolute silenceand astonishment.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

30/120

29.

RON DAVENPORTIf anyone else wants to quit on herthis is your last chance. I'll takeher around alone if need be.

The crew looks around; no one budges. Ron nods to Heyes.

HEYES (ON RADIO)

Race Committee, this is Endeavor.Over.

RACE COMMITTE (V.O., RADIO)Go ahead, Endeavor.

HEYESIt's a confirm, vessel Endeavor isnot retiring from the race. Over.

RACE COMMITTE (V.O., RADIO)That's a confirm, over and out.

RON DAVENPORTWe've got some sailing to do.

EXT HARBOR CHANNEL - DAY

Spirit is being towed out.

JO, the youngest in the crew, comes running from the cabinand talks to SNIPES. The crew gathers to her the news.

JOEndeavor is not retiring.

SNIPESI guess they'll be traveling light.

He smiles to Bob. Who doesn't smile back.

EXT MARINA - ENDEAVOR -- DAY

ANDY shows off a couple of French girls to Nick, who isreadying the deck. He mouths the words 'very gentle' toNick. Marco walks by.

MARCOThis is going to be one long trip.

HEYES is shaking hands with a couple of ex-marines andfriends, alongside his wife.

BRIAN is on a cell phone, pacing the yacht.

BRIAN (ON PHONE)No, it's not too late.

(MORE)

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

31/120

30.

BRIAN (ON PHONE) (CONT'D)You tell Mommy you can stay up andwatch Daddy on TV.

PAULA is saying goodbye to someone and catches Marco's eyes.She smiles. Nick watches it all as he coils a rope, alone.

EXT. MARINA - DAY

ANNE MARIE WILKES works her way through the crowd with aleaflet in hand asking for directions.

ANNE MARIEDoes anybody know where Endeavor is?Sir, do you know where Endeavor is?

MAN IN THE CROWDOh, yes , Ma'am. I was just there.They should be leaving anytime now.

EXT. MARINA - ENDEAVOR - DAY

A RIB (rigid inflatable) pulls up by the side. The DRIVERyells up to MARCO on the cockpit, frantically pointing tohis watch.

RIB DRIVERWe've got to tow you guys right now!This is our last call!

DAVENPORT scrambles out of the cabin. MARCO grabs the towline and throws it to the inflatable.

EXT. MARINA - DAY

ANNE fights her way through the crowd, running.

ANNE MARIENick!


The yacht is being towed.

NICK starts retrieving the FENDERS and ROPES, and suddenlystops in mid-action as he hears a familiar voice. He looksup and tries to recognize it through the roar.

EXT. MARINA - DAY

ANNE runs towards the docks. Closer now. We see Endeavor'smast passing through above the heads of the people.

ANNE MARIENick!

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

32/120

31.


Nick sees a young woman running desperately but he does notwant to believe it.

NICKAnne?

ANNE MARIENick!!

He recognizes her.

NICKIt's Anne Marie! Stop it! Anne!!!

BRIANWe can't do it!

Davenport is at the wheel. Sees the edge of the harbor.

RON DAVENPORTI got you kiddo, get to the railing!

Nick sees it and goes to the leeward railing, grabbing on tothe side stays. Anne runs. The crowd cheers her on.

Davenport steers the yacht dangerously close to the edge ofthe harbor, still on tow... Nick extends his hands all theway...

Anne runs to the very edge of the harbor, extends her hand...someone holds her... The hands stretch to the max...

And they just barely touch. He smiles. She smiles.

ANNE MARIEGo get'em, sailor!!

Nick grabs a FENDER from the deck.

NICKWe're not gonna need those, are we?

RON DAVENPORTNot unless you're planning to stopsomewhere.

The crowd cheers madly. Nick takes the fender and throws ittowards her.

We follow the fender as it arcs through the air...

EXT MARINA - SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DAY - FLASHBACK

...and someone catches it in 1979. A legend places us.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

33/120

32.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 14, 1979

FLASHES EXPLODE as a tattered thirty-seven-footer yachtcarrying its battered crew approaches the dock. By the lookon the faces of those men, they took a serious beating.

INT PRESS ROOM - ROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUB - 1979 -- DAY

A legend:

"ROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUB"

The RORC SECRETARY, wearing thick glasses and a mournfulexpression sits behind a desk, flanked by two ASSISTANTS anda bank of telephones, facing a GROUP OF REPORTERS.

BOB, who fidgets nervously, and RON DAVENPORT sit acrossfrom them, taking questions.

RORC SECRETARYMr. Davenport, could you please give

us a chronology of the events thatled to your decision to abandon theyacht?

RON DAVENPORTI do not recall the exact moment,but we had lost all souls aboardFreedom and the assessment was thatthe yacht had become unseaworthy.

An ASSISTANT approaches with a piece of paper, the Secretarytakes it and reads the hurried longhand scribbling. Andlooks up at the assistant, not believing it.

RORC SECRETARYIt seems that the Royal Air Forcehas just rescued a crewman fromFreedom at 1700 hours and he is onhis way to sick bay at this time.

There is a loud murmur in the room.

EXT RACE COMMITTEE BOAT -- DAY - BACK TO PRESENT

A CANNON is fired, the RED FLAG is raised. Twenty or soYACHTS dash past the starting line, fast, slick machines,taking off as they rise the crest of the waves like wildhorses.

Sailors lean out on the windward rails, mainsails on thefirst reef, going upwind, on their way around the world.

Endeavor starts at the committee boat end and the motion onthe yacht is intense as it pierces through the waves.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

34/120

33.

INT ENDEAVOR - BELOWDECKS -- DAY

The cabin is always at an angle and walking seems likemountaineering on top of a wild horse.

NICK fights his way to the navigation console, where PAULAsits in front of a computer screen with a series of numbersand boat tracks.

PAULHe's fifty yards ahead, we got a twohundred yard separation. We got afive degree shift to the right andit seems like it's going to hold.

Nick nods, with a sickly expression.

PAULADon't get seasick!? We're juststarting!

EXT ENDEAVOR -- COCKPIT - DAY

NICK comes on deck with a WET NOTES pad and barely flashesit to DAVENPORT.

NICKSir...

RON DAVENPORTWe're going right! Ready about!

The crew scramble from the windward rail to their assignedpositions in the cockpit. Brian positions himself at the

leeward runner and loosens its slack.

BRIANReady!

Marco and Andy position themselves at the staysail and primarywinches, while at the other side, Nick and Heyes take turnsof rope around the winch barrels, ready to haul in.

ANDYWe're ready!

RON DAVENPORTHelm's a-lee!

The boat swings its bow across the wind, for a moment thesails are slack and...

RON DAVENPORT (CONT'D)Lee-Oh!

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

35/120

34.

The sailors at the winches take the slack as the sails fillon the other side. Nick tightens the windward runner.

NICKRunner on!

INSERT: the set of DIGITAL DISPLAYS on the mast as the boataccelerates on the new tack.

EXT SPIRIT -- COCKPIT - DAY

SNIPES steers the boat. A crewman, PATRICK watches besideshim. From their P.O.V. we see Endeavor at leeward on port,and another yacht, rising off the crest of the waves toleeward and ahead.

Endeavor tacks ahead of them. BOB watches it and leans overto Snipes.

BOBHe tacked again. We have no room.

SNIPESThat's a negative. We're going togive them a lee-bow.

(to the crew)Ready about! This is going to bevery close, folks!

(To Bob)You sit straight, listen up, and youmight learn something, old man.It's going to be beautiful.


Nick and Davenport snap their necks as a yacht ducks them,almost kissing their transom as they sail on starboard. Thecrew goes for position. And they see Spirit, on collisioncourse towards them.

NICKJesus, is he seeing us?

Marco runs down to THE BOW and waves 'Hey'. The boat creaksand grinds like it's going to fall apart. Nick looks up atthe mast.

EXT SPIRIT - COCKPIT -- DAY

SNIPESHelm's-a-lee!

Spirit TACKS, a fraction of a second more and it would'vebeen a direct hit.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

36/120

35.


Too late as Ron is forced to do an almost CRASH TACK to avoida collision. Sailors were just getting off the rail.

RON DAVENPORTHelm's a lee! Sonafabitch.

The sailors run back to position, but the KEVLAR GENOAHEADSAIL backwinds against the spreader, puncturing it.BRIAN looks up and sees it.

BRIANSail change!

Sailors scramble to avoid a bigger problem. Andy dashesdown the companionway and we follow him down the cabin as...


He dashes past PAULA at the navigation station, and continues

down the saloon towards the sail room.

ANDYWhat the hell is going on?

NICK follows right behind and grabs the radio.

NICK(ON RADIO)

Race Committee, race committee, thisis Endeavor. Do you copy?

HEYES grabs his hand and lowers the radio.

NICK (CONT'D)We've got to protest! We can't letthis shit happen!

HEYESThat is the Captain's decision.This is not about you and him. Youneed something, you take it up tohim.

Nick turns and heads up the companionway.

RACE COMMITTE (V.O., RADIO)Endeavor, this is the Committee Boat,what's your report, over.

HEYES (ON RADIO)Race committee, this is Endeavor.Nothing to report. Over and out.

Heyes hands the radio back to Paula.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

37/120

36.


DAVENPORT steers the yacht while BRIAN and MARCO lower theripped headsail. NICK walks up to him, who seems absolutelyundisturbed.

NICKSir! Excuse me, sir! We have to

protest!! The last I heard thereare rules and he just broke a majorone and we have an obligation toreport!

RON DAVENPORTThe sea will be the judge, kiddo.Get to the bow and held with thesail change!

NICKThe sea will be the judge!?

Nick leaves absolutely frustrated.

EXT ENDEAVOR -- BOW - DAY

BRIAN and MARCO get a good dousing with the bow plunging upand down in waves while they collect the ripped sail.

INT RACE OPERATIONS CENTER -- DAY

RACE OPERATIONS CENTER - SOUTHAMPTON 51.86'N - 3.45'W

JOHN O'KEEFE leads ANNE MARIE into the Race HQ. It is a

world of gadgetry and computer screens, where half a dozentechnicians work to the soothing balm of Classical Music.

CLAUDE LeFEVRE, the flamboyant race administrator, is themaestro. He turns as he sees John.

CLAUDEHello John, when are you going to goout there and join the boys?

JOHN O'KEEFEI prefer 'Terra Firme', thank you.This is Anne Marie, Nick's fiancee.

CLAUDEYes, yes. Loved that image. Thehand reaching as the yacht left thedock. We broadcast it all over theworld. How nice to meet you. Areyou going to stay in town long?

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

38/120

37.

ANNE MARIEJust a couple of days.

CLAUDEPlease, John, let her be our guest.Spare no expenses. I wonder if you'dcare for a tour.

ANNE MARIEPlease.

He leads them into the room. A series of satellite picturesand computer screens for different regions of the world. Abank of HOTLINE TELEPHONES line the far wall.

CLAUDEThis is the weather center. We'relinked to weather stations aroundthe world, NOAA, Mto France,Australian Bureau, you name it.We'll be sending out bulletins twice

daily.

ANNE MARIECouldn't they just call them?

CLAUDENot under the race rules. The momenta yacht accepts outside help, she'llbe immediately disqualified. We'retheir only source of weather.

The MAIN SCREEN on a computer shows the position of the boatson the map, color-coded. The numbers, such as boat speed,

coordinates, just a mouse click away.

CLAUDE (CONT'D)But don't you worry, my dear. If hecoughs, we'll know. If his heartmisses a beat, we'll know. And ifhe dares to cheat on you, we'll knowbefore it happens. This is going tobe the most watched sailing eventever.

INT ENDEAVOR - BELOWDECKS - FORWARD BULKHEAD - DAY

MARCO grabs the sail being fed to him through the forehatch.It's so much cloth one could get lost in it.

PAULA enters and slowly closes the watertight door behindher.

PAULAI wonder if I can give you a handwith that, sailor.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

39/120

38.

MARCOBe my guest.

He stops tugging the sail. She leans over, and they KISS.

They hear a sound and turn to see NICK, with a smug face.

MARCO (CONT'D)

Oh, hell.

NICKNever mind me. I was never here.

EXT/INT STREET/SEDAN - SOUTHAMPTON - NIGHT

John O'Keefe drops ANNE MARIE off at her hotel.

JOHN O'KEEFEAnne, thanks for coming.

ANNE MARIE

How will I know where they are?

JOHN O'KEEFEThere are two radio schedules, sixa.m. and six p.m. RHQ will be postingthe results on the net as soon asthey report in. Do you need a rideto the airport tomorrow?

ANNE MARIENo, it's okay.

JOHN O'KEEFE

See you in a few months, then.

Anne Marie opens the door. Stops halfway. Turns.

ANNE MARIEAnything happens to him, I'll holdyou personally accountable.

She steps out, closing the door behind her.

FADE OUT:

EXT BAY OF BISCAY - NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN -- DAY

The seas are big and the boats are pounding, dropping offthe top of the waves with a violent jar. A Legend placesus:

DAY 2 - BAY OF BISCAY 45.10'N - 8.41'W

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

40/120

39.

Aboard Endeavor. DAVENPORT is at the wheel. The boat isgoing full steam under double-reefed mainsail. Three crewmembers huddle on the rail (rail meat, we call them).

We can only recognize them by the names on the back of thehoods over their heads. (Heyes, Paula)

BRIAN works near the mast, and has to jump up, to avoid being

swept by a wave across the deck.

NICK climbs down the companionway steps, drops his hood, and


Walks right through the saloon, sick as hell, and continuesthrough the watertight door and bursts into the port lavatoryhead, throwing his guts out.

The lid was down.

He turns and there's a digital camera right in his face -

ANDY has just taken a photo.

ANDYThat's a nice one. Just what WorldSailing magazine is looking for.

NICKYou're not sending that, are you?

ANDYI was thinking about the NationalInquirer myself: 'Sailing Star talksto the seals.'

The boat jerks around as Nick walks up to the navigationchart table where MARCO listens to the radio schedule.

NICKHow are we doing?

MARCOWe'll know soon enough.

VOICESUnion Jack 44.45 north 18.25 west...Veritas 43.38 north 19.24 west...Yankee Pride 44.30 north 20.58 west,last boat reporting. Over and out.

He jots down the info on a standard paper chart.

NICKSo, what's up?

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

41/120

40.

MARCOWould you give me a second here?

Marco scribbles and does some calculations on the chart.

MARCO (CONT'D)We've just gained about 80 miles.At this pace, we'll be within range

of the leaders by the time we hitthe Equator.

NICKAnd when would that be?

MARCOIn about a week. That is, if wemanage to cross the doldrumsunhitched.

Nick looks mystified. Marco points it out on the map.

MARCO (CONT'D)The black hole. Just around thehorse latitudes, here. It is aninvisible area of low pressure andit keeps changing every goddamn day,invisible and unpredictable. Itmeans zero wind.

NICKWhy don't we sail around it?

MARCOAt best we can hit it at the lowest

point. We can stay there a day, aweek, a month, or as long as itwishes.

ANDYDo you know why it is called the'Horse Latitudes?'

Nick and Marco turn to him.

ANDY (CONT'D)Some ships, running low on water,after a month with no wind, wouldthrow cargoes of horses overboard.It was either them or the crew.

Beat. Nick stares at them.

NICKDo you know what this is? A bunchof sailors horse-crap voodoo you'retrying to pass on to me.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

42/120

41.

PAULA steps down the companionway steps from the cockpit,removes her coat and walks up to the guys in the main saloon.

PAULAIt's your shift. Just as a warning,Dad is not in a good mood.

ANDY

Have you ever seen him in a goodmood?

Nick steps out, grabs his coat and walks back to the changingarea. Andy follows.

ANDY (CONT'D)We better hurry, cornuto.

MARCOExcuse my English, but why don't youstow that Caneloni where the sundoesn't shine.

Marco stands up to go. Paula grabs his arm.

PAULAHey, no rush.

MARCOYou said your father as going tokill us.

PAULANot before we get back to France.

She grabs and holds him close, he is reluctant at first andthen lets go. Andy suddenly returns to the saloon.

ANDYDid you guys see my glo --

-- They quickly separate. Andy smiles broadly.

ANDY (CONT'D)Oh, I own you. I own you big time.You're my slaves. Oh, this feelsgood.

He walks out. Marco nods his head.

MARCOHe's such a jerk.

EXT ENDEAVOR - COCKPIT -- NIGHT

Endeavor glides at a healthy 12-15 knots of boat speed underspinnaker. BRIAN, HEYES and DAVENPORT are on the cockpit.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

43/120

42.

NICK and MARCO step out and are greeted by a sparkling skyof MILLIONS OF STARS.

RON DAVENPORTYou're fifteen minutes late to relievethe crew. Both of you get a thirtyminute-penalty until the next shift.

(to Marco)

It's your shift. Anything goes wrongyou call me or else you're both goingto feed marine life, am I clear?

MARCOClear enough, sir.

RON DAVENPORTWhere the hell is that little weasel?

MARCOIf you're referring to Andy, he'sjust coming up, sir.

INT RACE OPERATIONS CENTER - CONTROL ROOM -- NIGHT

CLAUDE talks to a TECHNICIAN, checking a series of monitors.

TECHNICIANWe lost all vitals on Spirit andLibert today.

CLAUDERun a check through the terrestrialcarriers, land stations, all the wayto the terminal. Can you raise them

on the SSB?

TECHNICIANSure.

CLAUDEGood. Double check with them.

INT ENDEAVOR - BELOWDECKS -- NIGHT

We travel through the interior of the dark cabin. BRIANsleeps in the SAIL ROOM, on top of the sails.

At the center line, the media studio monitor comes to lifeas the boat bounces off a wave, showing a camera angle fromthe outside.

We move through the watertight doors to the saloon and galley,where HEYES sleeps in the booth seating around the table.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

44/120

43.

As we continue through the central companionway, to the rightwe see the green glow of the RADAR and hear the faint staticof the radio.

Continuing, at the berths astern, we find DAVENPORT and PAULA,on a berth across from him, both sleeping.

EXT ENDEAVOR - COCKPIT -- NIGHT

MARCO is alone at the helm, steering in the dark, underlighter winds, besides NICK and ANDY.

ANDY...so, then Giuseppe asks Tony: 'Ey,Tony. Do you know who FishlipsLorenzo is?' Tony goes 'no.'Giuseppe says 'he's the guy that'sbanging your wife while you go tonight school.'

MARCO

That is so hilarious.

ANDYDo you know why Italy is shaped likea boot?

NICKNo idea.

ANDYDo you think they could fit all thehit man in a tennis shoe?

Andy laughs. Nick suppresses a smile. Marco stares.

ANDY (CONT'D)Anyway, it was nice sailing withyou, now I think it's time to hitthe sack. And if you guys behavereal nice, I'll let you help spendall that money when we get back.Wake me up if you see a mermaid.

Andy goes down.

MARCOI am footing the bill, I can sleepanytime I want, right?

NICK drags himself next to Marco and sits besides him, witha notepad.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

45/120

44.

NICKMoney aside, I've been doing a fewcalculations on my own. Look atthis: Laurent and Vincent are headingout. As far as I'm concerned we'regetting into a persistent header, wegot to go up.

There's a silent beat.

MARCONo.

NICKJust five degrees. It's all we need.By tomorrow we're going to powerreach across the entire fleet andthey ain't gonna see where it's comingfrom.

MARCO

Hell no.

NICKAll right. What do you say I sendin an article, write you up as ahero. The whole works.

MARCOYou're crazy. You're certified.

NICKTrust me. If we're not leading thefleet by the time we hit the Equator,

It's on me.

The boat glides quietly in the dark. Marco reluctantlyadjusts course 5 degrees, while Nick sets the sail trim.

EXT NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN -- DAY

A lone DRAGONFLY sits on the railing, resting. We pan tothe ocean. And it is flat, lifeless. The sun is directlyabove at high noon and we can sense the intense heat emanatingfrom it. Zero wind. Boat and sails slack.

DAY 9 - NORTH ATLANTIC - THE DOLDRUMS 10.24'N - 29.15'W

PAULA is scanning the horizon through pair of binoculars.ANDY pops up from below-decks.

ANDYHey, what's the scoop?

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

46/120

45.

PAULAI think I saw something out there.

ANDYLet's try the hand-held.

Andy grabs the VHF and calls. We hear a raspy, gutturalgrowl coming from Belowdecks.


DAVENPORT is chewing MARCO and NICK's asses.

NICKI made the call, sir. It was thewrong call, but it could'a been --

RON DAVENPORTYou don't make calls, you moron.When you have a worthy suggestion,which I doubt it, you talk to the

entire crew! This ain't your goddamndinghy. You are responsible for thelives of this crew and the outcomeof this vessel depend on the actionsand choices you two dumb-asses make!

NICKIf I only had gone a further tendegrees to the West, we would'vebeen right at the edge of the sys --

RON DAVENPORT-- Are you trying to patronize me,

son? Cause I can rip your guts rightout with my bare hands. Both of youon deck now! I want it shining likethe Hope diamond.

EXT SPIRIT - COCKPIT -- DAY

A SONY WALKMAN sits atop of the cabin, connected to a pairof portable speakers. 'GOT TO BE REAL', by Cheryl Lynn blastsfull volume.

JO, SARA, and PATRICK, wearing a wig, dance to it, a laSupremes.SNIPES sits by the wheel, bored and pissed at thewind and his predicament.

RICH leans over him and gives him a peck. GUY steps out ofthe cabin to join in the revelry.

INT SPIRIT - BELOWDECKS -- DAY

BOB gets up, grumbling, to the sound of the VHF. Curses atthe party going on upstairs and picks up the radio.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

47/120

46.

PAULA'S VOICE (V.O., RADIO)Vessel to my West. Vessel to myWest. This is Yacht Endeavor.Waypoint 10,24 north; 29 degreesWest. Do you copy?

BOBEndeavor! This is Spirit, Bob

speaking. How are we doing?

PAULA'S VOICE (V.O., RADIO)We're kind of stuck... Is that musicI hear?

BOBOh yes. Would you care to join?


ANDY stands on deck alongside Paula.

PAULANo Bob, I think I'll pass.(to Andy)

They're having a party.

ANDY(holding binoculars)

I do see a lot of movement on deck.


Dozens of weatherfaxes are pinned to a board. DAVENPORT andHEYES sweat over a map of the area at the navigation station.

A portable and tiny FAN blows a feeble breeze towards them.

Davenport draws an X for boat positions, and 'H' for thecenter of the high pressure zone, further West. He pointsto a marker further West on the chart.

RON DAVENPORTIs that Mother Russia?

HEYESThat's right. That's one luckybastard. She's right at the edge ofthe high pressure system.

DAVENPORT registers it for a beat. ANDY steps down thecompanionway and HEYES hands him the e-mail printouts.

HEYES (CONT'D)Incoming.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

48/120

47.

EXT ENDEAVOR - DAY

MARCO and NICK are scrubbing the deck vigorously. PAULA issunbathing. BRIAN is watching.

Andy steps out with a handful of print-outs.

MARCO

That's right, boys. Keep thinking.Coleone, five degrees to the left.

BRIANIs there anything for me?

ANDY(checking)

Sorry, big guy.(to Paula)

For you sweetheart, looking stunningas ever. Don't forget to introduceme to your friends when we get back.

Andy walks towards Marco and Nick.

ANDY (CONT'D)For Nick Evans... Oh my, what do wehave here? It's a girl!

The crew celebrates with cat-calls. Andy starts scanningthe message. Nick stands up.

ANDY (CONT'D)Anne Marie Wilkes. Why would a girlever write to you?

NICKHey, that's private.

ANDY(reading)

Dear sailor. I know how lonely youmust be when you get this. And Iknow how hard it is for me to saythis, but ever since I've met Calvinmy life has changed and I hope yourlife can change too and you can climbto a higher spiritual level...

Nick chases him around the cockpit, finally snatching thepaper from him and sitting down on the cockpit to read it.

Andy turns to Marco, who had resumed working.

ANDY (CONT'D)Sorry, big guy, I could give you akiss, though.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

49/120

48.

Marco gives him the finger.

ANDY (CONT'D)Anyway, latest report, Endeavor iswith the group at the back of thefleet, near the center of a highpressure zone which should lastindefinitely.

Nick looks down, embarrassed and sorry.


DAVENPORT sits across from HEYES at the nav station.

HEYESI'm worried about the kid.

RON DAVENPORTHe's just a tad too eager. It won'tlast. The southern has a way of

changing people.

Davenport grabs a pack of cigarettes and stands up to leave.

RON DAVENPORT (CONT'D)Let's get out of here.


We follow a pair of feet running on the deck until it jumps.

EXT OCEAN - DAY

We follow MARCO as he head-dives from the cockpit of Endeavorand goes underwater before surfacing. He stops and takes agood look at the yacht a few yards away. And swims.


DAVENPORT steps up, lighting a cigarette, and walks up tothe bow.

NICK turns to Paula and Andy.

NICKCaptain smokes?

PAULAOnly when there's no wind.

Davenport looks around at the sky, as if in a deep trance,and follows the smoke of the cigarette go up, in a straightline.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

50/120

49.

EXT OCEAN - DAY

MARCO swims. The ocean is a flat, reflective mirror of adead calm. He stops and looks at the yacht Endeavor, notfar.


PAULA, NICK and ANDY make a curious circle around DAVENPORT.He continues as if in a deep trance, not smoking, but justobserving the column of smoke that goes up in a straightline.

Until way up, it bends to one side. He then, without asmuch as turning, talks to the guys in a very calm and softvoice.

RON DAVENPORTWe need the number one and the lightspinnaker on deck. Ready themainsail. Do it now, and do it

quietly.

The guys look at each other and scramble out of there.


ANDY and NICK rush down the companionway, past HEYES at thechart table, and BRIAN, at the computer.

ANDYThe trades are coming. We're out ofhere, marines. Get your ass on deck.Whoa!

HEYES looks at BRIAN, puzzled at the kid's language.

BRIANNever mind him, he's got a loosechip.


PAULA stops at the entrance to the companionway. Turns, andwalks to the transom. Mumbles to herself.

PAULAMarco, come back...

EXT OCEAN - DAY

MARCO has stopped swimming. He looks at the yacht, a goodfifty yards away and sees PAULA. She WAVES at him, withoutmaking a sound. He smiles and WAVES back.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

51/120

50.

MARCOShe's so cool. Bella.


The entire crew is on deck. Halyards are readied, ropeclutches are opened, sails brought on deck, etc...

RON DAVENPORTWind speed and direction.

ANDYFour knots from the Northwest,clocking to the Northeast and pickingup steam.

PAULA looks back from the stern and yells. A WIND LINE isapproaching, rippling through the glassy surface.

PAULAMarco, come back! Now!

EXT OCEAN - DAY

MARCO looks back, then starts swimming, fast.


The MAINSAIL and the NUMBER ONE HEADSAIL start going up themast. The yacht slides tentatively forward.

At the deck level, NICK sides near the captain.

NICK

Sir?

RON DAVENPORTNot now, sailor; not now.

NICKI just wanted to say, sir, that itwasn't his fault. I mean, I --

RON DAVENPORT-- I said not now.

EXT OCEAN - DAY

MARCO swims like an Olympian being chased by sharks. Theyacht seems closer, but now it is moving, at a jerky pace.

EXT ENDEAVOR/OCEAN - DAY

RON DAVENPORTRig the pole! Prepare for a spinnakerset to Starboard!

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

52/120

51.

PAULADad...

NICK thinks fast and throws a LIFE-RING over the transom.MARCO reaches for it. The wind line reaches Endeavor, thesails take shape and the yacht tows the life-ring away.

PAULA (CONT'D)

Fast, Marco! Swim! Swim!

NICKHey, Captain, no hard feelings, right?

Marco swims harder and faster, but the boat speed isincreasing and he misses his second shot.

EXT SPIRIT - COCKPIT - DAY

PATRICK, GUY, SARA, RICH and NIELSEN man the winches andclumsily try to ready the mainsail and the headsail. FromSNIPES' POV at the helm, we see Endeavor far on the horizon.

SNIPESCome one, let's go! Go! Go! Go!Shit.

BOB checks on deck with a RANGE FINDER.

BOBThey're gone.


It takes a third try and Marco manages to grab the life-ring.

The yacht starts pulling him along for the ride.

RON DAVENPORTCome on, get him aboard! He's slowingus down!

BRIAN runs to the stern, grabs the life-ring rope and haulsit in. NICK and PAULA heave Marco aboard. He breathes hardfrom the effort.

MARCOYou guys... were not going to...Leave me out there... were you?

They look at one another, nobody answers.

INT ANNE'S APARTMENT - DAY

ANNE MARIE checks her computer. NO NEW MESSAGES. She isobviously frustrated and picks up the telephone and a cardwith the Endeavor logo and dials.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

53/120

52.

Waits. A recorded voice replies at the other end.

TELEPHONE OPERATORWe're sorry. The number you've triedto reach is disconnected or no longerin service. Please check your numberor try again later.

INT RACE OPERATIONS CENTER - CONTROL ROOM -- DAY

The RACE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER is on the phone.

RACE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERNo Ma'am. The Inmarsat system isworking fine... I'm sure they gotyour e-mail.

CLAUDE nods to him, asking who it is. RCO covers thereceiver.

RACE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER (CONT'D)

A Anne Wilkes... from California.She says she can't reach Endeavor.

CLAUDETell her to try again later. Theymight be saving on batteries.

He nods and returns to the phone.


INSERT COMPUTER SCREEN: ...Hot. Very hot. The most amazingsights, though. Sunrise was special this morning. The stars

were the brightest I've ever seen. If we have enough powerI may be able to upload some pictures...

NICK presses SEND. He looks to the side. We see the FAMILYWALL - NOTES of encouragement and PICTURES of the crew andtheir relatives and friends and homes.

He's about to log off when a DIALOGUE BOX pops up.

INSERT: COMPUTER SCREEN

Bob: It was a nice getaway from you guys today.Nick: Kudos to the Captain.Beat.Bob: how's he treating you?Nick: A step above a mule.Bob: That sounds about par for the course.Beat. Nick thinks for a second, then types.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

54/120

53.

Nick: What happened that night?Beat.

Nick: What happened that night? Need to know.

BRIAN walks in from the main saloon.

BRIANYou're going to talk to the captain.

He turns to see BRIAN and MARCO with stern faces, staring sthim. They grab Nick from behind and haul him out of there.

NICKWhat?


Endeavor is sailing in good speed, enjoying the trade winds.

DAY 13 - CROSSING THE EQUATOR

ATLANTIC OCEAN 00.8'N - 28.75'W

BRIAN and MARCO drag NICK up the companionway - and what hesees:

RON DAVENPORT, dressed as King Neptune, wearing a CROWN madeof an old cardboard, and a boathook for a TRIDENT. He pointsto NICK in a booming voice...

RON DAVENPORT

You!

To the right, HEYES, wears a cape and holds a long list,standing by a pot with a foul concoction brewed up in thegalley. He reads from a paper roll.

PAULA stares from the wheel, wearing a jury crown. Brianplaces Nick on his knees, besides ANDY, also on his knees.

RON DAVENPORT (CONT'D)Who is he, loyal clerk!?

HEYESA most foul and villainous villain,sir!

RON DAVENPORTAnd what is his accusation!?

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

55/120

54.

HEYESTrying to undermine the morale OFthis crew! Disobeying direct orders!Vanity and excess of pride! Lack ofcomradeship! Neglecting his lovedones!

RON DAVENPORT

Loyal clerk and jury of the court,what is the verdict!?

BRIANGuilty, sire!

MARCOGuilty, no doubt!

RON DAVENPORTLet those who are guilty be punished!On your knees!

Heyes scoops the vile brew and pours it over Nick and Andy.Davenport smiles, and the whole crew enjoy the antics.

The GPS (Global Positioning System) digital display switchesfrom 0 00'.2N to 0 00'.2S without ever going through a fullset of zeros.

RON DAVENPORT (CONT'D)Now, gentlemen, get washed up andassume your positions 'cause I'vejust lost 300 miles on this youngman's education. He wants a race,let's give him one.

We travel from the yacht until it is a tiny speck in theocean. We continue until we're at...

EXT SPACE - SATELLITE P.O.V. -- DAY

METEOSAT-7 weather SATELLITE, watching over the EasternAtlantic.

INT RACE OPERATIONS CENTER - DAY

A TECHNICIAN hands the RCO a weather printout. CLAUDE standsby.

RACE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERAll weather stations have reportedin.

CLAUDESend it out.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

56/120

55.


ANDY tears the weatherfax as it spills out of the fax machine.He takes it to the nearest table and sits down with HEYES,who starts to work on it.

Heyes looks over. Andy smiles. Heyes continues staring.Andy gets it and stands up.

ANDYYeah, I was just about leaving.Help on deck, right.


RON DAVENPORT at the wheel.

RON DAVENPORTTake her away!

BRIAN and MARCO work at the winches and haul the spinnaker

up. NICK and PAULA set the trim. Endeavor picks up speed.Sunny skies, trade winds, perfect sailing.


NICK grabs a doggie bowl of food and walks up to the table.Obviously starved, he tries to take a bite --

PAULAWe need that table!

PAULA and MARCO haul in a small headsail to be fixed. Nickstands up. ANDY yells from the companionway.

ANDYSail Change! All hands on deck!

Nick doesn't know what to do with the bowl.

PAULALet's go.

Nick clumsily grabs a bite with his hand, leaves the bowl onthe sink and exits. Paula and Marco follow.

EXT ENDEAVOR -- COCKPIT - DAY

NICK, ANDY and MARCO grab onto a smaller headsail on thebow, trying to find balance in the pitching, rolling deck,clawing with wet fingers at sail cloth.

A WAVE hits across deck - NICK and ANDY are washed down theforedeck, heavily and clumsily they bang on stanchions,snapping the lifelines tight. Nick does the I'm 'OK' sign.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

57/120

56.

From the wheel, DAVENPORT growls with pleasure.

RON DAVENPORTWe ain't got all day, lamebrains!


NICK, dripping wet, wraps a towel around his neck and walks

up to the kitchen to retrieve his food. As soon as he does --

MARCOSail change!

He knocks his bowl against the sink and drops his food.

NICKShit.


RON DAVENPORT

Course correction 1-9-0! Raise themain!

The sailors work to shake out a reef of the mainsail.


HEYES and MARCO listen to the radio. They hear ALEXEIFEDOROV, a Russian sailor on the SSB radio. NICK walks in,exhausted and Marco hands him a POWER BAR.

MARCOHey, big shot, you skipped lunch.

Don't do that.

ALEXEI FEDOROV (V.O., RADIO)For those of you going south, MotherRussia wish you very good luck, ofcourse we are one day ahead but nomatter we give you little music tohelp.

He puts on the Tchaikovski's 1812 overture and broadcasts itover the radio. A French Sailor's voice, LAURENT.

LAURENT'S VOICE (V.O., RADIO)Mother Russia we've got one for you.

The French National Anthem cuts through the radio. Heyesnods to the guys.

HEYESStraight from Endeavor to MotherRussia,my man Bruce.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

58/120

57.

Brian plays 'Born in the USA' by Bruce Springsteen andbroadcasts it over. ANDY yells from the companionway.

ANDYSail change!


It is raining. Hard. Andy and Nick are reefing the mainsail.They both look very tired.

ANDYI read you guys change sails athousand times during the trip!

NICKStop reading!


MARCO is finishing brushing his teeth. PAULA walks in and

gives him a smooch.

BRIAN passes by the bathroom and stops at the sight. Theyboth look extremely embarrassed.

MARCOBrian?

Brian immediately grabs the toothbrush from Marco's hand,breaks it in half, and gives the piece left back with a wink.

BRIANWe're cutting on weight. Captain's

orders.


It is getting dark. The seas are getting bigger. Endeavorslices through the water majestically.

INT ENDEAVOR - BELOWDECKS - NIGHT

NICK dashes down the companionway, hangs his coat in thedressing area, and walks up to HEYES at the Nav Station,listening to a stream of radio chat:

Mother Russia, we're going to get you... not afraid, motherrussia not afraid... unless your keel falls off first.. Ibuilt keelmyself, I tight screws myself... mother Russiadon't look back now, cause your ass is showing...

NICKHow're we doing?

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

59/120

58.

HEYESYou better get some coffee.

CUT TO:

GALLEY AREA. Sailors line up for coffee. PAULA serves ANDYand BRIAN sequentially. NICK trudges in and grabs a cup.

ANDYCoffee. Coffee.

MARCO steps into the galley.

MARCOSail change!

The guys get on the alert - can't believe this shit.

MARCO (CONT'D)Just kidding.

FADE OUT:

DAY 21


NICK, absolutely exhausted, lays on his bunk. It is soggy,wet and dirty, but it feels like silk as his head hits it.

ANDYWake up!

His eyes open. Andy shakes him. He moans beyond frustration.

ANDY (CONT'D)Radio schedule!

CUT TO:

The ENTIRE CREW is huddled around MARCO at the navigationstation, listening to the radio sked and taking notes ofboats positions.

VOICESUnion Jack 28.45 south 19.25 west...Veritas 26.38 south 19.24 west...Yankee Pride 29.30 south 20.58 west,last boat reporting. Over and out.

Marco draws the last position, takes a ruler, draws a lineon the chart. And everyone leans in with a 'so?' Etched intheir faces. Marco slowly turns to the crew.

MARCONumber one.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

60/120

59.

The crew breaks out in elation. NICK looks over to DAVENPORT,who silently congratulates him with a nod.


MARCO is in a celebratory mood as he serves a pasta meal ondoggie bowls, trying to sing Italian Music above the soundof the water pounding on the hulls.

NICK sits alone at the table, grabs the champagne and re-fills the plastic cups.

ANDY walks in wearing full thermals.

ANDY(to Marco)

Word has it that the crew is goingto vote to keep you mother watch forthe duration! Everyone in favor ofthis proposition say 'ay.'

Nick and Andy raise their hands 'ay'.

MARCOI could-a beat you all across-a theAtlantic. One hand-a tied behind myback.

There is a sudden louder noise but it is just the boatdropping off the top of a wave.

ANDY(to Nick)

Was that good or what? Captain kicked

some ass, my man. Bet you wereimpressed, rookie. Bam-pow-whang!Number one.

NICKYou want impressed? I'll give youimpressed. Cape Horn 1999.

ANDYWhat's with Cape Horn?

NICKCaptain's wife was thrown overboardby a rogue wave. For ten days hesearched the seas, alone, taking 70-foot-seas on the bow, facing nearhurricane winds. He lost the rig,all communications, and his supplies.A passenger liner saw the yacht butthere was nothing they could do.

(MORE)

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

61/120

60.

NICK (CONT'D)There was a search and rescueoperation involved but the vesselwas never seen again.

Andy and Marco have his full attention now.

NICK (CONT'D)

A month later he sails into portunder a jury rig. He tries to makea phone call, to cash a check, touse a credit card, but he can't. Astop had been put to his bank account.Everyone thought he was dead. That's'impressed.'

The yacht falls on a trough of another wave and shudders.

Nick stands to leave the main saloon. DAVENPORT enters.

RON DAVENPORT

Sailors telling old-time sea stories?

NICKI was just leaving, sir.

RON DAVENPORTYou guys finish up and clean up.Next team ready in five. Andy, cleanthe heads and pump out the slurrytanks.

Andy looks slightly to Marco.

MARCOIt's okay, I'll do it.

RON DAVENPORTNo, no. You can take it easy. It'snot your turn.

MARCOI insist. I am not really tired.

Marco takes off the apron and leaves.

RON DAVENPORTSee, that's one sailor I won't haveto worry about.

The crew shushes as if in a conspiratorial silence. Davenportexits.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

62/120

61.

AT THE NAVIGATION STATION

Nick looks at the computer screen. Davenport walks in.Nick stops.

RON DAVENPORT (CONT'D)Trying to reach Bob? I understandyou've been chatting a lot lately.

NICKThere's nothing wrong with chattingwith other crews.

RON DAVENPORTI just think you should focus on therace, and on this crew.

Beat.

NICKIt was just the wrong call, right,

Captain? My father made the wrongcall and we ended up in the shallowwaters of the Western Approaches.

RON DAVENPORTIt was inevitable, kiddo.

NICKHe didn't want to quit the race. Healmost got everyone killed, goddamnloser.

Ron grabs Nick's arm, hard.

RON DAVENPORTDon't you ever talk of your old manlike that.

Davenport turns and leaves.

AT THE MAIN CABIN

The cabin grows silent, except for the rush of water outside,HEYES walks in.

ANDYBoy, it's getting chilly in here.Did anybody forget to turn on theheater?

HEYESHeater is on. Wall is thin.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

63/120

62.

ANDYAnyway, how do we know we're in theSouthern?

HEYESIt'll let you know.

The last thing we see is the FAMILY WALL.

FADE OUT:

DAY 26 - SOUTHERN OCEAN

SOUTHERN OCEAN42.57'S - 0.15'E

EXT SOUTHERN OCEAN -- DAY

The grey, vast expanses of the Southern Ocean. The windflattens the top third of the waves in a great white wash.It seems endless, wild, and desolate... the sun is gone.

And then the YACHT ENDEAVOR, dropping off the top of thewaves, pounding, sounding like drumbeats, mainsails reefed,at what seems the very edge of control.


BRIAN hands out seasickness patches. The noise level insideis thunderous and everyone holds on to something for balance.HEYES lectures the group.

Sailors gear up, putting three layers of gloves, polaterchscarves, sea boots, and industrial plastic safety goggles.

HEYESThese are the kind of conditionswhere we can possibly suffer aknockdown! In case it happens, holdon, wait for the boat to right itselfand wait up for instructions! Isthat clear!? Everyone will be wearingyour safety lines at all times!This toggle will inflate it, andthis will turn the light on. Beforeunhooking always follow the strapuntil the end, lest one of you unhooksomebody else by mistake!

There is a general consensus and 'yes' among the crew.

HEYES (CONT'D)You know the drill, clip yourselveson, and come on up! We're settingthe heavy chute!

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

64/120

63.

He adjust his goggles and head up the companionway.

NICK turns to MARCO as he kisses a crucifix in silent prayerand tucks it in his dry suit.

NICKIs that really all necessary?

Marco turns to him and points to the BAROMETER on the wall.

MARCOYou watch that number. It goes down,you let me know. It goes below 950,I'll lend you the crucifix.

Nick looks at the barometer. It reads 1005.


NICK, PAULA and BRIAN are lined up at the grinders, beingconstantly covered by a stinging spray. MARCO gives a thumbs-

up from the mast. HEYES nods from the halyard.

The wind screams through the rigging. The boat speed digitaldisplay shows 18 knots. Brian, with a grin, looks sidewaysat Paula and Nick, who braces for the worst.

NICKDo you think that's a good idea?

BRIANGet ready for a little jolt.

DAVENPORT gives the 'go' sign.

Heyes and Andy pull it up... The spinnaker leaves itsretaining sock... the check line burns through Andy'sfingers... speedometer rises... then the sail fills with abang!... the speedometer immediately jumps to 25 knots...

It's a moment of chaos and madness as the boats zig-zagsthrough the waves at the very edge... sailors screaminstructions as Davenport struggles at the wheel forcontrol...

The speedometer continues rising 26, 27, 28, 29, 30... theboat seems like it's going to broach, it doesn't...

Then suddenly, when it seems to gain momentum and balance,its bow hits a wave and a rush of green water covers thedeck... the boat emerges in one piece, and plows on.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

65/120

64.

INT BAR - MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NIGHT

Late morning. Most of the patrons have gone. At the bar,we find NED LEVINE, a tanned, former weather bureau man his60s, asking for one more in a long series of whisky shots.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA 37.47'S - 144.58'E

A COUPLE walks by and the MAN recognizes him and stops.

MANHey, Ned. I'm about to get to mycar, should I take an umbrella?

He leaves laughing with his drunken friend.

NEDI would if I were you. Shit melts.

CINDY, a pretty hostess at the bar, sits at his side with a

sigh.

NED (CONT'D)Hey, Cindy, when are we going to getmarried?

CINDYWith your retirement money? Youwish. Come on, I'll take you home.

NEDI'm ok. I can drive.

He tries to stand up. Cindy props him.

INT RACE OPERATIONS CENTER - CONFERENCE ROOM -- DAY

CLAUDE sits at the far end of a conference table, next toJOHN O'KEEFE, posing for a team of media photographers andjournalists to the sound of classical music.

The room is carpeted, lighting is strategically placed tohighlight the wall-sized pictures of sailboats of severaleras which permeate the room, pointing to a life dedicatedto yachting.

CLAUDEGentlemen, tonight we'll be makingyachting history. A few momentsfrom now, we'll have a live feedfrom the Southern Ocean, from theAmerican yacht Endeavor.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

66/120

65.

Claude hands the telephone to John, who starts dialing. AVIDEO SCREEN descends from the ceiling as the lights in theroom dim.


Nav Station. MARCO hands a BUCKET to NICK, who looks seasick-green and vomits into it. The SAT PHONE rings.

ANDYI'm going to take it now.

(answers)Endeavor... Hold, please.

He hands it to Nick. ANDY aims a camera at him.

ANDY (CONT'D)So, Nick, how does it feel to be astar?

INT RACE OPERATIONS CENTER - CONFERENCE ROOM -- DAY

NICK's IMAGE is on the screen. It has a delay and themovement of the boat affects the frame.

CLAUDENick, this is Claude, director forthe Race, how does it feel rightnow?

CLAUDE presses a conference call button and Nick's voice isamplified to the room.

NICK (V.O., ON SCREEN)

I would say go out in the rain inthirty-degree weather, wrap yourselfon a wet wool blanket and sleep onthe porch for a couple of days. Itought to give you an idea.


NICK pushes the camera away, asks for the bucket and upchucks.

INT SPIRIT - BELOWDECKS -- NIGHT

SNIPES hovers anxiously over the nav station. The entireCREW is assembled and there is a penetrating silence and asomber atmosphere as a major decision is about to take place.

BOBI don't know if I like this. Thisis a clear violation of InternationalMaritime Law.

8/13/2019 STORM_PDF

67/120

66.

SNIPESThis is a race, not maritime school,and as far as I'm concerned it doesn'tviolate the race rules and it is avalid tactical move. We're here towin. I don't think anybody doubtedthat before we left dock. By nextweek we're going to gain 400 miles.

If anybody has anything against that,speak up.

Nobody says a word. He turns the radio off.

SNIPES (CONT'D)Ok. First shift on deck in tenminutes. Jo, I need the coordinatesbefore we turn off electronics, checkthe batteries for the manual GPS,before we shut the whole smash down.Let's surprise the bastards. We'reheading south. We're going dark.

Jo looks at him, then at some faces in the semi-darkness,and acquiesces.

EXT SPIRIT - SOUTHERN OCEAN -- NIGHT

Spirit sails smo

STORM_PDF

Documents

Transcript of STORM_PDF