Icon International partnered with Skydance Sports as the local production partner in Spain for SAIL, an all-access feature documentary following the 37th America’s Cup. Directed by acclaimed filmmakers Frank Marshall and Evan Hayes, the film offers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to one of the world’s oldest, most prestigious and technically demanding sporting competitions, exploring the people, innovation and relentless pursuit of excellence behind modern elite sailing.
Filmed over a six-month period in Barcelona, the documentary follows the teams, athletes, engineers and designers driving the competition, featuring leading figures including Ben Ainslie, Max Sirena, Grant Dalton and Jimmy Spithill. From cutting-edge yacht design and intensive training programmes to high-speed racing on the Mediterranean, the film captures the extraordinary combination of technology, strategy and human performance that defines today’s America’s Cup.
Working closely with the Skydance Sports production team, Icon delivered comprehensive production services throughout the Spanish shoot, providing production management, field production, location scouting, filming permits, local crew, marine coordination, aerial cinematography, technical support and complex production logistics. Filming across marinas, team bases, open-water race courses and multiple waterfront locations required meticulous planning, close collaboration with race authorities and local partners, and the flexibility to support an evolving documentary narrative over an extended production schedule.
Capturing the speed and scale of the America’s Cup demanded a highly coordinated marine production, with crews operating across land and sea to film both the racing and the intimate behind-the-scenes moments that bring the story to life. Icon’s experience managing complex international productions in Barcelona ensured seamless collaboration between the international filmmakers, local crews and technical teams throughout the six-month shoot.
Currently in post-production, SAIL promises to deliver a rare cinematic perspective on one of the world’s greatest sporting events, revealing the personalities, innovation and extraordinary commitment behind the race for sailing’s most coveted trophy. The project further reflects Icon International’s expertise in delivering premium documentary production services in Spain for leading studios, filmmakers and global streaming platforms.