In His Slipstream

In His Slipstream is a film and a photo essay about a family of novice sailors who cross the Channel under sail from England to France in memory of Laury – their son, brother, cousin, nephew – who was as passionate about sailing as he was compassionate towards people and planet.

In the summer of 2022, this bereaved family embark on a journey through grief, a journey of reflection and togetherness.

In his Slipstream is a short film made by Blue Spirit, in conjunction with Joanna Duchesne and her team from JD Works Productions Ltd. It is also a beautiful photo essay created by photographer Nina Emett of FotoDocument.

Blue Spirit was set up in memory of Laury, and the voyage, photo essay and film are also in his honour. We hope that we do him justice and that he is proud of what we are aiming for and achieving.

You can see the photo essay here.

Photo credit: Nina Emett

Some Reviews

“In this moving documentary we are taken on an inspiring journey alongside a family as they struggle with grief after the tragic loss of a son, brother, nephew, cousin and friend. As they sail across the English channel, we witness the consequences and impact that mental health issues have not only for the people who struggle with them, but for all of their surrounding family and community. We are inspired and profoundly moved to see how this heartbreaking loss is transformed into a powerful project, Blue Spirit, designed to help people in their times of need, where through sailing they can learn to deal with these challenges and find ways to regain their health and wellbeing.  This story showed me the importance of helping others and learning to see when other people need our help the most, through understanding, kindness, and compassion.” Miranda Wild

“In this heartfelt film, we journey through the stormy waters of grief alongside a resilient mother who turns her pain into a force for good. It's a tearful but hopeful ride as she sails through acceptance, with love as her anchor and hope as her guide. This story, dedicated to my departed childhood friend, Laury, gently shines a light on mental health, making us ponder the roles we play in each other's lives. It's a touching tribute to the strength found in vulnerability and the connections that help us navigate life's challenges. This cinematic experience, both heart-wrenching and uplifting, left me with a deep sense of compassion and a call to be kind in the face of hidden struggles.” Isidro Jimenez

“I was so impressed with your film and presentation, it was so moving. You have a wonderful way with words, explaining how loss has effected you, which is very difficult to quantify. I valued the opportunity to learn about your wonderful son and see your inspirational journey with family and friends, as you embraced learning a new skill which gave you insight into the therapy that Laury gained from sailing. At such a difficult time in your life you have given your all to starting a wonderful charity  and honouring your son by learning to sail. I really hope you are able to share the film and your story far and wide, i think it can help those struggling with their mental health as well as educating and giving insight for those who don’t understand the huge effect the loss of a loved one has on the bereaved. It must have been exhausting to pull this all together, but what you have achieved will change lives.” Barbara Duggan

“I feel so privileged to have seen everything in it, to view Laury's family and get a sense of his life. He was so so loved, as I already knew, but I understand more now. He was an incredible person with a vibrant and generous heart, it shone through so strongly. His soul is forever, a part of the sea for sure … this film is guaranteed to make a difference. It needs to be seen far and wide.” Lorraine Whitfield

“Thank you so very much for inviting me to see your film yesterday.
I found it a humbling and yet positive experience, and I came away full of admiration for you and the family. It was wonderful to see the togetherness of you all and I'm sure you must have drawn enormous strength from that. And will continue to do so. To hear the open and frank way you expressed your feelings was, as I said , humbling and I think , though it was a tragedy that should never have happened, a lot of people will have become better, more understanding people because of it. ” Anne Lawrence