But she admitted in her book Adrift, on which the movie is based, she knew deep down he was gone. Qualification: Graduated from University of the Pacific Ocean (1979-1989), School: Point Loma High School, San Diego, CA San Diego, California, College: The University of the Pacific Ocean, Her Biopic Film Adrift (2018) Shailene, 26, said of the true-life survival story reviewed here by Sun film critic Jamie East, which took place in 1983: I was so captivated by it, by who Tami is and the love story. Grief-stricken, dazed and with her head cut open from hitting the boats side, Tami had no will to live. Tami Oldham Ashcraft (L) and daughter (R) at the, The Crushing True Story Behind 'Adrift'and How Tami Oldham Ashcraft Survived at Sea, True Story of the Cuddling Couple from 'Titanic', Singer Bonnie Raitt Reveals "Medical Situation". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I really had to keep determined that I wasn't going to die. When she came to 27 hours later Richard was gone and she was all alone on the ocean, up to her waist in water on the wrecked yacht. I'm passionate about it. Tami then investigated further and realised the yacht wasnt letting in any more water. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But that survival instinct [while at sea] just kicked in. This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login. . I was never going to fall in love again., Actually, while I was in the survival mode, the grief was fairly low, she continued. Ashcraft wrote a memoir about her experience at sea shortly after the incident, but shes been waiting for it to come together on film for 34 years. In the most profound way, it made me really appreciate life. She heard it again when, desperate to get out of the flooded yacht, she prepared to set off in the These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Hi, to comment on stories you must create a commenting profile. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I really try to live in the now and absorb as much as I can and be happy. But incredibly she managed to guide the crippled boat 1,500 miles to the nearest land in a 41-day voyage that has now been made into movie Adrift, which opens today. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. And it really made me prioritize, which is something I learned. I did pull on my resourcefulness, too. She said: I think Richard was definitely with me, that he was helping guide me and being there with me because we shared such a passion for each other and for life. It saved my life.. . It said: Dont give up, love.. Sharp, however, was gone. There were times I didnt even want to live any more because I didnt know how I was going to go on.. When the couple encounters 1983's formidable Hurricane Raymond, the force of the storm damages the ship and severely injures Richard. It reminds me of how I got home. Hazana after it was towed into the harbor at Hilo. You get back in the car or, like they say, back on the horse. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. It would take years for her to fully heal, both physically from her head injury and emotionally. A. I just love it. Definitely the hardest part was dealing with Richard being gone, Ashcraft told the Chicago Tribune in her first interview about her experience after her book was published. Adrift opens in theaters nationwide on Friday. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code. She heard: Never leave the boat. WebSurvivor/Author Tami Oldham Ashcraft talks logic versus emotion, discussing her thoughts with the lead actress and her fears and stamina to be able to survive in regards to the new film based on her harrowing ordeal crossing The Pacific in 1983 starring Shailene Woodley: "Adrift". "Come sail with me," goes the first line of the trailer for the .css-1e1wdvt{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#0A5C80;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1e1wdvt:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:#0A5C80;}new movie Adrift, delivered dreamily by Sam Claflin, who stars in the film opposite Shailene Woodley. She talks about Shailene Woodley playing her and how A. The force threw Ashcraft against the wall, knocking her unconscious. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. Despite changing course to avoid it, the storm followed them, forcing the couple to combat 40-foot waves and 140-knot winds, according to the Chicago Tribune. oJBA &zEh#wcOp 4jv4{@,EC!5I*o+5+pEF=.\rf-|#]y/y6K^.]_G? She never saw him again. Lover of Brit killed by giant wave in yacht disaster reveals tra I was never going to fall in love again. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Next, read about the worst natural disasters of the 21st century. Tami Oldham reveals the harrowing experience of when her dream adventure turned into a real life nightmare. Then, check out these five amazing survival stories. Indeed, Woodleys passion for the project ran so deep and she found herself doing so much, she eventually even got her own producer credit. The couple, both avid sailors, had decided to take a break from pleasure sailing in Sharp's 36-foot sailboat, Mayaluga, to take a job delivering a 44-foot yacht, Hazana, from Tahiti to San Diego. It has everything: love, adventure, survival, tragedy, and in the end, hope.". As they smashed down on the couples 44ft boat, Tami, 23, looked into the electric blue eyes of her handsome British lover Richard Sharp and saw fear. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The yacht was sinking, the sails were shot, and she had a gash on her forehead that was increasingly painful. She created a makeshift sail and rigged up a way to pump water from the cabin. Q. She recounts her terrifying ordeal in her memoir "Red Sky in Mourning: A True Story of Love, Loss and Survival at Sea" (Hyperion, $23.95). I talked to him all the time. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I think, personally, it was my inner spirit. "There were times I didn't even want to live anymore because I didn't know how I was going to go on. But it definitely made me a lot more cautious.". 100 minutes. Create one. Relying on her sextant, canned fruit salad and sardines, and the hope that shed picked currents that would drift her toward Hawaii, Ashcraft spent 41 days pushing herself to survive. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Scrambling above deck, she discovered Sharp's safety line dangling over the end of the boat, but he was gone. Down below the deck, where Richard had just sent her to rest, Tami was knocked unconscious. WebWent to Point Loma High School, San Diego, CA. Sam Claflin stars as Richard. I couldn't wait to get out of the States and get back to some tranquility and get back to the water again. Just get through one thing at a time and remain focused and determined and keep going. It helped me to focus, to keep myself on track. The only sign of her trauma is a tiny sextant pendant, encrusted with a diamond, which she wears every day. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". "I have waited 34 years to see my story made into a feature film," Tami told CountryLiving.com following the film's release. Red Sky in Mourning is the story of Tami Oldham Ashcraft's 41-day journey to safety, which she survived through fortitude and sheer strength of character. It does not store any personal data. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. . "Definitely the hardest part was dealing with Richard being gone," Tami told the Tribune. When she awoke, she was surrounded by destruction. It wasnt as intense as when I got to shore, the survival was over and I could see people together and everything kept reminding me of him. The Terrifying Thugs Of India That Would Put Any Of Today's Gangs To Shame, This Was Pavel Kashin's Final Jump And It Killed Him, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. Not so much. (`|%l[,Yf`/XhD0UZI#9^lMG=3pdFlT"lrda9x Y8|11P + -%]1Fl}qC^9"4nGf'1(0&$k]N [rm!] d! Now looking back, at times I really needed some professional help.". Older videos Playing now 10:39 Tami was played by the beautiful Shailene Woodley and her former fianc Richard Sharp by the dashing Sam Claflin. Tami is 62 years old as of 2022, she was was born on Feb 20, 1960, in San Diego, California, United States. Coming to theaters June 1, the movie Adrift is based on a terrifying real-life story of survival. On Oct. 12, shortly after Sharp told her to go below deck to rest, Ashcraft heard Sharp scream and was knocked unconscious as she was thrown against the cabin wall when the boat capsized. The film is based on the memoir of Tami Oldham Ashcraft who endured a devastating hurricane on a sailing trip with her fiance Richard Sharp in 1983 and was stranded at sea for 41 days. . "I really wish I had taken the time to do that. The new movie starring Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin is based on the book Red Sky in Mourningbut the real story is much more heartbreaking. Though her experience was harrowing, and without a doubt a traumatic one, Tami Oldham Ashcraft eventually found solace by writing her story down. It was my spirit. Richard was gone. Q. But how accurate is Adrift compared to the true story that inspired it? In September 1983, 23-year-old Tami Oldham Ashcraft's future seemed as idyllic as the South Pacific islands she and her fiance, Richard Sharp, had been cruising The film is based on the memoir of Tami Oldham Ashcraft who endured a devastating hurricane on a sailing trip with her fiance Richard Sharp in 1983 and was stranded at sea for 41 days. Tami once recalled: We hugged, laughed, made love and relaxed into 20 days of paradise.. You can share 5 more gift articles this month. Despite being experienced sailors, they hit a record-breaking hurricane out at sea that devastated them. RNLI Shop - Adrift: Tami Oldham AshcraftS Tale of Surviving A Hurric How old is Tami Oldham Ashcraft? Sharp insisted that Ashcraft board herself up below deck, while he secured himself in the safety harness. But finally she approached Hawaiis Hilo harbour and soon she was on land, safe and overwhelmed with the horror of her ordeal. Her story inspired the 2018 film Adrift. A. I think it was my inner spirit, quite frankly. Shailene Woodley as brave Tami, reviewed here by Sun film critic Jamie East, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). What do you think that inner voice was? I had always wanted to write it. A. There was no closure for me then. Tami describes the roar of the 145mph wind as like jet engines being thrown in reverse. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. After a literary agent discovered her book, it was published last year by Hyperion Press after an intense bidding war among the same publishers who had originally turned down her manuscript. WebThis Tami Oldham Ashcraft interview features the real woman who lived the experience depicted in the Adrift movie. P10yE%SWz"wU}=*0llo9)KT~j'r[RaMKZ%n=UM7UY ["E'!sy_$T2 :ks+$Lar6%qMU (),@Rs\}b>kxM:I vc@N@'5 \2sDOc9&nMYGN) &o \pHv0Vi_4bm\dT@jK'dC#L#Lppz@v ` F]YK`M6R8ebJ!jd2 1z$\&TL#) GITc |1B>=.xzuuCez8Q^ZX]#/EUtJxmQ2Jr"K~;zd 6&d_Vy>eVM%i#%`HodwXVDveeD?`lh)rz6}aYb<2l[;iGNW%CI-{0~q5}*5;/I^ bN*+ 5hyF^@SOP!dK*[*i #,46EN]}4Ak__"1tqu Three weeks into their journey, disaster struck. "As I have told my story over the years, I have had people tell me what an incredible story it was and it prompted me to write my book. There were times I didnt even want to live anymore because I didnt know how I was going to go on. Ashcraft believes that the force of the wind was just too strong and that he must have been thrown into the sea and pulled beneath the massive swells. A. It was filmed mainly on the open water off Fiji and stars Shailene Woodley of The Fault In Our Stars as Tami and Hunger Games actor Sam Claflin, 32, as Richard. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". As the two avid sailors set out on a journey across the ocean, Tami Oldham (Woodley) and Richard Sharp (Claflin) couldnt anticipate they would be sailing directly into one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history. In the aftermath of the storm, Tami awakens to find Richard badly injured and their boat in ruins. Survivor/Author Tami Oldham Ashcraft talks logic versus emotion, discussing her thoughts with the lead actress and her fears and stamina to be able to survive in Get the water out of the boat.. Together they sailed a yacht Richard had built himself to Tahiti, where Richard proposed. Q. The couple set sail from Papeete Harbor on September 22. The book helped her heal from the loss of her first love. You mentioned the movie "A Perfect Storm." Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. About three weeks in, the hurricane hit. There wasn't enough spray and the wall of water was a little hokey, but I really thought the scene where the boat capsized was very realistic. &I> H, B,Y@r*(u"LPWruqWbjF/6A`?'KQi2|1Drf=1vkYsxe.dU5ZA;:dO[A'Z0=zO}mYXbkB_3 G~Du"fU%!0]vC2b>7 @0X9H^qpH8 -{fZm`A L$F5iNMEdT\d$`E! But no Richard. Unable to outsail the ferocious Hurricane Raymond, Sharp and Ashcraft fought desperately to keep Hazana afloat in the 40-foot waves and 140-knot winds. It was a tribute to him.". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. From hair trends to relationship advice, our daily newsletter has everything you need to sound like a person whos on TikTok, even if you arent. Fact-checking the Adrift movie reveals that after Hurricane Raymond struck and claimed the life of her fianc Richard Sharp, Tami Oldham remained stranded at sea on the damaged yacht for 41 days. -Mirror Online How did Tami Oldham survive being stranded for a month and a half on the yacht? Login. Filming on the movie began just three months after the loss of her daughter but brave Tami still decided to visit the set. Net Worth: USD $150,000 Approx. based on her true story of survival in Category-four Hurricane in 1983, Sister: Cousin: Chelsea Reinhart Pavloff & Claire Bullas, Daughter: Brook Ashcraft and Kelli Ashcraft, Your email address will not be published. But everything changed when they were hired to transport a 44-foot yacht called Hazana from Tahiti to San Diego. It's a sextant. The ocean was as much their home as the land was, and at times, it felt even more so. Woodley plays the part of Tami, who was only 23 when the incident happened. Hurricane Raymond, a category-four hurricane, surprised the couple by changing course sooner than they expected. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". It was 1983, and, just as the trailer depicts, Tami and Richard were engaged and in loveboth with each other and with the water, which they had called home for six months of sailing in their boat, the Mayaluga. Plus, she said, she had both Ashcrafts memoir and the woman herself for any questions, big and smal. The sails were now useless; she fashioned a new one with a storm jib and spinnaker pole. Tami Lee Oldham Ashcraft (ne Oldham) is an American sailor and author who, in 1983, survived 41 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean. A. I've always wanted to write my story, but it took me years to move on from being totally consumed by it. I kind of parallel [the hurricane] to being in a car accident. It would be impossible to not be authentic given the circumstances.. Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Definitely the hardest part was dealing with Richard being gone. It was 1983, and, just as the trailer depicts, Tami and Richard were engaged and in loveboth with each other and with the water, which they had called home for six months of sailing in their boat, the Mayaluga. Less than 2 weeks later, they were trapped in Hurricane Raymonds path-pounding rain, 140 knot winds, and skyscraper-sized waves. *(I;:*[W"Dd What is the pendant that you are wearing? $ >?!Ix]4f Though she couldnt even read for six years afterward due to her head injury, she managed to put her entire story down on paper for her book Red Sky in Mourning: A True Story of Love, Loss, and Survival at Sea. RDK'n The two play young lovers and expert sailors Richard Sharp and Tami Oldham Ashcraft embarking on a journey from Tahiti to San Diego. Now looking back, at times I really needed some professional help. Tami Oldham Ashcraft Career. I'm fairly headstrong, so I'm always, `Oh, I can get through this on my own.' {:37d7Jw.5v888]Gn{J3SRazuv2fDi*I,Ca^y+/im 'T2JBlEb" Moments later American Tami heard Richard, 34, cry out: Oh my God. Truth is my jam, Woodley said. How did this experience change your life? The True Story Of Adrift And Tami Oldham Ashcrafts Survival At Sea. YouTubeTami Oldham Ashcraft after her trip. "I'm passionate about it. Please wait for the page to reload. Please note the display name will appear on screen when you participate. In 1983, Ashcraft's fianc, 34-year-old British sailor Richard Sharp, was hired to deliver the 43-foot (13 m) yacht Hazaa from Tahiti to San Diego. It had lost its masts, engine, radio equipment and its electronic navigation system, and Tami had lost the love of her life, her soulmate. Tami, from the US, was just 23-years-old when in September 1983 she and her British fianc Richard set about delivering the Hazana from Tahiti in the South Pacific to San Diego, California. It underscored how lucky I really was to survive., Dad who got trapped inside indoor adventure centre cave dies from his injuries, Brit MasterChef Australia host dies aged 46 as Gordon Ramsay leads tributes, First look at Britain's biggest EVER stage for King Charles' coronation concert, Two campmates are faking it in Im A Celeb, hints Shaun Ryder after eviction, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. I just really had a hard time. Required fields are marked *. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Molly Ringwald Turned Down 'Pretty Woman' Due To An Early Script's Ick Factor, 10 Times Tom From 'Succession' Was Actually Mr. Darcy, Zendaya Explained An Awkward Part Of Her 'Dune' Romance With Timothe Chalamet, 11 Photos Of The 'Fatal Attraction' TV Cast Vs. Their 1987 Movie Counterparts, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. I held so much of this in for so long. Critics have given Woodley positive reviews for her ability to capture the dire reality of the moment. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. worst natural disasters of the 21st century. Public-school educated Richard, from Cornwall, had been set to follow his officer father into the Royal Navy, but was thrown out of the academy for insubordination. An incredible tale, yes, but believe it or not, it's actually based on a true storyand the 2002 memoir written by Tami herself titled Red Sky in Mourning: A True Story of Love, Loss and Survival at Sea (which has since been re-released by Dey Street Books as Adrift). There was plenty of work to be done. Actress Shailene had to survive on 350 calories a day in order to lose enough weight to portray Tami in her emaciated state a diet she calls f***ing miserable. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. In September 1983, Tami Oldham Ashcraft and her fianc, Richard Sharp, set off on the trip of a lifetime. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Couldn't wait to start traveling. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Let's start with the film's official synopsis: It sounds like an earnest and romantic story, but accurate? "I just love it," she told the Chicago Tribune. The last thing Tami Oldham Ashcraft remembered before being knocked unconscious was hearing her fianc scream. For the next 41 days, Tami Oldham Ashcraft would be alone, adrift in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, fighting to survive. What was the hardest part of your ordeal? . But it definitely made me a lot more cautious. In September 1983, 23-year-old American sailor Tami Oldham Ashcraft set to sea for a 31-day crossing from Tahiti to San Diego, California. She was with her British fianc Richard Sharp, and delivering luxury yacht, Hazana . 20 days into the journey, they were caught in a Category 4 hurricane, bringing with it 15m waves and 150mph winds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2018-2023, All Rights Reserved Super Stars Bio. The beautiful thing about this movie to me is that it is a womans survival story but its not a man or woman versus nature story, Woodley said. She said of the moment she first saw Shailene and the recreated wrecked boat: It just hit my heart. I think it's a marvelous way they did the creativity and work to bring the story to life. The safety harness was dangling in the water, but Ashcrafts fianc was nowhere to be found. Log in to join the discussion. == 1983 shipwreck == In 1983, Ashcraft's then-fianc, 34-year-old British sailor Richard Sharp, was hired to ferry the 13-metre yacht Hazaa from Tahiti to San Diego. Tami Oldham Ashcraft and Richard Sharp, just before setting out on their fateful trip. Success. People want to convince me it was God, but I don't know. In an interview, she told Red Carpet Crash she'd been working with the screenwriters for over five years since they came to her with the idea of turning her book into a film, noting, "I've waited many years for fruition, to see my story on the big screen." U-i}%y- OdY)x,akD| g )QlOZcX7ao3KP1t`q_w[lqrl:z~?wa2}wNG82(z(K(CZUx~,7 p9kHNYjC~HTlhWez+`D*0}44*#-x~;xH}I_1d4IV>b" +Tjoc1KZd7h4qasa(H'ZCxH"8t6|U/J&NBL8EtrZsbYp"V8FJ5V&m9liS! (iESCIyh$H%"tXYn#xtwB1q2+MTjYs x.bhDW49[ DVFL_4d.-KceB?mD|/i0?6y(FFfY4d((T1.\DKb6'iRC]Ip D P>_eIej Heres why. Weak, hungry, and on the verge of a mental breakdown, the then 23-year-old sustained herself with only peanut butter and canned food, until she arrived safely in Hilo, Hawaii. Eventually, a Japanese research ship noticed Hazana floating just outside the harbor and pulled her into Hilo. Despite being experienced sailors, they hit a Tami, now 58, still believes his spirit helped guide her to safety. She settled in Washington state and in 1994 married property developer Ed Ashcraft. Her story inspired the 2018 film Adrift. It reminds me of how I got home, she said. WebTammy Oldham is on Facebook. happy lovers Tami and Richard, Fear. Then the radio crackled to life with a warning that Hurricane Raymond was bearing down on them. Time: September-November 1983.On September 22, 1983, Tami Oldham and fianc Richard Sharp set sail from Tahiti to San Diego on the Hazana, a 44 ft Trintella sailing yacht. From this the movie Adrift was made, and I love the way my story is told and woven like a tapestry. Tami Lee Oldham Ashcraft is an American sailor and author who, in 1983, survived 41 days adrift in the Pacific Ocean. A. Use the form below to reset your password. But my life moved on and I got married, and while I was having my first child I decided that it was time to write the book. Then, just before the killer wave struck, all motion stopped. Class of 1977. Her book is now available in 15 countries and eight languages. The film is based on the memoir of Tami Oldham Ashcraft who endured a devastating hurricane in 1983 and was stranded at sea for 41 days. e6 EIgf("l=f$||( *B=C#CobSTPQn. Stay in the know with local, state and national political news delivered to your inbox every Friday. But soon, the seemingly idyllic love story takes a grim turn. Join Facebook to connect with Tammy Oldham and others you may know. I really wish I had taken the time to do that. My main message is that knowledge is key for any kind of extreme sports that women get involved in. Amazingly, she never stopped sailing. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I couldn't believe how much I was still holding around in my head, and just purging it like that really helped me to get past it all. But Ashcraft's dream of a happy future with Richard was destroyed when they got caught in a hurricane less than three weeks into their journey. Oldham Ashcraft Biography, Facts & Life Story, Li Jun Li Biography, Facts & Life Story, Lil Nas X Biography, Facts & Life Story. Here's an excerpt of Oldham Ashcraft's book, from a New Zealand Herald review: Yup in real life, Oldham-Ashcraft's boyfriend Richard Sharp was swept overboard during the storm, never to be seen again, while the film has him alive and acting as the main motivation for Oldham-Ashcraft to find her way back to civilization. The first three weeks of the voyage were pure happiness and freedom. Tami Oldham-Ashcraft wrote a book about her horrifying ordeal, Red Sky In Mourning: A True Story Of Love, Loss, and Survival At Sea, which was the basis for the film. "His intense blue eyes. Tami, now 58, still believes his spirit helped guide her to safety. Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. He met Californian Tami while they were both working in South Africa and they bonded over their shared passion for sailing. Q. In the book you talk about an inner voice that guided and helped you. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. A search of the drier cabin revealed a sextant and a watch, the only tools that had survived, and the ones she would use to navigate to the closest landmass the 1,500-mile-away island of Hilo, Hawaii. A. storm strikes as Richard and Tami struggle to stay on board, Alone. After regaining consciousness Tami screamed her throat raw desperately calling his name. But Tami Oldham Ashcraft didnt have time to grieve over her presumed-dead fianc. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. She self-published her book in 1998 after several publishers had rejected it.