Chasing Bubbles is more than a film. It’s a reminder to live fully, connect openly, and chase bubbles in life.
In 2011, Captain Alex Rust walked away from a high-paying job in Chicago, bought a beat-up sailboat named Bubbles, and set out to sail around the world — with no sailing experience and nothing but heart. What started as a leap of faith became a global odyssey — through storms, breakdowns, pirate encounters, and unforgettable moments of raw wonder. But it was never about the miles. It was about living fully, connecting deeply, and breaking free from the script.Alex turned strangers into family, his boat into a tribe, and his story into a documentary that still wakes people up to what’s possible when you stop waiting and just go
THE STORY
THE MISSION
The Chasing Bubbles Foundation exists to empower kids across the globe to chase their dreams — just like Captain Alex did.
Alex believed that adventure is a spark — one that can ignite confidence, curiosity, and courage in the hearts of young people. By introducing kids to the water, we help them see the world from a new perspective: one filled with possibility, wonder, and freedom.
Because adventure shouldn’t just belong to the lucky few — it should be accessible to every kid brave enough to dream.
THE VESSEL
SV Bubbles isn’t just a sailboat. She’s the heartbeat of the mission.
This is the boat that carried Captain Alex across oceans, into wild corners of the world, and into the hearts of everyone he met. Today, Bubbles still sails — not just as a tribute, but as a tool. She’s a floating classroom. A stage for connection. A symbol of what happens when you trade comfort for courage.
Years after her circumnavigation and the vessel had traded hands, Bubbles was left battered and nearly sunk by Hurricane Irma — forgotten, broken, nearly lost forever. But legends don’t sink that easy. Thanks to an unstoppable crew of volunteers, Bubbles was raised, restored, and brought back to life — piece by piece.
THE KIDS
This is how it all ties together: the youth day camps, community events, regattas, raft-ups, and the global community of dreamers. They exist for one reason — to turn ripples into waves of change for kids who deserve to dream bigger.
Alex’s dream didn’t end with his voyage. It lives on — in Bubbles, in this foundation, and in every child brave enough to chase their own adventure.
