You're all NUTS.
If you've ever done any real sailing - You'd see so many inconsistencies and disappointments with the way Robert Redford handles his difficulties.
Frankly,... his acting in this movie is so lethargic. So low energy & often very confusing as to why he acts the way he acts.
I've seen much better work from him.
Too list just a few major problems: Why didn't he ever wear a life jacket, why didn't we have an Epirb attached to himself, why did he just let his radio get soaked, why did he shave when a major storm was coming, why did he attach his life raft to the sinking boat, why did he start a fire in the life raft and let it burn out of control - when he could have tossed the container he lit it in overboard,.... & on & on.
On a good note: Spectacular Photography, just wonderful :)