Colin Firth is learning to sail.

Colin Firth

Colin Firth

The 'King's Speech' star is being taught how to captain his own boat in preparation for his latest movie role as Donald Crowhurst - a sailor who faked a world voyage in 1968 - in a currently untitled biopic.

The 54-year-old actor confessed he's been learning to man a "41-foot trimaran" but claims the tiny cabin has proved difficult to act in.

He told the New York Post newspaper's Page Six at the Cannes Film Festival: "There's very little room to act in."

Colin - who will shoot scenes for the movie directed by 'The Theory of Everything's James Marsh in Malta - recently revealed he is keen to appear in more action movies.

The star - who is best known for his work in dramas - had such a good time making 'Kingsman: The Secret Service', in which he plays secret agent Harry Hart, that he wants to carry on working in the genre.

He said: "I guess this is the audition. If I passed it and they invite me in, I'll be there."