In this special solo episode of Oceans Unplugged, Lee Gallacher takes a step back from the interviews to reflect on the journey behind the podcast, a lifetime spent at sea, and the experiences that have shaped his career in sailing, racing, maritime safety, and adventure.

From growing up in South Africa and racing around the world to working as a coastguard officer, lifeboatman, harbour authority officer, instructor, and professional sailor, Lee shares personal stories, lessons learned at sea, and the people who inspired him along the way.

The episode explores the importance of adventure, continuous learning, traditional seamanship, ocean racing, resilience, and why sharing knowledge with future generations matters more than ever.

A thoughtful and honest conversation about life on the water, personal growth, and the adventures that continue to shape us long after we return to shore.

A huge thank you to our core sponsor YB Tracking. None of this would be possible without your help and the service you provide to thousands of people every day.

In this episode of Oceans Unplugged, Lee Gallacher hosts Mike Sentch from YB Tracking to explore the cutting-edge technologies shaping yacht racing, motorsport, and extreme adventure events. Learn about the evolution of GPS trackers, safety innovations, and how real-time visualisation enhances spectator engagement and safety.

Key Topics:
The history and technological evolution of YB GPS trackers, from basic models to Bluetooth-enabled devices
The importance of tracking for safety, including emergency messaging and rescue coordination
Diverse applications: offshore yacht racing, mountain descents, radio-controlled vehicles, snowmobiling, and adventure racing
How race viewer software enhances spectator experience with 3D visualisation, sponsor integration, and live streaming
The logistical process of building, inspecting, and deploying over 2,100 trackers annually
Real-world stories: tracker use in rescue operations, safety incidents, and salvage scenarios
Future trends in tracking technology, increasing visibility, and race engagement

A huge thank you to our core sponsor YB Tracking. None of this would be possible without your help and the service you provide to thousands of people every day.

In this episode of Oceans Unplugged, Lee Gallacher sits down with legendary adventurer and race organiser Don McIntyre founder of the Golden Globe Race, Ocean Globe Race, Mini Globe Race, and Real Ocean Rowing.

From traditional seamanship and celestial navigation to the psychological challenges of solo ocean racing, Don shares incredible insights into what drives sailors to take on some of the toughest adventures on Earth.

The conversation explores the history and evolution of the Golden Globe Race, the return of old-school navigation, life in the Southern Ocean, storm tactics, risk management, sponsorship pressures, and the human stories behind extreme endurance sailing.

They also discuss the future of live race coverage, the Mini Globe Race, and why adventure and authentic storytelling still matter in the modern world of high-tech ocean racing.

An honest and fascinating conversation for sailors, adventurers, and anyone inspired by exploration beyond the horizon.

A huge thank you to our core sponsor YB Tracking. None of this would be possible without your help and the service you provide to thousands of people every day.

Gunnar Christensen is a seasoned sailor, yacht captain, and adventurer preparing to compete in the legendary 2026 Golden Globe Race — one of the world’s toughest solo, non-stop sailing challenges. With decades of offshore experience, multiple Atlantic crossings, and a background as an RNLI volunteer, Gunnar combines old-school seamanship with an extraordinary passion for life at sea. In this episode, we explore his journey, the mindset required for extreme endurance sailing, and what it takes to navigate the world alone using only traditional methods.

A big thank you to our sponsors YB Tracking - This wouldn't be possible without your amazing help! 

In this episode of Oceans Unplugged, the roles are reversed as host Lee Gallacher takes the guest seat to share his extensive experience and career at sea. Drawing on years of service as a sailor, volunteer lifeboat crew member, harbour authority patrol coxswain, pilot launch coxswain, and coast guard officer, Lee provides a unique insight into the realities of working in the maritime world.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• The responsibilities and challenges of serving as a volunteer lifeboat crew member
• Emergency callouts and real-life rescue operations at sea
• The demands, risks, and realities of search and rescue work
• The high-risk environment of pilot transfers to large commercial vessels
• The critical role of harbour patrol operations and maritime safety
• Mental resilience and decision-making under pressure
• Career pathways and opportunities within the maritime sector
• First-hand accounts of near misses, major incidents, and unforgettable experiences on the water

Whether you have an interest in maritime operations, rescue services, seafaring careers, or the experiences of those who work in demanding environments at sea, this episode offers valuable insight into a world few people ever see firsthand.

A huge thank you to our core sponsor YB Tracking. None of this would be possible without your help and the service you provide to thousands of people every day.

🌊 Oceans Unplugged – Dee Caffari Special 🌊

In this episode of Oceans Unplugged, Lee Gallacher sits down with legendary ocean racer Dee Caffari to dive deep into life beyond the horizon.

From seven laps around the world to record-breaking multi-hull campaigns, Dee shares incredible stories of survival, speed, teamwork, and pushing human limits at sea. Together they discuss racing around the world in just 57 days, navigating Cape Horn, surviving brutal 10-metre waves in the Bay of Biscay, and what it’s like sailing at the edge of control aboard some of the fastest boats on the planet.

The conversation also explores the evolution of offshore sailing technology, the rise of women in elite sailing, life at Point Nemo. The most remote place on Earth and the mindset needed to overcome fear, whether offshore or in everyday life.

A raw, honest and inspiring conversation about adventure, resilience, leadership, and chasing the next challenge.

🎧 Hosted by Lee Gallacher
🌍 Powered by YB Tracking
⚓ Real stories. Unfiltered. In-depth.

A huge thank you to our core sponsor YB Tracking - None of this would be possible without your help and the service you provide to thousands of people every day.

Oceans Unplugged | Pip Hare – Dismasting in the Southern Ocean & the Reality of Vendée Globe

In this episode of Oceans Unplugged, host Lee Gallacher sits down with offshore sailor Pip Hare for a powerful and deeply honest conversation.

Pip shares the story of one of the most devastating moments of her career — losing her mast at 2 a.m., 800 miles from land, halfway through the Vendée Globe. A race defined by endurance, isolation, and extreme performance… where everything can change in seconds.

In this episode, we cover:

• What the Vendée Globe really is — the toughest solo sailing race in the world
• Life alone at sea for months with almost no sleep
• Foiling IMOCA boats reaching speeds of 40+ knots
• The mental and emotional impact of failure in extreme conditions
• Problem-solving at sea when there’s no help coming
• Pip’s journey from beginner to professional ocean racer
• The future of sailing, technology, and women in the sport

This isn’t just a sailing story — it’s about resilience, identity, and pushing beyond your limits.

A huge thank you to our core sponsor YB Tracking. None of this would be possible without your help and the service you provide to thousands of people every day.

From the heart of global ocean cruising, Paul and Suzana Tetlow are the quiet force shaping some of the world’s most iconic sailing rallies. Based in Cowes and now leading the organisation behind the legendary ARC, they stepped into the role in 2023 after completing their own world voyage, bringing first-hand experience, credibility, and a deep understanding of life at sea. Paul, a former British Army officer turned sailor, drives the vision and delivery, while Suzana’s expertise in international operations and logistics keeps the wheels turning across oceans and continents.

Together, they lead a tight-knit, highly experienced team with a simple mission: help sailors cross oceans safely while building something far more powerful - a global community. Alongside this, they champion meaningful social responsibility initiatives - using the rally network to make a tangible difference to communities along the route. Passionate about offshore life and long-distance passage making, Paul and Suzana share raw insights, hard-earned lessons, and the realities behind the dream. In this Oceans Unplugged episode, you’ll get an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at modern ocean cruising - and why so many are drawn to it.

A huge thank you to our core sponsor YB Tracking. None of this would be possible without your help and the service you provide to thousands of people every day.

In this episode, Lee interviews Ella Hibbert...a British sailor, adventurer, and sailing instructor known for her Arctic expeditions.

- She’s a qualified Yachtmaster instructor and PADI divemaster, based in Portsmouth, England.
Born in Germany and raised between England and France, she grew up around travel and the outdoors.
- She’s passionate about ocean conservation and climate awareness, often linking her expeditions to environmental causes.
What she’s known for
- In 2025, she became the first British woman to sail solo through the Northwest Passage, a notoriously difficult Arctic route.
- That journey was part of a larger goal: attempting to circumnavigate the Arctic Circle alone in a small sailing yacht.
Her project

In short, Ella Hibbert is a modern explorer-type figure—combining sailing skill, endurance, and environmental advocacy—who’s gained attention for pushing into some of the harshest waters on Earth alone.

A huge thank you to our core sponsor YB Tracking - None of this would be possible without your help and the service you provide to thousands of people every day.

Discover the extraordinary life of a professional sailor whose adventures span coast guard rescues, yacht deliveries, racing against the King of Spain, and navigating the highs and lows of the ocean.

This episode dives into the raw stories behind the maritime profession and the lessons learned along the way.

A huge thank you to our core sponsor YB Tracking - None of this would be possible without your help and the service you provide to thousands of people every day.

https://www.ybtracking.com/

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Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the host and episode overview
 
 00:30 - Exploring the host's background and unique sailing journey
 
 01:29 - Growing up without a traditional maritime family background
 
 02:53 - Transition from surfing and South African roots to competitive sailing
 
 03:51 - The role and significance of yacht delivery trips
 
 05:17 - How qualification and experience in offshore sailing evolved
 
 06:16 - Funny and intense delivery stories from the Caribbean and Mediterranean
 
 07:42 - Risks and safety considerations in yacht deliveries
 
 09:09 - Best experiences from different sailing regions
 
 10:34 - Tech focus: The YB3 tracker and its applications in racing and safety
 
 11:57 - Demonstration of the tracking device and its operational details
 
 13:28 - The role of safety and tracking devices in rescue situations
 
 15:24 - Sharing stories of capsizing and rescue, including the story of Tony Bullenmol
 
 16:50 - The challenge of round-the-world racing against prevailing currents
 
 17:17 - Details of the BT Global Challenge and its tough routes
 
 18:42 - Personal decisions around racing, family, and life lessons
 
 20:10 - Insights into the resilience of the sailor’s father and overcoming personal setbacks
 
 21:11 - Achievements in competitive sailing, including sailing with top sailors and the Admiral’s Cup
 
 22:08 - Reflecting on racing in the Admiral’s Cup and racing against international teams
 
 23:35 - Transition into working as a harbor master, pilot, and in the superyacht industry
 
 24:34 - The impact of COVID on maritime work and the sailor’s adaptation
 
 25:04 - Managing health challenges and the physical toll of sailing
 
 26:01 - A shift to coast guard work, rescue missions, and the emotional side of maritime safety
 
 27:29 - How tracking technology supports crisis management at sea
 
 28:28 - Future projects, collaborations, and engaging with the sailing community
 
 29:28 - Preview of upcoming guests and topics
 
 30:22 - Closing remarks and call for audience engagement