Oceans Unplugged

Lee Gallacher
  • 0.0 (0)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS

This is a podcast about the sea and the people who answer its call. Hosted by a mariner with over 30 years of experience across search and rescue, yacht racing, coastguard, and maritime enforcement, this show dives deep into the real stories of life at sea. These are not polished tales or manufactured drama. They’re honest, human conversations with sailors, lifeboat crews, adventurers, and everyday people who’ve lived extraordinary moments on the water. Stories of resilience, humour, loss, camaraderie, and the quiet truths the ocean teaches, told by someone who understands the weight of it. Each episode is a slow-burn conversation, less interview, more shared watch. Alongside these deep dives, you’ll hear personal reflections, listener stories, and glimpses into the bond between people and the vessels they trust with their lives. Whether you’ve spent your life at sea or never left shore, this is a place to listen, reflect, and connect. Real stories. Told with heart. The kind you carry with you.

Episodes

  1. Episode 05- Dee Caffari

    6D AGO

    Episode 05- Dee Caffari

    🌊 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.

    25 min
  2. Episode 04- Pip Hare

    MAY 8

    Episode 04- Pip Hare

    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 worldLife alone at sea for months with almost no sleepFoiling IMOCA boats reaching speeds of 40+ knotsThe mental and emotional impact of failure in extreme conditionsProblem-solving at sea when there’s no help comingPip’s journey from beginner to professional ocean racerThe future of sailing, technology, and women in the sportThis 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.

    51 min
  3. Episode 03 - Paul & Suzana Tetlow

    APR 30

    Episode 03 - Paul & Suzana Tetlow

    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.

    43 min
  4. Episode 02 - Ella Hibbert

    APR 24

    Episode 02 - Ella Hibbert

    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.

    1 hr
  5. Episode 01 - From Coast Guard to Racing Against Royalty: A Sailor's Remarkable Journey

    APR 17

    Episode 01 - From Coast Guard to Racing Against Royalty: A Sailor's Remarkable Journey

    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/ Follow us on Social Media:  https://www.facebook.com/oceansunplugged/  https://www.instagram.com/oceansunpluggedpodcast/  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

    31 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

This is a podcast about the sea and the people who answer its call. Hosted by a mariner with over 30 years of experience across search and rescue, yacht racing, coastguard, and maritime enforcement, this show dives deep into the real stories of life at sea. These are not polished tales or manufactured drama. They’re honest, human conversations with sailors, lifeboat crews, adventurers, and everyday people who’ve lived extraordinary moments on the water. Stories of resilience, humour, loss, camaraderie, and the quiet truths the ocean teaches, told by someone who understands the weight of it. Each episode is a slow-burn conversation, less interview, more shared watch. Alongside these deep dives, you’ll hear personal reflections, listener stories, and glimpses into the bond between people and the vessels they trust with their lives. Whether you’ve spent your life at sea or never left shore, this is a place to listen, reflect, and connect. Real stories. Told with heart. The kind you carry with you.

Information

  • Creator
    Lee Gallacher
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Oceans Unplugged
  • Show Website
    Oceans Unplugged