Oceans Unplugged Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:05:15 -0400 en-gb © 2026 Oceans Unplugged yes 4f7c954c-e02a-5464-bee3-171f5877b068 lee.gallacher@groundcontrol.com Lee Gallacher episodic true 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.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Lee Gallacher lee.gallacher@groundcontrol.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/bjpuwfwi1j5svphvoe84vn7o8l8s?.jpg Oceans Unplugged Episode 02 - Ella Hibbert 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.

]]> 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.

]]> Lee Gallacher Buzzsprout-19064523 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 3583 1 2 full true Episode 01 - From Coast Guard to Racing Against Royalty: A Sailor's Remarkable Journey 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

]]> 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

]]> Lee Gallacher Buzzsprout-19019102 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 1849 1 1 full false