This week on Oceans Unplugged, we’re joined by Swiss offshore sailor Oliver Heer — the first Swiss-German skipper to complete the legendary Vendée Globe.

Oliver shares his journey from a corporate career to professional ocean racing, the realities of sailing solo around the world, and the determination required to keep moving forward when the odds are against you. We explore the preparation, pressure and mindset behind competing at the highest level of offshore sailing, as well as his ambitions for the future with Embrace The Challenge.

An honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, risk and pursuing a life beyond the ordinary.

Nigel Rennie is an experienced RYA Yachtmaster Examiner, Ocean Yachtmaster and sailing instructor with decades of offshore sailing experience.

In this episode of Oceans Unplugged, he shares insights into seamanship, ocean navigation and what it takes to become a world-class sailor.

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 Captain Ben McInnis, Harbour Master of Portsmouth and a Master Mariner with decades of experience in the maritime industry.

From starting his career at sea through a cadetship to becoming Harbour Master of one of the UK's busiest commercial ports, Ben shares what it takes to manage cruise ships, ferries, cargo vessels, and one of the most complex waterways in the country.

Together, they discuss life as a marine pilot, the role of a Harbour Master, careers in the maritime industry, modern navigation, GPS reliability, traditional celestial navigation, port operations, and the future of commercial shipping.

Whether you're fascinated by life at sea, considering a maritime career, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes of a busy working port, this episode offers a unique insight into the people responsible for keeping global trade and shipping moving safely.

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 is joined by adventurer and ocean rower Lachlan Maclean, who, alongside his brothers, completed a record-breaking row across the Pacific Ocean from South America to Australia.

Lachlan shares the incredible story behind one of the longest and fastest ocean rows ever completed, the physical and mental challenges of spending 139 days at sea, and the motivation that drove the team to raise over £1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar.

Together, they discuss life on board an ocean rowing boat, nutrition, sleep deprivation, surviving severe storms, the importance of teamwork, and the reality of pushing human endurance to its limits. They also explore the campaign that captured global attention, celebrity support from figures including Ewan McGregor and Mark Wahlberg, and the upcoming release of the Maclean brothers' book.

An inspiring conversation about resilience, adventure, purpose, and what it truly takes to cross an ocean under human power.

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 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!