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