Swinging the Lamp

A lively segment on the Golden Globe Race mixes racing drama with schadenfreude and respect. The hosts recap the non‑assisted, long‑keel event, spotlighting competitors like Pat Lawless, Damian Gilloux, and Guy de Boer—whose cocky 2022 promo followed by a beaching in Lanzarote makes for irresistible storytelling. They debate resilience versus hubris, celebrate sailors who return after embarrassment, and promise ongoing race follow‑up via tracking apps. Interwoven are updates from cruising life—fast Channel sails, generator teething problems, and the simple joy of a working fridge—which make the episode both informative and personable.

Thor and Rory check in from damp marinas to trade salty stories and civic gripes. They begin with an accidental anti–facial‑recognition hack (Marmite on the face) and drift through headlines about conscription, war‑narratives and how elites profit from conflict. The pair contrast historical misinformation — from WWI origins to myths around Hiroshima — with present‑day media steering. The chat swerves into boating life: dolphin sightings, yacht club socialising, an engine/gear snag caused by a misplaced seawater hose, and the pains of shoddy refits. They close with practical prep tips, reflections on community, and the absurdities of modern consumer and surveillance culture.

Rory and Thor pivot to heavier subjects: Border Force passage reporting and the 1979 Customs Act, renewed enforcement since 2022, and what it means for small-boat cruisers. That sparks broader geopolitical debate about Britain’s role in the Ukraine conflict, risk assessment of Russian retaliation, and whether martial law or mass disruption is conceivable. They weave history into the discussion, referencing secret-society influence before World War II and the speed at which crises can arrive — from 1914 to Covid — and what escape plans might realistically look like.

Two old shipmates catch up live from the Balearics and veer through a weekend of salty anecdotes: hand-steering without autopilot, dodgy electrical gremlins that knocked out the fridge and ice, and the joy (and chaos) of anchoring in crowded Menorcan coves. They compare marina prices, describe a tricky stern-tie to rocks, and laugh about improvised golf practice on a bouncy castle. Amid the banter are wry observations on seamanship, other yachtspeople pushing anchoring boundaries, and the sad sight of plastic litter spoiling a spectacular anchorage.

This conversation pivots to social dynamics in small communities: the perils of WhatsApp groups, well-meaning but badly organized group gifts, virtue signaling and banter that goes wrong. The hosts reflect on how easily tone is misread in messaging, the courage required to ‘rock the boat,’ and the awkward fallout when jokes don’t land. They also riff on targeted advertising paranoia after a video prompted cosmetic ads, and briefly detour into the Edinburgh Festival vs Fringe curiosity—an amusing cultural aside about how events and language evolve over time.

Thor and Rory trade stories from moored boats: a surprise inspection by UK Border Force in Lymington that revealed a 2022 requirement to register international voyages, and the frustration of being told to check out of the UK. They discuss the practical and philosophical absurdities of online paperwork at sea, the burden on cruisers, and the possibility that authorities are harvesting data rather than policing real threats. That leads into concerns about AI surveillance, airborne drones and the erosion of privacy for coastal sailors who cherish solitude and traditional maritime freedoms.

Brian Gerrish traces the unlikely origins of UK Column back to a grassroots maritime project in Devonport, where a campaign to rebuild a historic vessel exposed local corruption tied to regeneration funding. That investigation blossomed into a national outlet for stories mainstream media ignored—child removals, council fraud and institutional abuse. The conversation covers practical advice for investigative work: meticulous evidence-gathering, FOI requests, teamwork, protecting whistleblowers and balancing proof with public storytelling. Gerrish also reflects on intimidation tactics used against reporters and researchers, and why raising profile and transparency are vital defenses.

Mara (Helga Marie) joins Swinging the Lamp to walk through her decision to enter the Golden Globe Race — a solo, nonstop circumnavigation using 1968 technology: paper charts, sextant navigation, and strict restrictions on stopping or taking on supplies. She explains the appeal of pure, romantic sailing and the chance to disconnect, why astro navigation matters to her, and how live streaming three hours a day will let audiences share the highs and lows without changing her racing mindset. Expect candid talk about preparation, safety priorities, and mental stamina for eight months alone on the ocean.

Kate returns to Swinging the Lamp from the superyacht Bayesian in St. Peter Port to recount a hectic few weeks of Corinthian racing and cruising. She narrates the Triangle race that was cut short by a savage Celtic Sea low, turning the intended course into a shortened “sausage” but leaving the crew with a proud second-in-class finish. The conversation moves through logistics, local hospitality in Kinsale, and the Royal Cornwall organisers’ democratic call to protect smaller boats. The episode blends vivid port vignettes with race-day choices and salty anecdotes from life afloat.

The podcast episode kicks off with Thor explaining his choice of wearing a life jacket, setting a tone for a narrative filled with amusing boat incidents. Thor recounts two particular instances of maritime blunders involving inebriated sailors, sparking a spirited dialogue on safety and sobriety at sea. As the conversation turns personal, Thor admits to his own 'muppetry' when he forgets to disconnect shore power, despite following a checklist. Rory's impromptu meet with sailor Kate Cope who shares her latest sailing adventures brings the episode to a thrilling close, highlighting the unpredictable nature of marina life.

In this riveting podcast episode, veteran sailor John Passmore shares his humorous and harrowing experiences at sea while preparing for a monumental voyage to emulate Sir Francis Chichester's famous circumnavigation with a stopover in Australia. Amidst anecdotes, he reveals the perils of attempting to recharge a beard trimmer without the proper adapter, which comicly spares his boat from disaster. Additionally, the episode delves into the viral growth of John's digital presence, transitioning from a modest sailing blog to Instagram stardom after an impromptu video in the Horse Latitudes, capturing the intrigue of thousands of new followers.

Thor makes progress on. his boat while Rory encounters the Boston World Cup expereince

Thor and Rory discuss transport etiquette and Thor discovers a surprising thing about Rory's past.

Rory tells Thor about his boat travails and they end up swinging the lamp about iconic 80s culture.

Thor and Rory dive into the joys and challenges of sailing, touching on everything from shakedown cruises to long summer days in northern waters. They exchange stories of personal adventures, including sailing plans in Aberdeenshire and Shetland's nearly perpetual daylight. Meanwhile, a lighthearted chat on sailing etiquette turns into a discussion of recent scandals on the political front, reminding us of the dynamic nature of news. The episode ends with intriguing anecdotes about orca encounters and the unconventional tactics sailors employ to deter these marine giants.

Rory and regular guest Mark Thompson swing the lamp after sailing Bucephalus 500 miles from the Forth in Scotland to the Solent in England.

Thor is still in Shetland while Rory is almost ready for a re-location voyage to the Solent.

Thor is getting lunch ready in Shetland and Rory is making voyage preparations while swinging the lamp over canal transits and fishing economics.

Tam Laird, leader of the Scottish Libertarians, explores the intersection of politics and personal identity in an engaging podcast aboard Bucephalus moored in Fife. Initially aligned with the Scottish National Party, Laird dissociated himself due to its pro-European stance, finding instead a more fitting ideological home within libertarian principles. Despite his anarchist leanings, he works actively within a minarchist framework, seeking practical reductions in government size and influence. His personal journey reflects a complex relationship with politics, embracing activism not for career motives but as a means to advocate for liberty amid Scotland's shifting political landscape.