Watch Leo Goolden as he brings back the 47’ teak-planked TALLY HO to the glorious gaff cutter she was when launched over a hundred years ago in England. This vessel, designed by Albert Strange, now lies in a shed in Boat Haven in Port Townsend, WA.
The backstories, and there are many, can be found on Leo’s website, his Facebook postings, and on the Albert Strange Association’s TALLY HO pages.
In addition, Leo wrote a piece on TALLY HO for SOUNDINGS Magazine – “Tally Ho, Adventure! The Quest to Put a 1927 Fastnet Winner Back on the High Seas”.
May 4th, 2025 – TALLY HO – Episode 217: Docking a 30-Ton Boat Alone – Tricks for Maneuvering Heavy Vessels with Ease!
In this episode Leo talks about various tricks that can help when maneuvering heavy vessels under power – particularly long-keel, single-screw sailboats like TALLY HO.
At the beginning of the episode Leo finds himself losing all his crew, and having to pick up the anchor and move the boat alone. Once he finds a sheltered anchorage, he is met by a huge group of seals… shortly followed by a pod of Orcas (killer whales)!
The next leg of the journey takes Leo to a marina where he has to maneuver TALLY HO backwards into a really tight berth. Leo uses some tricks to help overcome the prop-walk and get the boat secure.
Joseph Leitzinger says:
I agree with Christopher “Incredible skill and “POISE”.
Single handed maneuvering on boats dealing with wind and current can be difficult on all boats no matter how big or small deep keel or semi displacement. Spring line placement and prop wash management is a learned skill that takes practice as conditions are ever changing. The leaving the boat to get the stern line spring in place while in gear could end up badly if not done correctly and should only be done alone after a person has mastered that skill. I think a “lot” of practice while another person is on board and stays with the boat while learning that skill. “Professionals Only”
Christopher Waaler says:
That was fantastic. I’m still amazed that he did that. Incredible skill and poise. I’m inspired. Thanks for sharing.