- Blog
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by Pete Green
At Halcyon Yachts, we take great pride in celebrating the achievements of exceptional sailors who embody the spirit of adventure, craftsmanship, and dedication to excellence. One such individual is Leo Goolden, a former Halcyon Yachts delivery skipper whose extraordinary work on the restoration of the classic yacht Tally Ho has captured imaginations across the sailing world.
From near destruction to full restoration, Tally Ho’s story is nothing short of incredible. What began as a derelict hull purchased for one pound has become a living legend—reborn through Leo’s vision, skill, and relentless determination. Today, the fully restored Tally Ho yacht stands as a symbol of passion, perseverance, and the enduring beauty of traditional boatbuilding.
The Remarkable Story of Tally Ho
The Tally Ho yacht, designed by renowned naval architect Albert Strange and launched in 1910, is one of the most celebrated classic sailing yachts in history. Famous for winning the 1927 Fastnet Race, Tally Ho represents the golden age of traditional yacht design and British maritime excellence.
After decades of neglect, Tally Ho fell into serious disrepair. Her future seemed uncertain until Leo Goolden, an experienced sailor, boatbuilder, and filmmaker, stepped in to rescue her. In 2017, Leo purchased Tally Ho for just one pound and began what would become one of the most ambitious wooden yacht restorations ever undertaken.
The Restoration of Tally Ho
Leo relocated Tally Ho to Port Townsend, Washington, where he established his workshop and began a complete rebuild of the yacht. Every element—from the keel and frames to the deck, planking, and interior joinery—was meticulously crafted using traditional wooden boatbuilding techniques.
Over six years, Leo and his dedicated team of volunteers restored Tally Ho with precision and passion. Throughout this process, Leo documented the entire journey through his acclaimed Sampson Boat Co. YouTube channel, which has become a source of inspiration for sailors and craftsmen around the world.
The rebuild was a full-frame reconstruction: large live white oak frames replaced the original deteriorated members, while new milled white oak futtocks and deck beams recreated the original structural geometry. The team also cast a new keel using lead ballast integrated into a prefabricated timber structure, replicating the original ballast weight for stability. Planking used fine cedar or other lightweight timbers to maintain hull shape, and all connections (such as floors, hanging knees and breasthooks) were fastened using traditional bronze or brass fittings to preserve strength and authenticity while meeting modern safety requirements. Additional systems such as upgraded hybrid propulsion, reinforced bulkheads, and modern navigation gear were integrated discretely so as not to detract from the yacht’s classic appearance.
In 2023, after thousands of hours of painstaking craftsmanship, Tally Ho was relaunched to international acclaim—a proud and emotional moment for the global sailing community. Her gleaming hull and graceful lines once again reflect the timeless beauty of a classic yacht reborn.
What’s Next for Tally Ho
Now that Tally Ho is fully restored, Leo Goolden has set his sights on an ambitious new goal: to race Tally Ho in the 2027 Fastnet Race, marking 100 years since her original victory. This bold vision perfectly captures the spirit of adventure that has defined both Leo and the yacht’s remarkable story.
In preparation, Tally Ho has already undertaken a series of sailing voyages and sea trials, allowing Leo to refine her rig, balance, and performance under sail.
They are currently sailing along the coast of Mexico and will soon be in Panama. From there, Leo still has to decide exactly which route to take back to Europe.
Exclusive Video: Life Aboard Tally Ho
To give our readers a personal glimpse into life aboard this legendary yacht, we’re delighted to share an exclusive video interview with Leo Goolden, recorded especially for Halcyon Yachts.
In this feature, Leo discusses what it’s really like to live aboard Tally Ho, the challenges and joys of maintaining a classic wooden yacht, and his exciting future plans—including preparations for the Fastnet Race.
Where would you like Tally Ho to visit on their trip from the USA to Europe? Let us know in the comments below.
Leo’s Connection to Halcyon Yachts
Before dedicating himself to the Tally Ho project, Leo Goolden worked as a yacht delivery skipper for Halcyon Yachts, where he honed his seamanship, leadership, and navigational expertise. These early experiences were instrumental in preparing him for the monumental challenge of restoring Tally Ho.
At Halcyon Yachts, we are immensely proud to have played a small part in Leo’s journey. His achievements embody the same values that define our yacht delivery services—professionalism, dedication, and a deep love of the sea.
The Enduring Legacy of Tally Ho
The Tally Ho restoration is more than just a tale of craftsmanship—it is a symbol of perseverance, community, and the preservation of maritime tradition. As Tally Ho sails once again, she carries with her the spirit of everyone who contributed to her rebirth and the inspiration of those who continue to dream of life under sail.
To follow the latest updates on Tally Ho, visit sampsonboat.co.uk and the Sampson Boat Co. YouTube channel, where Leo continues to document her ongoing adventures.
About Halcyon Yachts
With a highly qualified and experienced crew, Halcyon Yachts Ltd offers a dedicated international yacht delivery service renowned for its professionalism and attention to detail.
For more information, or to see details of our recent deliveries, please visit: halcyonyachts.com
