Starting the engine & hoisting SAIL - Tally Ho moves!

The iconic Tally Ho is inching closer towards completing its restoration as the team from Sampson Boat Co makes significant progress with her recently. After launching, the boat needed to be moved from a temporary dock to a slightly less temporary one where more work could continue on her. This involves starting the engine and hopefully moving it around the corner into a new berth.

Starting the Engine

Joe had been testing the engine prior to this, but this was the first time Leo would actually be starting it up or see it running. As part of their meticulous preparation, everything looked like it would go smoothly and thrillingly as expected with Sampson Boat Co’s videos. The engine came to life, roaring to start, a sign that the arduous yet rewarding work was continuing to move forward successfully.

Moving Tally Ho

Behind that second white boat, they would maneuver into it, bringing the Tally Ho closer and closer to her new berth. Their excitement was palpable in the video as they maneuvered the vessel into place, something that felt quite amazing given just how much effort had been put into getting her this far. They managed to achieve a tight turn radius despite initial fears, proving just how skilled the team at Sampson Boat Co is.

Putting Sails on Tally Ho

With the boat settled in its new home, it’s now time to move onto the next major milestone of putting sails back on. This was something Leo had been working on for quite some time. The process started with looking at Albert Strange’s original sail plan and studying photos from the early years of Tally Ho. They worked closely with professional sail designers who were responsible for getting the right shape, widths of panels etc. Eventually those designs went to Salem makers who began cutting cloth and making sails, leading up to their current position.

Visit to Ratzi and Lapthorne Sailmakers

The sailmakers involved in Tally Ho’s restoration are ratsy & lapthorne, the oldest sailmaker in the world. Their expertise goes into every sail they produce, proving crucial for maintaining traditional techniques while adapting them for modern usage. Leo’s team visited their establishment in England to witness firsthand how these timeless pieces of craftsmanship come together. It’s quite fascinating to see such skill and dedication in action, as reflected beautifully in the finished sails, including Tally Ho’s main sale currently in place.

Talk with Matt Robinson from Ratsy & Lapthorne

Matt has been working on the sails for Tally Ho and shares a little about the construction process during Leo’s visit to ratsy & lapthorne. The traditional patching of the sail, with elements like ‘tongues’ and ‘wides’, followed by meticulous hand stitching – all come together in perfect harmony creating a visually stunning end product. It was truly exciting for the team when the big mysterious box arrived containing Tally Ho’s sails, making this restoration journey even more rewarding.

Main Sale Unveiling

In a moment of triumph and relief, they successfully hoisted Tally Ho’s main sail onto the spar. It felt incredible for everyone involved – especially Leo – who could finally see their hard work manifesting in front of them. The beautiful creation from ratsy & lapthorne fit perfectly, adding another significant step towards completing Tally Ho’s restoration journey.

Future Plans and Excitement

Despite reaching such milestones, there are still numerous challenges ahead, notably the capston project which they remain cautious about but optimistic as well. With so much yet to do before considering sailing this summer, their excitement for future achievements is evident. One day they hope to fill Tally Ho’s sails with wind and get her moving. In conclusion, Sampson Boat Co is determined to continue pushing boundaries in the restoration of Tally Ho while remaining humble and grateful to those who support them along the way.