I've heard on good authority that Leo has been commissioned by Nik and Richard to build a little speed boat to tow behind Project Binky after the Fastnet race has been completed. Bookmakers are giving poor odds that the speedboat will be completed before Binky is ready to receive its tow-hitch! 😁
It took 207 episodes to understand that Tally Ho will not just be a boat you take on a few weeks' adventure. In my simple mind, which never had anything to do with boats except for watching 207 episodes of Sampson Boat Co., she was like a floating RV. Today, I realized that she will become your home. When I heard that you think of your journey in terms of years, I understood what this beautiful boat truly means to you. That was somehow mind-blowing for me. I think that is a very close description of freedom.
Yeah Considering the current geopolitical situation going west would probably not be a wise move. From a quality of life standpoint, I would argue the north passage could be dicey. That’s a very long way That’s very cold and from what I understand, your crew is not extremely experienced. I’ve probably go around Capehorn in your position, but I ain’t no sailor. Whichever way you choose good luck and Fair-winds.
Kids, please take note of Leo's example. When you borrow something/anything, you should work to return them in the same condition or better than when you receive them.
Adults may also want to pay attention. Im still learning this myself - I have borrowed some tools from my brother and been super lax about getting them back to him at all.
Experience from Sweden: Before going through the north west passage with a wooden boat you would have to copper sheath at least the waterline on the forward half of the boat. Even a very thin layer of ice quickly destroys a wooden boat without copper sheathing.
@@j.r4985so they just make like the Space Shuttle with the ceramic ablative tiles! Hmmmmm 🤔 ceramic tiles eh? Could I be onto something here? 😏 HAHAHAHA! 🤣
Is the shape of Tally Ho's hull appropriate for Icy waters? Ships meant for Arctic exploration generally have fairly round hull designed to let ice slide beneath them if I recall correctly (for example the schooner Tara, or any icebreaker).
Hello Leo, I am a former U.S. naval officer, which does not necessarily make me an expert of nautical affairs, but I am familiar with some of the waters that you will sail through. Aside from time constraints, I highly recommend against taking a westerly course across the Pacific and Indian oceans. Unless you ask the Royal Navy to escort you, going through the Straits of Malacca, the Andaman Sea, and anywhere near the Horn of Africa is begging for serious trouble. You could, of course, cover your deck and skirts with Kevlar or steel plating and mount twin 40mm Bofors on the fo'c'sle, but that might not go so well with the Fastnet organisers. Also, the Arabian Sea/Indian Ocean is typically becalmed during the non-monsoon season. I've been there when the sea surface was as smooth as a bathtub's for months. If you divert to the south, then you have to deal with the Cape of Good Hope. I have not personally passed through this area; however, the scuttlebutt is that it can be exceedingly difficult to navigate, especially in a sailboat. If passage fees can be covered (and I assume they are quite steep), then I would vote for passing through the Panama Canal. It is safest for you, your crew, and for Tally Ho herself. I am truly excited for you. I would be tempted to make another visit to the UK just to see you pull into dock. Fair winds and following seas, Mike
Yea that's exactly what I thought too. To be honest I know people that sailed the red sea from the med towards the pacific but they did it quite some time ago and they managed to organize with other boats to form a convoy. I wouldn't be sure such an option is doable today and going the opposite direction.
Tally Ho is a challenging rig to handle, especially in high northern and Southern latitudes. Moreover, an open cockpit leaves the helmsman seriously exposed to weather, which is frequently severe off Cape Horn and also Greenland. The Suez canal is out unless you have an in ith the Houthis, so sailing west means passage around Cape of Good Hope and managing security issues along East and West Africa. Bite the bullet and take the Panama Canal
If Leo is giving up the shop, I assume there were rental fees involved. The money saved would probably cover most of the fee to transit the Panama canal. Remember the palindrome " A man, a plan, a canal, Panama." Let that be you, Leo. ,
The way the poor old UK is being inundated daily with illegal migrants (with successive useless Governments having no idea who and what they are) - some of the Houthis (and worse) are there already!
I agree with your logic. Plus the Caribbean is something he's very familiar with over a long haul. The cost of the Canal is just something he must choke down, no other route seems more logical But I'm no sailor. It just seems (from long practical experience in other ways or means) he has little choice other than what he'll know best - this is Tally Ho's true maiden voyage, after all preceding sails are in effect merely shakedown cruises. Eliminate the variable in any vessel's first real voyage. ..other routes are too long, iffy or dangerous, all things considered. Be smart, 'take the road more taken,' over the "less taken" - leave that "for another day"; paraphrasing the famous poet Frost.
North and cape Horn- definitely not. Too dangerous, not to speak about the intense cold. Perhaps the Mexico land route? Too bad Asia is out, would have made an awesome series
Do not underestimate the dangers of time pressure. It can lead to silly mistakes and poor decisions. You have a great, but inexperienced crew, and you have a deadline to meet. These two factors alone should be enough to guide you towards taking the shortest, lowest-risk route. Once you have successfully made it to England, and raced Tally Ho, you will be in a far better position physically, mentally and geographically to take on more challenging routes.
To reach your destination with the least risk, you must choose the Panama Canal. You still need to be able to port should anything arise during this longer voyage. The last thing you need is to be in the NWP and have to turn back due to ice or other issue. I think coming through the Caribbean and up through the east coast of the US, you will get to show off your masterpiece where everyone who has followed your years long journey, might be able to see her with our very own eyes and gladly donate more funds into your coffers. I am in Kentucky and would gladly travel to the coast to see her, even from a distance. As a former joiner for San Juan Yachts out of Anacortes, I admire all the hard work you and your crew have accomplished. Save the NWP and other routes for future voyages after your race in 2027. Be safe in all you do. Tally Ho!
I'm not a sailor Leo, but I have worked as a data scientist for many years. If you choose the Northwest passage, the National Ice Center may have details you will need to plan the trip. They have many years of seasonal data of the ice sheet and movement as well as forecast. May the wind be at your back! Good luck always.
My vote is the more expensive, but more safe route through the Panama canal. Y'all got enough to worry about with makin it to that race! Plus it'll still be a beautiful voyage. You got plenty of time to take the more risky routes around the world.
I agree for two reasons: First, minimize risk of delays given a major goal from the very beginning of the project was to compete in the Fastnet. Aside from it being the least probable time, boats break. And the longer they are out there the more likely things will happen causing delays. Plus there will likely be a lot of time required for boat work and training in preparation for the race itself. It's true getting across the Caribbean can be a challenge with the Trades. But once one gets to a certain point, these winds can be an advantage. Second, while the Canal is an expense, it is only roughly $5000 plus incidentals (I think). I suspect the extra time (months) going around the Horn - or certainly the world - would easily cost that much in provisioning, spares, and so on.
When I was in the US Navy, we sailed the northern route. However, we were in a submarine and went a fair bit further north than the Northwest Passage. In fact, we stopped at the North Pole. Then we continued on and came out of the polar ice between Iceland and Greenland. We had the luxury of sailing at cruising depth for the Los Angeles class submarine. We also did the passage in the winter and this is where it would most relevant for you Leo. Even at cruising depth of several hundred feet submerged, we were rolling very, very heavily from all the storm on the surface while transiting the Bering Strait. It was enough I wouldn't even want to try it in a much smaller surface vessel. Personally, my vote is either South or West. I just want to keep watching videos of all your adventures that a longer voyage would give. Call me spoiled by your outstanding Captaincy and the quality of your Crew.
I hauled boats all over the U.S. in the late'70s (Boat Transit Inc., Costa Mesa, CA), most of which were overdimensional and needed permits, escort vehicles, and all the rest. That's how I stumbled onto the Tally Ho saga -- somehow the episode where the hull was moved from Sequim to Pt. Townsend showed up in my feed, and now I've watched every episode, twice. All of which is to say that I know something about trucking large sailboats across the country. If Tally Ho had a beam of 11', a draft of 6', 6' or so above the waterline to the top of the cabin and displaced maybe 25K lb., trucking her across the country (my vote would be to Duluth) could make sense. The northern states involved are quite friendly to overdimensional loads, and you wouldn't be burdened with many escort vehicles. Going to the East Coast, even with our hypothetical anorexic version of Tally Ho, becomes a nightmare with low bridges and other serious restrictions. However, Tally Ho has a beam of 12'10", a draft of 7'6", height above the waterline well in excess of 7' and a displacement on the order of 65K lb. A load of that size (particularly the height, I'd estimate at least 15') is going to require private escorts front and rear the whole way and possibly state police escorts part of the time as well, plus an 11+ axle truck combination that charges a minimum of $10/mile these days. It's a big, big deal, plus the hassle of unstepping the mast and packing it and all the other spars for shipping, possibly requiring a second truck. The Panama Canal would be a bargain in comparison, IMNHO.
Interesting, he'd only need to go halfway so. Precisely to Duluth, Minnesota. From there, the Great Lakes Waterway (GLW) starts. They should be able to travel the rest of the way to the Atlantic for 2,340 miles (3,770 km) on the water on the GLW, and bridge clearance is 54 meters/180 feet at the Duluth lifting bridge. So taken from that, they could sail (Lakes) and motor (River, Channels) their way comfortably to the Atlantic in a couple weeks. But I don't think trucking would be competitive price wise, even if the distance is cut in half ... basically.
My landlubber's take on the west route is that, if you're going along the Arabian Peninsula and through the Red Sea, it's probably something that is best avoided, given the current situation in Yemen. You'd also be quite close to the Somali coast during the run into the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and Tally Ho is a comparatively slow, soft target with no ability to defend itself. Getting picked off by a drone or taken for ransom would be a really bad ending to your story.
Leo, you know it's lovely to see you give back the oars better then you received them. I grew up and was taught the same thing. It has been the one thing That has allowed me to re-barrow or barrow other things with no issues. It's a wonderful quality to possess and build trust. Also when you need something you are sure to have friends who are there with a helping hand. I hope more take on that quality in life as it makes a huge difference at the end of the day.
Totally agree, always return things in at least the same or in better condition that you received such borrowed items. Best way to make and keep your friends, old and new.
Accurate. I was raised to respect equipment. 10 years in the military reinforced the adage, "Maintain your gear and it will last longer." That rule included anything you borrowed. Respect is a simple tool for your skill set, yet becoming rarer these days.
Cape Horn? You may bury the bow and never see it again. Northwest passage? ummm no. West through the Pacific? Well who doesn't want to see the islands in the South Pacific but you will never make it in time. Go there after. The Panama Canal is your only way home. I think you know that, and I think you resist it because it's the least romantic and most expensive. But c'mon Leo, it's the only way. Plus if you sail up the East Coast of the United States you will be greeted with a flotilla of supporters who will warm your heart and flood your coffers. Spring 2025 leave for Panama, Spring/Summer 2025 pass through the Panama Canal (make a huge deal of it!) Hole up in Rio Dulce until hurricane season is over. There are worse places to hang out. Winter 25/26 sail through the Caribbean (drink rum and wear funny hats). Spring 2026 up the East Coast; attend parties, bask in your celebrity. Then June cross the Atlantic from New York to the UK (you don't think you're leaving the US without sailing past the Statue of Liberty do you? Besides, every gaff rigged boat on the East Coast including mine will come to escort you in and out of New York Harbor. It will be a sight like no other). Arrive UK Autumn 2026 in time to ready the boat, sort out crew issues, train, and practice. Then August 2027 win the Dorade Cup and make history! And with that incredible jackyard topsail you built, the outrageously long boom, the oversized main, and those perfectly shaped headsails, how can you lose? You'll need to draw out your decision for a few more episodes to fuel the suspense, but this is the plan, this is the only feasible plan and you are ready!.
My guess is that he eventually settles on the North West Passage. He seems to like going north. Let's not forget that Vikings sailed great distances in far northern latitudes in wooden boats. It is far from impossible. Leo is someone who is not afraid of overcoming difficult challenges. Being from Britain, the chances are great that Leo has some Viking blood flowing in his veins. I think the idea of taking one of the safest, most civilised, most travelled routes offends and bores him a little. Tally Ho was not built to be a marina queen.
@@donthompson7889 That's a great point, he just might do that. And there's a side benefit which is highlighting the warming of the planet and depletion of the ice. He can put a lot of eyeballs on that.
Whichever way you go Please take in consideration the parts of the world that pirates occupy and safe travels. I vote for Panama Canal because you will have many more years to take the more interesting routes when you have more time. Be safe out there.
Same! Going west would mean the Malabar straits, the gulf of Aden with the Somali and Yemeni coasts (...the Houthi!) and later the risks of the eastern Med. Please take another route 🥰
I remember watching the maiden episode and thought, 'what is he doing? He isn't restoring, so much as building from scratch. Why would he buy that piece of junk?' Now, seeing the end result, it wasn't so much the finish line as the entire journey you took all of us on. Thanks to you and everyone who helped for creating a magnificent vessel.
Advantages of the Panama Canal/caribbean route: 1) you could stop by your old friend Andrew @ Woodstock Boatbuilders in Antigua and have full use of your old workshop before setting off across the Atlantic. 2) collect a free haulout for Tally Ho - for a fresh coat of antifoul. Just a thought! Best of luck Leo which ever way you choose.
I vote for the Panama Canal burn diesel as needed . Play it SAFE. Hope you get your Gaff saddle and Capstain parts at least made before you take off on your winter cruise. Open cockpit and Caspe Horn could be asking for crew injury and illness I think.
I went through the Panama Canal last December on a small cruise ship and we shared a lock with a small sailboat about Tally Ho's size. The sailboat was damaged in the turbulence as the lock filled and it didn't seem like the lock dock workers offered much help when the sailboat needed it.
My two-cents is to take the Panama Canal route. Cape Horn, the Northwest Passage, and the western route will all still be there after you get to and sail the Fastnet Race. Afterward, you wouldn't be rushed, and could take your time planning the other routes, and sail them at your leisure, perhaps with far more stops and sightseeing than you would have time for now. For such early innings in the boat, the Panama Canal route is plenty of adventure, and, with the sailing of the Fastnet Race, would afford you even more time to iron out any remaining kinks before possibly finding them at an inconvenient time on the Cape Horn or Northwest Passage routes.
I sailed the North West passage this year in september, there was no ice at all. yeah some icebergs in the labrador sea, but passage was clear. I think it is do-able in the Tally Ho. and will save you a lot of time compared to other routes.
@ December, August WTF difference does it make, that boat does not sport a reinforced bow, she has no business being in the Arctic Ocean at any time of the year
Piracy is a significant international maritime issue; it's no joke. Even your Cape Horn route will expose you to some areas where piracy is a concern. I'm sure you'll do your homework on this.
Leo I did a delivery from Sharjah (UAE) around Saudia Arabia visiting Salalah (Oman) Dijibouti Yanbu (Mecca's port city on the west of Saudi Arabia & Hurghada (Egypt) I didn't go through Suez. That part of the middle east was dangerous territory 44 years ago ( I was too stupid and dumb at the time to know) now I'd avoid it like the plague. I'm regularly in touch with a guy was born in Dartford Kent (UK) who's currently in Cape Verde on his 32' Vancouver. He's waiting on the weather for this season's crossing to the Caribbean. I'll drop him an email and introduce you to him. He's did a complete circumnavigation of the world in 2011..
@@johnmccarthy6451 In 1987 we sailed from the med to the Seychelles. We had the time of our life and it was no problem. The only bad thing was a european Cargovessel in the gulf of Aden which spilled a huge amount of oily bilgewater in the sea . That dirt landed on the Somali coast and l can understand somehow that the Somalis were pissed .
@@martinhoflich6150 Martin please see the current warning from the US Department of State. www.state.gov/houthi-sinking-of-merchant-ships-in-the-red-sea/. There have been 3 commercial ships that have been sunk in the Red sea in the past two years and sailors lives lost. So I'd recommend that @SampsonBoatCo (Leo) avoids going any where near the Red sea or surrounds. Sailing west from Washington State (Port Townsend) to the UK via Cape of Good Hope is a long trip. Geo-politics need to be taken into consideration.
Structural engineer here, never thought I'd hear "kips" get mentioned in one of these vids but its simply 1,000 lbs. A unit of measure used for designing anything from skyscrapers to even small sail boats it would seem haha. Goes to show the huge forces that occur while out at sea, 5.2 kips is no joke. As for mixing kips and Newtons, I'd guess the guy has done work up in Canada since they tend to use kilonewtons (kN) I believe. 1 kip ~= 4.45 kN 1 kN ~= 0.225 kips
Decision seems simple to me: first and foremost priority: celebrate Tally Ho's Centennial participation in the Fastnet Race. From there, the decision is which is safest (not necessarily shortest). All other sight-seeing options (not least, escaping pirates in the South Indian Ocean or political barriers into the Mediterranean) can be realized on subsequent voyages. GET TO THE STARTING LINE!! Great video as always. One of your seven year viewers.
My advice is to take the shorter route, through the Panama Canal. Nothing will ruin a trip like having a tight schedule. Besides! There are lots of awesome places to explore along that route! Mexico, the Caribbean, US East Coast, Bermuda, the Azores... And if you're a year early, there is no shortage of cruising grounds in Europe! The atolls and Cape Horn will still be there after :) And there is something to be said for pacing yourself on the learning curve: If you start with Cape Horn you'll either have few other accomplishments left to get excited about, or you'll be traumatized if it doesn't go well. Cape Horn is not fun unless you truly are ready for it. I would hesitate to go into ice on a fibreglass vessel, and would not go at all on a wooden one. (I've sailed a fair bit on expeditions and deliveries and cruising, some 65'000 NM or so. I've only followed this channel on and off and don't know much about your level of experience, so take what I say with an appropriate amount of salt.)
This is exciting... Tally Ho heading to England. The question that comes up for me is WHO is going to be going with you? Perhaps that isn't clear at the moment, but I'd love to hear about your crew when you embark on this amazing adventure. Thanks for sharing your work with the oars... we need a bit of woodworking to sate the appetite that has been created by watching this channel. Always a treat watch a skilled craftsman working with wood.
The music and choreography you choose for your videos is so absolutely amazing. BRAVO and fair wings. Any boat builders are excited about you, and you have the attention for detail to pull it off.
I have watched this from day one, I need to thank you. For everything. Your attention to detail has inspired me to get back to my roots and has taught me so much. I look forward to seeing more. Thank you Leo and to all the others that have worked with you on this project. Cheers to a safe journey.
Leo, here's a trick (if you don't know about it) to clean the glass on the inside of a wood stove. Wipe the inside glass surface with a dampen a piece of paper towel covered with ash from the wood stove. 1) yes, it really is that simple and 2) it really, really works. Now I can say I've contributed to the Tally Ho.
I have two wood stoves , and it’s not glass it’s clear ceramic and you clean them with a paper towel and water , cold stove ! you can use hot water , sometimes I use a razor blade to get it real clean , also if you keep the temperature up the ( glass ) will stay cleaner .
As someone who is intimidated by the thought of being out on the open ocean with all that mystery below and infinite sky and horizon beyond, I hope you can somehow portray what it is like, what the mindset is like to embrace such expanse with naught but the elements of the Earth and craftspersonship underneath and around you, your beautiful and strong Tally Ho. Im sure it helps to have others share that with you but still, even for each of you it must really be something to set off over That. Incredible.
The route decision is a no-brainer. At this early point in the boat's rebuilt history, and with Fastnet 2027 as the one non-negotiable priority, you need to choose the safest route. Fortunately, that is also the easiest and reliably fastest. Obviously that best choice is through the Panama Canal. Sailing east through the Caribbean in not a problem since you can motor as needed. Another issue on that route is avoiding hurricane season. You have all of 2025 to get through the canal. If you can't make the rest of the voyage in 2025 you can cross the Atlantic in 2026 in Spring which is the normally preferred season for the the west to east crossing. Talley Ho and its owner will have many years ahead for additional adventures. You don't need to pack too much into the first major voyage.
The romantic says go for the Northern route. The pragmatist would go through the Panama canal. I'd avoid the Mediterranean as the geopolitical situation around the Straits of Hormuz and the Red Sea might be difficult. Cape of Good Hope might (maybe) be the better route and you would get to sail across the Pacific. I could be persuaded to join the crew!
i'm not too clued up on sailing routes so i'm struggling to understand where the straight of hormuz would feature on a path to the uk, and why an old wooden boat would have difficulty in the red sea
Not a blue water sailor here, but having followed blue water sailboat racing, I would say the east passage is the best for Tally Ho. As much as it would be poetic for Tally Ho to go around the Cape, that is a rough passage at any time and just a long slough getting there from the US Northwest. As you point out it is then a long slough back up and lets not forget getting through the doldrums. The west passage has its charms, but besides the length, the Geo-political environment adds some dangers outside of just sailing. The east passage may have some sailing challenges, but it is also some of the best opportunities to showcase Tally Ho. Instead of fighting the trades, swing up along the east coast of the US. Stopping at Annapolis would be a major way to have people see the boat and eventually you can cross the Atlantic after NYC. There is also a stop at Iceland long the way before you come to rest in the UK. Which you decide I will enjoy the voyage with y'all.
I've crossed the Pacific four times and the Indian ocean twice. The Pacific through the Straight of Malacca into the Indian ocean is a very, very long way. My ship cruised at 16 knots. We turned around in Mombasa and not counting ports of call it took three months to get there.. There is a lot political instability in the NW Indian Ocean. That dictates a more southernly route with very few places to make a port of call. The North West Passage may sound veery romantic but the risks are high. The waters are not well charted and if you get into trouble there is very little hope of assistance. That pretty much leaves crossing from the Pacific to the Atlantic though a more southernly route. To get through the Panama Canal you could wind up waiting for several weeks and then you have to put up four Panamanian crew on your boat to help transit the canal. The other option is to go around South American. The Straight of Magellan is a much better option than Cape Horn. The straight has many ports and anchorages. I'm not a wind sailor but leveraging the spring, summer fall/spring summer seasons as you pass from the northern to southern hemispheres is appealing. You make your choices and you take your chances.
"Put up four Panamanians" to transit the canal? It can be done in a day with an early start. All you need is four competent crew and I am sure tally Ho will have those. Otherwise there are always plenty of sailors handy to help you though, easy stuff.
I am so spoiled to get to watch somebody exercise incredible care and skill to, so seemingly effortlessly, craft such beautiful oars. The craftsmanship on display for even (perhaps, "especially") the smaller details is inspiring.
West, around the Cape of Good Hope, not through the Suez. Then after you win the '27 Fastnet, you can go back to Port Townsend going around Cape Horn and Tally Ho will have finished a "Magellan Voyage" having circumvented the globe without using those modern canals. Trade winds will be with you almost all of the way.
Unfortunately the winds down south go the opposite wayaround the globe, ie from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean around the Cape of Good Hope and the Pacific to the Atlantic around Cape Horn. That is why the old sailing ships used to travel from UK to Australia Via Cape of Good Hope returning via Cape Horn
The clipper route is way down south with the westerlies, but if you head back up to the tropics after cape horn you can do it with much better weather. This is also the route that joshua slocum did it.
@@derekhoughton1346 Notice I said *_almost_* all the way. Of course the Cape of Good Hope will require a tack south in the westerlies to gain longitude and then up to Britain but once that is done he can easily be there for the '27 Fastnet. Then on the return he'll have the same tack going around Cape Horn, but the rest of the voyage will be straight sailing, not always with the winds at his back, but certainly easy enough sailing. I only suggest this route because it's the direction Magellan took, westerly, the hard way. It would be a unique feather in his cap
From Brazil since your first videos. I have not words to say how much those touched me. My humble thank you so much. My vote Cape Horn, where Tally Ho could show the muscles, and seamanship. Nice and fair winds. My best wishes.
I am an old sailor and I admire your work and what you do very much. Here is, what I would do : Finish first everything on your boat, while you have still your workshop, because once at sea, there is very little you can do. To the new chainstripper and the gaffsaddle, I would add a good, selfmade vindvane which acts on your trimtab, like for instance, Wave Rovers Mark three. I would have rigged her as a gaffketch, but Tally Ho is a racing boat, this just aside. I would take the safest Cape Hoorn route, without rocks and ice, and specially for that, I would build myself a shorter boom with a trysail for the roaring forties, I would take the topmast down, and the bowspriet in. Port Townsend to Hawaii, then Tahiti, Cape Horn and the Falklands, St. Helena, Cape Verdies, Azores and England, a trip for a real bluewatersailor, but you need a very good crew, too.
Take the eastern Panama Canal route for this first major voyage. Safer and shorter. After exiting the Canal head north and a smidgen east to try to try to reach the open sea off of Florida while keeping the trade winds on the beam. I agree trying to beat through the Caribbean against the trade winds would be agonizing. Perhaps harbor hopping on the north coast of South America, but other risks exist there. If you get your Northing in, you could always go south to visit some of the Caribbean, but the priority should be to keep the trade winds on your beam. I think this would open up some options. As a British flagged vessel Cuba’s ports should be available if needed.
Your channel stands above other sailing channels, not only due to the quality of your videos, but because of the exquisite craftsmanship of your shipbuilding. In fact, I must admit that I miss seeing you in the workshop building whatever odds-and-ends that the boat needs. As to the choice of routes, I would tend to favour the Northwest Passage. It’s the shortest route by far, and modern technology can you give you the heads-up for ice conditions wherever you go. Dangerous? Yes, but don’t forget the SAS motto “Qui audet adipiscitur” (Who Dares, Wins). You’ll need that attitude for the Fastnet race.
I took my 1940's red cedar 36' ex patrol boat into Pender Harbour and was coasting into an anchorage that had just a skim of ice (was rippling) doing maybe 1knot I leaned out the wheelhouse door to look at the waterline to my horror that little bit of ice was carving the waterline plank as if it was a chisel or plane, nice curly red cedar coming off. Hard astern and got away from the ice. Unless you are going to sheath the tender areas in gumwood or something very tough I would avoid the ice. Worked in the Beaufort Sea on five different occasions and have seen firsthand what the ice can do to steel icebreakers.
Leo, sorting the boatyard is your priority now, you got that. I was surprised by the choice of the pre-made blades until you stated they had been given to you, I'd of expected you would have made your ow otherwise. Sometimes having the skills takes us down the hard route, when rounding spars rig a pole lathe and let concentricity be your friend! The journey home, follow the trade routes, no need to fight the currents and winds my friend. I wish Tally Ho a fair sea and a following wind.
Yes of course we want to see you try the NW passage or even battle south around the horn but time wise the only real option is The Panama Canal. Best of luck for which ever route you go!
I've moved huge amounts of tools into storage from that side of the world and then onwards to the Old World. Buy cheap (black) residential wheelie bins from Canadian Tire, etc. 20 dollars each and they really help one guy move quite heavy loads easily. The tools are dry and safe, sealed up. Label the bins and itemize the contents. Makes unpacking a breeze. Peace.
Cape Horn would require the skill of '' lucky '' Jack Aubrey & the courage of Prince Hector, That is why I think Leo will choose that route .... 🦁🔱 Best wishes in any event ...
Hi Leo, I would plump for the Panama canal route for two reasons, first if you get into trouble you have plenty of optional anchorages to lay up for repairs, and secondly with so many places to explore, you might come across another derelict which could become your next project. Good luck and fair winds, Mal.
Beautiful job on the oars! So, I have been around the world the long way 1 1/2 times on an Aircraft Carrier, 90,000 tons, 100,000 hp and 5000-man crew. No problems just about a month making headway under steady power. But if I had the Tally Ho, a small crew and lots of time, I would be thinking about what course choices got Tally Ho to port Townsend in the first place. Then, for the return what is the most protected route for crew relief and what are the seasonal sea states. It is a long, long way across open ocean and the middle of nowhere is not a great place to deal with problems. So, my emotional choice would be NW passage since it appears protected with opportunity to find anchorage for problem solving and R&R. It would also be interesting/important to know if icebreakers are commonly operating in that area. My other emotional take is that, ultimately, you will make a superb choice.
Not that I have any experience, but my vote would be to leave the Pacific crossing and all the beautiful islands off the coast of Asia for when you have time to enjoy it.
I suggest going around the Horn. Going west: Awesome, but you don't have time. Do that after the Fastnet. Going east: Not cool enough. Too many channels cover the area. Going north: Very cool, but a lottery. And a bit anachronistic for Tally Ho. Gong south. The route around the Horn is legendary. So definitely cool enough. If you want even more extremes you could take a route visiting Antarctica.
I have no experience, but see that most people favor the Panama canal. I personally like the idea of trucking her to Duluth and putting jn there. As a viewer I would love to follow a journey through the NW Passage, but understand the challenges there. No matter what you decide, you will continue to entertain us.
Hi Leo, I can imagining how difficult could be make a route to go back to UK, I am not saying which could be the best, but I can say, we sail 2 years in Patagonia and Falkland island and was the sail of our life, beautiful and challenging The good thing is , if you leave spring 25 , you will be right for the austral summer in Chile , means you will have all the seasons with you Any route you will choose, will be wonderfull. Fair wind and following sea A&A
It's almost impossible to believe Tally Ho is finally in her element. And we've always thought Leo's element was the boat yard but now we get to see him where he truly belongs as well. Just amazing.
Regarding the Northwest Passage, I'd have a chat with Juho Karhu of Alluric Arctic who just did it. Seems some areas are getting more ice now that the ice is less frozen together than in earlier years.
Beautiful work on the oars! It was fun to see you using another of your skills, stitching that leather on. You should stop by Thetis Island on your next trip north. It's a gorgeous little Gulf island just off Chemainus on the east coast of Vancouver Island. It has two marinas, a summer farmer's market on Saturdays, a ferry over to Vancouver island 10x/day, a one-room school house still in use, the tallest and 3rd tallest Arbutus trees in Canada, and my father and his wife have a lovely little B&B on it, with several cats and numerous chickens. You'd find a warm welcome there. There's a number of liveaboard sailors that winter in Thetis's sheltered marinas. Wherever you go, I hope you have a wonderful time!
I recommend the Panama Canal. More expensive.... But safer, as well as fastest !! Cape Horn, is a wet dream for many modern sailors. But oh so much more dangerous! The North West passage is also very debatable.... Considering all the ice problems that can arise. Don't put your lovely boat in front of these unnecessary dangers!! Been following your journey since the beginning. And it has been a fantastic journey! so impressed with your persistence, as well as growing knowledge. When it comes to basically..... Building a new boat. Best regards. Piero Mengarelli Stockholm Sweden. 👍😊
Alluring Arctic Sailing just rooked up in Greenland after doing the NWP this summer. Juho Karhu is probably happy to talk to you guys. His boat Lumi is aluminum and specially fitted for such efforts but I would reach out to him.
I love Leo (through UA-cam, not personally) and what he has done and many of the people helping. I have watched him since he started at the beggining and whatever algorithm said I would like this sort of video back then. I loved the selection of lumber in Alabama (Live Oak for the frames and keel?) and ConnecticutI (for the cross frames? and dont remember the wood). It has been 7 or 8 YEARS now, and I have recommended this channel for many others including some who now are becoming sailors because of Leo and some have even been inspired to build boats. I will always watch every video, but this is a different chapter now. I don't know how to feel about it and this is in no way any kind of criticism. I wish there was a way for him to sail the high seas, operate the vessel and a way to continue to see the creation of insane craftsmanship and precision. I assume this is the conundrum Leo sees as well. Perhaps like the ships of the line, they can fix things along the way and improve the boat. Leo if you ever sail to the North Eastern US/ New England, please give very advance notice for your fans who would love to say hello, see Tally Ho and wish you well on your Journey. I vote for the EASTERN route. Faster, Caribbean, NE USA etc. and I would ship in for your Panama Canal fund. Now especially talking to "Captain" Leo, : lots of ports along the East coast of the United States and Canada that would welcome you and where I assume many of your fans live- Miami and St, Augustine, FL, Savannah, GA. Charleston NC., lots of places in between, then Manhattan, Sag Harbor and Greenport, NY, then of course, you must go to New London, CT and Mystic Seaport where they have an incredible old ship museum and then to Boston and eventually Maine which still keeps the wooden boat building tradition alive- all over the place. Actually from your videos of your travels so far, it is interesting how much some of the Pacific NW resembles some of Maine and vice versa. After that it's a quick jaunt to Nova Scotia, perhaps Greenland, Iceland, maybe Svalbard, the fjords of Norway, the Faroe Islands (at little out of the way, all of these), then Scotland and HOME. Who needs the Pacific paradise islands!? And you'd get to home a year earlier! Just kidding on last two points. - Oh and it would be relatively safe. Lots of time to decide but we want you to win that race and in one piece!
Leo ..Err on the side of caution. Take the safest route and most timely route ... Just get there for the Fastnet. If yo'ure early there will be plenty of avenues to exhibit Tally Ho before the race and prepare for the race. There will be many years following to explore this planet at leisure. GOOD LUCK Captain :)
I’ve been from Vancouver bay down through the Panama Canal to the Caribbean when working as a musician on cruise ships a couple times in the 90s. Highly recommend it! Stop off at ports along California and the Mexican Riveara. San Francisco, San Pedro, Cozumel, Puerto Vallerta, Acupoloco, Zaragoza and Puntarenas before going through the canal. I see no other option. It’s safe and consistent… tons of great ports. We will help pay the cost through the canal. You’re going to have an amazing time! I envy you! ❤️🎺😊 Roam through the Caribbean and ride the Gulf Stream north to the prevailing westerlies. You can’t miss the fastenet race this way!
You are still young. You have done more than I could even imagine ½ a century ago when I was 18. Do the NW passage. If you don't challenge yourself when you are young you will regret it evermore. In 1979 I backpacked from South Carolina to Arizona,, where I was raised. I swam naked in the Atlantic and have always regretted that I didn't do another 300 miles so I could swim naked in the Pacific. (Who knows, I might've met one of those California girls you always hear about!) Anyway, do the difficult stuff while you are young. Then you will have memories to carry you through being 68 years old living in a trailer with cancer.
Hi Leo, I know some have mentioned trailering Tally Ho to the east coast, which would allow you to sail wherever you want next summer with no time constraints. I have two thoughts: 1. I think sending her by rail might be a less expensive option than having to do a wide-load flatbed truck transport (unless, of course, you can get that donated). 2. Instead of transporting her all the way east, just send her to a port on Lake Superior (Duluth, Wisconsin in the US via Northern Pacific Rail in Washington State US, or Thunder Bay in Ontario via the Canadian Pacific Rail from Vancouver BC) and then sail the Great Lakes out the St Lawrence Seaway and across the Atlantic. That would be an opportunity to sail the Great Lakes -- places you likely otherwise wouldn't have chosen. You can do the Pacific west, NW Passage, or Atlantic routes after the fastnet at a your own leisurely pace. 3. If you send Tally Ho by rail in Canada, you could take the "The Canadian" and document that historically important route along the way. The only issue with this is that "The Canadian" no longer uses Canadian Pacific's tracks, so you would need to figure out how to get off from the more northerly Canadian Northern's tracks and travel down to Thunder Bay (where Canadian Pacific's tracks go) to meet up with Tally Ho. But this shouldn't be hard to do.. Cheers from Portland, Oregon, Philip
I'm all for being pragmatic and safe, the adventurer in me screams for the Northwest Passage!! The Caribbean is cool and so is Asia but to me, it's not as cool as the Northern route. If given time, it would be awesome for Tally Ho to visit Iceland, maybe Greenland, and swing by the Faroe Islands.
Made it to PT today. Missed Tally Ho. Off to Canada likely. Did have the opportunity to meet Amber and to “order Lunch” Was a great day wandering the boatyard. Good Sailing, Tally Ho!
Hi Leo. Thanks for all your videos about restoring Tally Ho. You are the most skilled boatbuilder i've ever seen. If you are passing through Suez, please consider the risk of pirates around the horn of Africa. Kind regards from Ole from Denmark.
👍👌👏 Oh WOW! The pair of new oars and the modified ones are simply great pieces of artwork like almost anything that has to do with Leo respectively Tally Ho. Congratulations! 🎉
Thanks for yet another great video Leo. I love watching your boatbuilding and your sailing adventures, big and small. How about this plan ? Sail home the shortest route slowly, do (win?) the Fastnet, do circumnavigation, do (win?) the Fastnet again.
Beautiful mindset !!! To give back a loaned item in better condition than it was received, is a gesture that only 5% of people (in my case) are still doing. This is something only a educated craftsman can do! i get the shivers when writing this :)) Be careful about the random changing climate/winds...like in Spain happened, cause of the unpredictable warming climate. i hope that book takes this into consideration !
My money is on the NW passage since he will be in Canada and Alaska this winter. Natural jump off spot to the North. He will have a couple thosand miles in the bank.
Purely from viewers and dreamers perspective the route around Cape Horn, Chile and South America in general sounds the most interesting! 🏔️ Not much sailing material from there yet! As for humor. I could borrow anything to Leo so that I can get them back in better shape they ever were. Wanna borrow some chisels and planers? 😁
Hey Leo. Have you considered shipping (pun intended) Tally Ho to the Great Lakes and going up the St Lawrence through maritime Canada and across the Atlantic from Newfoundland?
Just hearing that you're keeping your tools in storage makes me excited that you might take on yet another amazing (possibly larger) project in the future for me to religiously tune into to see the progress.
I mentioned the same idea, but Leo has mentioned several times that fresh water is dangerous for wooden boats. But Duluth is 27 road hours from Seattle.
Based on other comments that sounds like around $25,000 for the road mileage plus loading and unloading. Worse than that it would involve derigging everything, then setting it back up. You also wouldn't be doing what it is built to do, which is to sail. They can instead enjoy making stops and appearances all down the West coast and Florida on up the East coast. That gives them plenty of time to see how she handles weather and whatnot while still close enough to stop and make adjustments. Panama canal is a no brainer.
This was the greatest project I’ve ever followed. I looked so forward to the next episode and the one after that. I kind of miss the artistry and quality of the construction process. And I really miss the crazy TV “commercials” the crew did! I will continue to look forward to your journeys.
How exciting was it when Leo said " I am going to put a lot of the tools into storage for the next project"!
Yes!! How exciting!
My thoughts exactly!
Yes, but probably ten years from now.
The next project is Taly ho II for me. i won the lotery 😂
I've heard on good authority that Leo has been commissioned by Nik and Richard to build a little speed boat to tow behind Project Binky after the Fastnet race has been completed. Bookmakers are giving poor odds that the speedboat will be completed before Binky is ready to receive its tow-hitch! 😁
It took 207 episodes to understand that Tally Ho will not just be a boat you take on a few weeks' adventure. In my simple mind, which never had anything to do with boats except for watching 207 episodes of Sampson Boat Co., she was like a floating RV. Today, I realized that she will become your home. When I heard that you think of your journey in terms of years, I understood what this beautiful boat truly means to you. That was somehow mind-blowing for me. I think that is a very close description of freedom.
Yeah Considering the current geopolitical situation going west would probably not be a wise move. From a quality of life standpoint, I would argue the north passage could be dicey. That’s a very long way That’s very cold and from what I understand, your crew is not extremely experienced. I’ve probably go around Capehorn in your position, but I ain’t no sailor. Whichever way you choose good luck and Fair-winds.
❤
"Wherever we want to go, we'll go. That's what a ship is, you know" -- Captain Jack Sparrow
"It's not a keel and a hull and a deck and sails. That's what a ship needs. But what a ship is, is freedom." - Captain Jack Sparrow
I relate to your post. Love this group of folks. Know nothing about boats 😂
Kids, please take note of Leo's example. When you borrow something/anything, you should work to return them in the same condition or better than when you receive them.
Adults may also want to pay attention. Im still learning this myself - I have borrowed some tools from my brother and been super lax about getting them back to him at all.
@@ridcully
Definitely adults.
I thought you were talking about Tally Ho back to the UK in better condition (although he did pay $1) ... until I got to the varnishing oars bit.
@@ridcully 🤣🤣
Experience from Sweden: Before going through the north west passage with a wooden boat you would have to copper sheath at least the waterline on the forward half of the boat. Even a very thin layer of ice quickly destroys a wooden boat without copper sheathing.
They could superglue a lot of pennies on the hull, perchance
@@j.r4985so they just make like the Space Shuttle with the ceramic ablative tiles! Hmmmmm 🤔 ceramic tiles eh? Could I be onto something here? 😏 HAHAHAHA! 🤣
Is the shape of Tally Ho's hull appropriate for Icy waters? Ships meant for Arctic exploration generally have fairly round hull designed to let ice slide beneath them if I recall correctly (for example the schooner Tara, or any icebreaker).
is it South African ?
Copper sheathing also has excellent antifouling properties.
Hello Leo, I am a former U.S. naval officer, which does not necessarily make me an expert of nautical affairs, but I am familiar with some of the waters that you will sail through. Aside from time constraints, I highly recommend against taking a westerly course across the Pacific and Indian oceans. Unless you ask the Royal Navy to escort you, going through the Straits of Malacca, the Andaman Sea, and anywhere near the Horn of Africa is begging for serious trouble. You could, of course, cover your deck and skirts with Kevlar or steel plating and mount twin 40mm Bofors on the fo'c'sle, but that might not go so well with the Fastnet organisers. Also, the Arabian Sea/Indian Ocean is typically becalmed during the non-monsoon season. I've been there when the sea surface was as smooth as a bathtub's for months. If you divert to the south, then you have to deal with the Cape of Good Hope. I have not personally passed through this area; however, the scuttlebutt is that it can be exceedingly difficult to navigate, especially in a sailboat. If passage fees can be covered (and I assume they are quite steep), then I would vote for passing through the Panama Canal. It is safest for you, your crew, and for Tally Ho herself.
I am truly excited for you. I would be tempted to make another visit to the UK just to see you pull into dock. Fair winds and following seas, Mike
Yea that's exactly what I thought too. To be honest I know people that sailed the red sea from the med towards the pacific but they did it quite some time ago and they managed to organize with other boats to form a convoy. I wouldn't be sure such an option is doable today and going the opposite direction.
Tally Ho is a challenging rig to handle, especially in high northern and Southern latitudes. Moreover, an open cockpit leaves the helmsman seriously exposed to weather, which is frequently severe off Cape Horn and also Greenland. The Suez canal is out unless you have an in ith the Houthis, so sailing west means passage around Cape of Good Hope and managing security issues along East and West Africa. Bite the bullet and take the Panama Canal
If Leo is giving up the shop, I assume there were rental fees involved. The money saved would probably cover most of the fee to transit the Panama canal. Remember the palindrome " A man, a plan, a canal, Panama." Let that be you, Leo.
,
The way the poor old UK is being inundated daily with illegal migrants (with successive useless Governments having no idea who and what they are) - some of the Houthis (and worse) are there already!
Pretty much what I was thinking too.
I agree with your logic. Plus the Caribbean is something he's very familiar with over a long haul. The cost of the Canal is just something he must choke down, no other route seems more logical But I'm no sailor. It just seems (from long practical experience in other ways or means) he has little choice other than what he'll know best - this is Tally Ho's true maiden voyage, after all preceding sails are in effect merely shakedown cruises. Eliminate the variable in any vessel's first real voyage. ..other routes are too long, iffy or dangerous, all things considered. Be smart, 'take the road more taken,' over the "less taken" - leave that "for another day"; paraphrasing the famous poet Frost.
North and cape Horn- definitely not. Too dangerous, not to speak about the intense cold. Perhaps the Mexico land route? Too bad Asia is out, would have made an awesome series
once again I‘m in oar of your craftsmanship.
I had a row-locking good laughs
That Dad joke was hard two handle.
Awwww....you're just trying to stroke...stroke....stroke Leo's ego.
Do not underestimate the dangers of time pressure. It can lead to silly mistakes and poor decisions.
You have a great, but inexperienced crew, and you have a deadline to meet. These two factors alone should be enough to guide you towards taking the shortest, lowest-risk route.
Once you have successfully made it to England, and raced Tally Ho, you will be in a far better position physically, mentally and geographically to take on more challenging routes.
To reach your destination with the least risk, you must choose the Panama Canal. You still need to be able to port should anything arise during this longer voyage. The last thing you need is to be in the NWP and have to turn back due to ice or other issue. I think coming through the Caribbean and up through the east coast of the US, you will get to show off your masterpiece where everyone who has followed your years long journey, might be able to see her with our very own eyes and gladly donate more funds into your coffers. I am in Kentucky and would gladly travel to the coast to see her, even from a distance. As a former joiner for San Juan Yachts out of Anacortes, I admire all the hard work you and your crew have accomplished. Save the NWP and other routes for future voyages after your race in 2027. Be safe in all you do. Tally Ho!
Very well said . 🎉
I'm not a sailor Leo, but I have worked as a data scientist for many years. If you choose the Northwest passage, the National Ice Center may have details you will need to plan the trip. They have many years of seasonal data of the ice sheet and movement as well as forecast. May the wind be at your back! Good luck always.
My vote is the more expensive, but more safe route through the Panama canal. Y'all got enough to worry about with makin it to that race! Plus it'll still be a beautiful voyage. You got plenty of time to take the more risky routes around the world.
You're just wanting to laugh at a Brit as he gets heatstroke when he gets that close to the equator in a boat without air-conditioning... LMAO...
I agree for two reasons: First, minimize risk of delays given a major goal from the very beginning of the project was to compete in the Fastnet. Aside from it being the least probable time, boats break. And the longer they are out there the more likely things will happen causing delays. Plus there will likely be a lot of time required for boat work and training in preparation for the race itself. It's true getting across the Caribbean can be a challenge with the Trades. But once one gets to a certain point, these winds can be an advantage.
Second, while the Canal is an expense, it is only roughly $5000 plus incidentals (I think). I suspect the extra time (months) going around the Horn - or certainly the world - would easily cost that much in provisioning, spares, and so on.
In my country we have a say: "O barato sai caro". So, better pay more e get what you payed for, Panama is the way to go man!
When I was in the US Navy, we sailed the northern route. However, we were in a submarine and went a fair bit further north than the Northwest Passage. In fact, we stopped at the North Pole. Then we continued on and came out of the polar ice between Iceland and Greenland. We had the luxury of sailing at cruising depth for the Los Angeles class submarine. We also did the passage in the winter and this is where it would most relevant for you Leo. Even at cruising depth of several hundred feet submerged, we were rolling very, very heavily from all the storm on the surface while transiting the Bering Strait. It was enough I wouldn't even want to try it in a much smaller surface vessel. Personally, my vote is either South or West. I just want to keep watching videos of all your adventures that a longer voyage would give. Call me spoiled by your outstanding Captaincy and the quality of your Crew.
I hauled boats all over the U.S. in the late'70s (Boat Transit Inc., Costa Mesa, CA), most of which were overdimensional and needed permits, escort vehicles, and all the rest. That's how I stumbled onto the Tally Ho saga -- somehow the episode where the hull was moved from Sequim to Pt. Townsend showed up in my feed, and now I've watched every episode, twice. All of which is to say that I know something about trucking large sailboats across the country.
If Tally Ho had a beam of 11', a draft of 6', 6' or so above the waterline to the top of the cabin and displaced maybe 25K lb., trucking her across the country (my vote would be to Duluth) could make sense. The northern states involved are quite friendly to overdimensional loads, and you wouldn't be burdened with many escort vehicles. Going to the East Coast, even with our hypothetical anorexic version of Tally Ho, becomes a nightmare with low bridges and other serious restrictions.
However, Tally Ho has a beam of 12'10", a draft of 7'6", height above the waterline well in excess of 7' and a displacement on the order of 65K lb. A load of that size (particularly the height, I'd estimate at least 15') is going to require private escorts front and rear the whole way and possibly state police escorts part of the time as well, plus an 11+ axle truck combination that charges a minimum of $10/mile these days. It's a big, big deal, plus the hassle of unstepping the mast and packing it and all the other spars for shipping, possibly requiring a second truck.
The Panama Canal would be a bargain in comparison, IMNHO.
Interesting, he'd only need to go halfway so. Precisely to Duluth, Minnesota. From there, the Great Lakes Waterway (GLW) starts. They should be able to travel the rest of the way to the Atlantic for 2,340 miles (3,770 km) on the water on the GLW, and bridge clearance is 54 meters/180 feet at the Duluth lifting bridge. So taken from that, they could sail (Lakes) and motor (River, Channels) their way comfortably to the Atlantic in a couple weeks.
But I don't think trucking would be competitive price wise, even if the distance is cut in half ... basically.
Had not considered that option Steve. 3 days to derig a week to travel across to the Atlantic coast and 3 more days to rerig - there you go Leo!
Panama Canal and a tow across the Carib to Miami. In England in 5 months
This is why UA-cam is gold.
So much great information from people with real experience.
Mileage from Seattle to Duluth is around 1500 miles so transportation cost would be $15,000 assuming the $10 a mile fee is accurate.
You need to talk to Juhu from the Alluring Arctic channel. They just did the Northwest passage with their aluminium boat.
My landlubber's take on the west route is that, if you're going along the Arabian Peninsula and through the Red Sea, it's probably something that is best avoided, given the current situation in Yemen. You'd also be quite close to the Somali coast during the run into the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and Tally Ho is a comparatively slow, soft target with no ability to defend itself. Getting picked off by a drone or taken for ransom would be a really bad ending to your story.
Most sailors go from Australia directly to South Africa and then to Brazil.
Leo, you know it's lovely to see you give back the oars better then you received them. I grew up and was taught the same thing. It has been the one thing That has allowed me to re-barrow or barrow other things with no issues. It's a wonderful quality to possess and build trust. Also when you need something you are sure to have friends who are there with a helping hand. I hope more take on that quality in life as it makes a huge difference at the end of the day.
Totally agree, always return things in at least the same or in better condition that you received such borrowed items. Best way to make and keep your friends, old and new.
Accurate.
I was raised to respect equipment. 10 years in the military reinforced the adage, "Maintain your gear and it will last longer."
That rule included anything you borrowed.
Respect is a simple tool for your skill set, yet becoming rarer these days.
Yup. I was waiting for the, "wanna borrow anything else?" lol
i love that ethic - always return tools in a better condition than you got them (as long as you know what you're doing)
Cape Horn? You may bury the bow and never see it again. Northwest passage? ummm no. West through the Pacific? Well who doesn't want to see the islands in the South Pacific but you will never make it in time. Go there after. The Panama Canal is your only way home. I think you know that, and I think you resist it because it's the least romantic and most expensive. But c'mon Leo, it's the only way. Plus if you sail up the East Coast of the United States you will be greeted with a flotilla of supporters who will warm your heart and flood your coffers. Spring 2025 leave for Panama, Spring/Summer 2025 pass through the Panama Canal (make a huge deal of it!) Hole up in Rio Dulce until hurricane season is over. There are worse places to hang out. Winter 25/26 sail through the Caribbean (drink rum and wear funny hats). Spring 2026 up the East Coast; attend parties, bask in your celebrity. Then June cross the Atlantic from New York to the UK (you don't think you're leaving the US without sailing past the Statue of Liberty do you? Besides, every gaff rigged boat on the East Coast including mine will come to escort you in and out of New York Harbor. It will be a sight like no other). Arrive UK Autumn 2026 in time to ready the boat, sort out crew issues, train, and practice. Then August 2027 win the Dorade Cup and make history! And with that incredible jackyard topsail you built, the outrageously long boom, the oversized main, and those perfectly shaped headsails, how can you lose? You'll need to draw out your decision for a few more episodes to fuel the suspense, but this is the plan, this is the only feasible plan and you are ready!.
The Panama canal is not that expensive for a boat this size. A lot cheaper than months and months sailing any of the 'long' ways
_HUSSAR!_
I add my vote for this one, too. I will drive down from Boston to see her sail off.
My guess is that he eventually settles on the North West Passage. He seems to like going north. Let's not forget that Vikings sailed great distances in far northern latitudes in wooden boats. It is far from impossible. Leo is someone who is not afraid of overcoming difficult challenges. Being from Britain, the chances are great that Leo has some Viking blood flowing in his veins. I think the idea of taking one of the safest, most civilised, most travelled routes offends and bores him a little. Tally Ho was not built to be a marina queen.
@@donthompson7889 That's a great point, he just might do that. And there's a side benefit which is highlighting the warming of the planet and depletion of the ice. He can put a lot of eyeballs on that.
As its the boats first major journey i would choose the safest path, you have a lifetime of adventuring ahead of you, no need to rush into it.
Whichever way you go Please take in consideration the parts of the world that pirates occupy and safe travels. I vote for Panama Canal because you will have many more years to take the more interesting routes when you have more time. Be safe out there.
Same! Going west would mean the Malabar straits, the gulf of Aden with the Somali and Yemeni coasts (...the Houthi!) and later the risks of the eastern Med. Please take another route 🥰
I remember watching the maiden episode and thought, 'what is he doing? He isn't restoring, so much as building from scratch. Why would he buy that piece of junk?' Now, seeing the end result, it wasn't so much the finish line as the entire journey you took all of us on.
Thanks to you and everyone who helped for creating a magnificent vessel.
Advantages of the Panama Canal/caribbean route:
1) you could stop by your old friend Andrew @ Woodstock Boatbuilders in Antigua and have full use of your old workshop before setting off across the Atlantic.
2) collect a free haulout for Tally Ho - for a fresh coat of antifoul.
Just a thought!
Best of luck Leo which ever way you choose.
I vote for the Panama Canal burn diesel as needed . Play it SAFE. Hope you get your Gaff saddle and Capstain parts at least made before you take off on your winter cruise. Open cockpit and Caspe Horn could be asking for crew injury and illness I think.
I went through the Panama Canal last December on a small cruise ship and we shared a lock with a small sailboat about Tally Ho's size. The sailboat was damaged in the turbulence as the lock filled and it didn't seem like the lock dock workers offered much help when the sailboat needed it.
My two-cents is to take the Panama Canal route. Cape Horn, the Northwest Passage, and the western route will all still be there after you get to and sail the Fastnet Race. Afterward, you wouldn't be rushed, and could take your time planning the other routes, and sail them at your leisure, perhaps with far more stops and sightseeing than you would have time for now. For such early innings in the boat, the Panama Canal route is plenty of adventure, and, with the sailing of the Fastnet Race, would afford you even more time to iron out any remaining kinks before possibly finding them at an inconvenient time on the Cape Horn or Northwest Passage routes.
Panama is the quickest safest route.
Against the trade winds ? I'd look into trucking. There's a few comments going that way...
I sailed the North West passage this year in september, there was no ice at all. yeah some icebergs in the labrador sea, but passage was clear. I think it is do-able in the Tally Ho. and will save you a lot of time compared to other routes.
@@Jacob-W-5570
So, what happens when she’s frozen in, in late December? They’ll end up like Franklin in the wrong direction
@@scomo532Well, I think the idea would be to make darn sure they are not there in December.
@ December, August WTF difference does it make, that boat does not sport a reinforced bow, she has no business being in the Arctic Ocean at any time of the year
@scomo532 if you don't know what you're talking about, then it is better to don't comment. You make yourself look like an idiot.
@@scomo532 If you don't know what you are talking about, better not reply. You are making your self look stupid.
When planning your route, don't forget to take pirates into consideration. That probably sounds like a joke, but it's not.
I don't think Tally Ho carries enough to be of interest to pirates.
Piracy is a significant international maritime issue; it's no joke. Even your Cape Horn route will expose you to some areas where piracy is a concern. I'm sure you'll do your homework on this.
Leo I did a delivery from Sharjah (UAE) around Saudia Arabia visiting Salalah (Oman) Dijibouti Yanbu (Mecca's port city on the west of Saudi Arabia & Hurghada (Egypt) I didn't go through Suez.
That part of the middle east was dangerous territory 44 years ago ( I was too stupid and dumb at the time to know) now I'd avoid it like the plague. I'm regularly in touch with a guy was born in Dartford Kent (UK) who's currently in Cape Verde on his 32' Vancouver. He's waiting on the weather for this season's crossing to the Caribbean. I'll drop him an email and introduce you to him. He's did a complete circumnavigation of the world in 2011..
@@johnmccarthy6451 In 1987 we sailed from the med to the Seychelles. We had the time of our life and it was no problem. The only bad thing was a european Cargovessel in the gulf of Aden which spilled a huge amount of oily bilgewater in the sea . That dirt landed on the Somali coast and l can understand somehow that the Somalis were pissed .
@@martinhoflich6150 Martin please see the current warning from the US Department of State. www.state.gov/houthi-sinking-of-merchant-ships-in-the-red-sea/. There have been 3 commercial ships that have been sunk in the Red sea in the past two years and sailors lives lost. So I'd recommend that @SampsonBoatCo (Leo) avoids going any where near the Red sea or surrounds. Sailing west from Washington State (Port Townsend) to the UK via Cape of Good Hope is a long trip. Geo-politics need to be taken into consideration.
Structural engineer here, never thought I'd hear "kips" get mentioned in one of these vids but its simply 1,000 lbs. A unit of measure used for designing anything from skyscrapers to even small sail boats it would seem haha. Goes to show the huge forces that occur while out at sea, 5.2 kips is no joke.
As for mixing kips and Newtons, I'd guess the guy has done work up in Canada since they tend to use kilonewtons (kN) I believe.
1 kip ~= 4.45 kN
1 kN ~= 0.225 kips
Man, knowing that literally YEARS of Tally Ho stuff awaits us is so friggin' exiting.
Decision seems simple to me: first and foremost priority: celebrate Tally Ho's Centennial participation in the Fastnet Race. From there, the decision is which is safest (not necessarily shortest). All other sight-seeing options (not least, escaping pirates in the South Indian Ocean or political barriers into the Mediterranean) can be realized on subsequent voyages. GET TO THE STARTING LINE!! Great video as always. One of your seven year viewers.
My advice is to take the shorter route, through the Panama Canal.
Nothing will ruin a trip like having a tight schedule.
Besides! There are lots of awesome places to explore along that route! Mexico, the Caribbean, US East Coast, Bermuda, the Azores... And if you're a year early, there is no shortage of cruising grounds in Europe! The atolls and Cape Horn will still be there after :) And there is something to be said for pacing yourself on the learning curve: If you start with Cape Horn you'll either have few other accomplishments left to get excited about, or you'll be traumatized if it doesn't go well. Cape Horn is not fun unless you truly are ready for it.
I would hesitate to go into ice on a fibreglass vessel, and would not go at all on a wooden one.
(I've sailed a fair bit on expeditions and deliveries and cruising, some 65'000 NM or so. I've only followed this channel on and off and don't know much about your level of experience, so take what I say with an appropriate amount of salt.)
This is exciting... Tally Ho heading to England. The question that comes up for me is WHO is going to be going with you? Perhaps that isn't clear at the moment, but I'd love to hear about your crew when you embark on this amazing adventure. Thanks for sharing your work with the oars... we need a bit of woodworking to sate the appetite that has been created by watching this channel. Always a treat watch a skilled craftsman working with wood.
The music and choreography you choose for your videos is so absolutely amazing. BRAVO and fair wings. Any boat builders are excited about you, and you have the attention for detail to pull it off.
Now there’s a Man after my own heart: “… give them back in a better state than I received them. “
Well done, Leo. Makes me proud to be Bristolian 😁👍🏼
I have watched this from day one, I need to thank you. For everything. Your attention to detail has inspired me to get back to my roots and has taught me so much. I look forward to seeing more. Thank you Leo and to all the others that have worked with you on this project. Cheers to a safe journey.
Leo, here's a trick (if you don't know about it) to clean the glass on the inside of a wood stove. Wipe the inside glass surface with a dampen a piece of paper towel covered with ash from the wood stove. 1) yes, it really is that simple and 2) it really, really works. Now I can say I've contributed to the Tally Ho.
Preferably while cold - the stove not you. ')
Oh it works 😊
I have two wood stoves , and it’s not glass it’s clear ceramic and you clean them with a paper towel and water , cold stove ! you can use hot water , sometimes I use a razor blade to get it real clean , also if you keep the temperature up the ( glass ) will stay cleaner .
@@markchodroff250 would ceramic cooktop cleaner be a good option?
@@Symbolizer21 try using the wood ash first. Before anything else. Wood ash on a damp paper towel works great, just like the OP said.
It's hard to fathom what Leo and crew have accomplished. Even a small job like the oars demanded his detail and extraordinary skill.
To a guy who rowed 75 miles (I think it was) the quality of the oars is not a small consideration.
Oarsome!!😊
As someone who is intimidated by the thought of being out on the open ocean with all that mystery below and infinite sky and horizon beyond, I hope you can somehow portray what it is like, what the mindset is like to embrace such expanse with naught but the elements of the Earth and craftspersonship underneath and around you, your beautiful and strong Tally Ho. Im sure it helps to have others share that with you but still, even for each of you it must really be something to set off over That. Incredible.
According to the internet a kip is 1000 pounds. I try to learn a new thing every day. You just took care of that for me.
Now someone needs to convert the imperial (kips) to thr metric (Newtons) :)
@@pma7675 That can be tomorrows lesson.
"kips" (actually kpsi) are Kilo Pounds per Square Inch, or a thousand psi. It's used as a unit for pressure, stress, strength, etc.
The route decision is a no-brainer. At this early point in the boat's rebuilt history, and with Fastnet 2027 as the one non-negotiable priority, you need to choose the safest route. Fortunately, that is also the easiest and reliably fastest. Obviously that best choice is through the Panama Canal. Sailing east through the Caribbean in not a problem since you can motor as needed. Another issue on that route is avoiding hurricane season. You have all of 2025 to get through the canal. If you can't make the rest of the voyage in 2025 you can cross the Atlantic in 2026 in Spring which is the normally preferred season for the the west to east crossing. Talley Ho and its owner will have many years ahead for additional adventures. You don't need to pack too much into the first major voyage.
The romantic says go for the Northern route. The pragmatist would go through the Panama canal. I'd avoid the Mediterranean as the geopolitical situation around the Straits of Hormuz and the Red Sea might be difficult. Cape of Good Hope might (maybe) be the better route and you would get to sail across the Pacific. I could be persuaded to join the crew!
i'm not too clued up on sailing routes so i'm struggling to understand where the straight of hormuz would feature on a path to the uk, and why an old wooden boat would have difficulty in the red sea
I'd hate to see Tally ho and her crew fall victim to Houthi and the Blowfish.
@@cliveramsbotty6077 Wooden boats are vulnerable to missiles.
Red Sea = armed pirates
Also neither would be on a route to UK
Not a blue water sailor here, but having followed blue water sailboat racing, I would say the east passage is the best for Tally Ho. As much as it would be poetic for Tally Ho to go around the Cape, that is a rough passage at any time and just a long slough getting there from the US Northwest. As you point out it is then a long slough back up and lets not forget getting through the doldrums.
The west passage has its charms, but besides the length, the Geo-political environment adds some dangers outside of just sailing.
The east passage may have some sailing challenges, but it is also some of the best opportunities to showcase Tally Ho. Instead of fighting the trades, swing up along the east coast of the US. Stopping at Annapolis would be a major way to have people see the boat and eventually you can cross the Atlantic after NYC. There is also a stop at Iceland long the way before you come to rest in the UK.
Which you decide I will enjoy the voyage with y'all.
I've crossed the Pacific four times and the Indian ocean twice. The Pacific through the Straight of Malacca into the Indian ocean is a very, very long way. My ship cruised at 16 knots. We turned around in Mombasa and not counting ports of call it took three months to get there.. There is a lot political instability in the NW Indian Ocean. That dictates a more southernly route with very few places to make a port of call. The North West Passage may sound veery romantic but the risks are high. The waters are not well charted and if you get into trouble there is very little hope of assistance. That pretty much leaves crossing from the Pacific to the Atlantic though a more southernly route. To get through the Panama Canal you could wind up waiting for several weeks and then you have to put up four Panamanian crew on your boat to help transit the canal. The other option is to go around South American. The Straight of Magellan is a much better option than Cape Horn. The straight has many ports and anchorages. I'm not a wind sailor but leveraging the spring, summer fall/spring summer seasons as you pass from the northern to southern hemispheres is appealing. You make your choices and you take your chances.
"Put up four Panamanians" to transit the canal? It can be done in a day with an early start. All you need is four competent crew and I am sure tally Ho will have those. Otherwise there are always plenty of sailors handy to help you though, easy stuff.
You might contact Juho of Alluring Arctic, as he just finished the NW passage, and knows the Northern Atlantic fairly well
I am so spoiled to get to watch somebody exercise incredible care and skill to, so seemingly effortlessly, craft such beautiful oars. The craftsmanship on display for even (perhaps, "especially") the smaller details is inspiring.
West, around the Cape of Good Hope, not through the Suez. Then after you win the '27 Fastnet, you can go back to Port Townsend going around Cape Horn and Tally Ho will have finished a "Magellan Voyage" having circumvented the globe without using those modern canals. Trade winds will be with you almost all of the way.
this would be an amazing adventure.
Unfortunately the winds down south go the opposite wayaround the globe, ie from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean around the Cape of Good Hope and the Pacific to the Atlantic around Cape Horn. That is why the old sailing ships used to travel from UK to Australia Via Cape of Good Hope returning via Cape Horn
The clipper route is way down south with the westerlies, but if you head back up to the tropics after cape horn you can do it with much better weather. This is also the route that joshua slocum did it.
@@derekhoughton1346 Notice I said *_almost_* all the way. Of course the Cape of Good Hope will require a tack south in the westerlies to gain longitude and then up to Britain but once that is done he can easily be there for the '27 Fastnet. Then on the return he'll have the same tack going around Cape Horn, but the rest of the voyage will be straight sailing, not always with the winds at his back, but certainly easy enough sailing.
I only suggest this route because it's the direction Magellan took, westerly, the hard way. It would be a unique feather in his cap
From Brazil since your first videos. I have not words to say how much those touched me. My humble thank you so much. My vote Cape Horn, where Tally Ho could show the muscles, and seamanship. Nice and fair winds. My best wishes.
I am an old sailor and I admire your work and what you do very much.
Here is, what I would do : Finish first everything on your boat, while you have still your workshop, because once at sea, there is very little you can do. To the new chainstripper and the gaffsaddle, I would add a good, selfmade vindvane which acts on your trimtab, like for instance, Wave Rovers Mark three.
I would have rigged her as a gaffketch, but Tally Ho is a racing boat, this just aside.
I would take the safest Cape Hoorn route, without rocks and ice, and specially for that, I would build myself a shorter boom with a trysail for the roaring forties, I would take the topmast down, and the bowspriet in.
Port Townsend to Hawaii, then Tahiti, Cape Horn and the Falklands, St. Helena, Cape Verdies, Azores and England, a trip for a real bluewatersailor, but you need a very good crew, too.
Take the eastern Panama Canal route for this first major voyage. Safer and shorter. After exiting the Canal head north and a smidgen east to try to try to reach the open sea off of Florida while keeping the trade winds on the beam. I agree trying to beat through the Caribbean against the trade winds would be agonizing. Perhaps harbor hopping on the north coast of South America, but other risks exist there. If you get your Northing in, you could always go south to visit some of the Caribbean, but the priority should be to keep the trade winds on your beam. I think this would open up some options. As a British flagged vessel Cuba’s ports should be available if needed.
Your channel stands above other sailing channels, not only due to the quality of your videos, but because of the exquisite craftsmanship of your shipbuilding. In fact, I must admit that I miss seeing you in the workshop building whatever odds-and-ends that the boat needs. As to the choice of routes, I would tend to favour the Northwest Passage. It’s the shortest route by far, and modern technology can you give you the heads-up for ice conditions wherever you go. Dangerous? Yes, but don’t forget the SAS motto “Qui audet adipiscitur” (Who Dares, Wins). You’ll need that attitude for the Fastnet race.
I took my 1940's red cedar 36' ex patrol boat into Pender Harbour and was coasting into an anchorage that had just a skim of ice (was rippling) doing maybe 1knot I leaned out the wheelhouse door to look at the waterline to my horror that little bit of ice was carving the waterline plank as if it was a chisel or plane, nice curly red cedar coming off. Hard astern and got away from the ice.
Unless you are going to sheath the tender areas in gumwood or something very tough I would avoid the ice. Worked in the Beaufort Sea on five different occasions and have seen firsthand what the ice can do to steel icebreakers.
Better than you received - the story of Leo & Tally Ho. So great. And now we know that even oars can look impressive
Leo, sorting the boatyard is your priority now, you got that. I was surprised by the choice of the pre-made blades until you stated they had been given to you, I'd of expected you would have made your ow otherwise. Sometimes having the skills takes us down the hard route, when rounding spars rig a pole lathe and let concentricity be your friend! The journey home, follow the trade routes, no need to fight the currents and winds my friend. I wish Tally Ho a fair sea and a following wind.
Yes of course we want to see you try the NW passage or even battle south around the horn but time wise the only real option is The Panama Canal. Best of luck for which ever route you go!
I've moved huge amounts of tools into storage from that side of the world and then onwards to the Old World. Buy cheap (black) residential wheelie bins from Canadian Tire, etc. 20 dollars each and they really help one guy move quite heavy loads easily. The tools are dry and safe, sealed up. Label the bins and itemize the contents. Makes unpacking a breeze. Peace.
Cape Horn would require the skill of '' lucky '' Jack Aubrey & the courage of Prince Hector,
That is why I think Leo will choose that route .... 🦁🔱 Best wishes in any event ...
Hi Leo, I would plump for the Panama canal route for two reasons, first if you get into trouble you have plenty of optional anchorages to lay up for repairs, and secondly with so many places to explore, you might come across another derelict which could become your next project. Good luck and fair winds, Mal.
Beautiful job on the oars! So, I have been around the world the long way 1 1/2 times on an Aircraft Carrier, 90,000 tons, 100,000 hp and 5000-man crew. No problems just about a month making headway under steady power. But if I had the Tally Ho, a small crew and lots of time, I would be thinking about what course choices got Tally Ho to port Townsend in the first place. Then, for the return what is the most protected route for crew relief and what are the seasonal sea states. It is a long, long way across open ocean and the middle of nowhere is not a great place to deal with problems. So, my emotional choice would be NW passage since it appears protected with opportunity to find anchorage for problem solving and R&R. It would also be interesting/important to know if icebreakers are commonly operating in that area. My other emotional take is that, ultimately, you will make a superb choice.
I am so glad for finding this channel ❤
Not that I have any experience, but my vote would be to leave the Pacific crossing and all the beautiful islands off the coast of Asia for when you have time to enjoy it.
I suggest going around the Horn.
Going west: Awesome, but you don't have time. Do that after the Fastnet.
Going east: Not cool enough. Too many channels cover the area.
Going north: Very cool, but a lottery. And a bit anachronistic for Tally Ho.
Gong south. The route around the Horn is legendary. So definitely cool enough. If you want even more extremes you could take a route visiting Antarctica.
They won't her get close to the ice wall. ;)
It was good to see you back in the shop planing wood.
I vote Cape Horn!
I have no experience, but see that most people favor the Panama canal. I personally like the idea of trucking her to Duluth and putting jn there. As a viewer I would love to follow a journey through the NW Passage, but understand the challenges there. No matter what you decide, you will continue to entertain us.
Thanks for letting me tag along on the adventures of Leo and crew, it’s been quite the adventure so far !
IMHO, there's nothing wrong with living Vicariously through his Journey. Besides, think of all the money we saved.........and didn't get seasick.
Hi Leo, I can imagining how difficult could be make a route to go back to UK, I am not saying which could be the best, but I can say, we sail 2 years in Patagonia and Falkland island and was the sail of our life, beautiful and challenging
The good thing is , if you leave spring 25 , you will be right for the austral summer in Chile , means you will have all the seasons with you
Any route you will choose, will be wonderfull.
Fair wind and following sea
A&A
Happy Saturday Sampson Boat Co.!😊
It's almost impossible to believe Tally Ho is finally in her element. And we've always thought Leo's element was the boat yard but now we get to see him where he truly belongs as well. Just amazing.
Regarding the Northwest Passage, I'd have a chat with Juho Karhu of Alluric Arctic who just did it. Seems some areas are getting more ice now that the ice is less frozen together than in earlier years.
Beautiful work on the oars! It was fun to see you using another of your skills, stitching that leather on.
You should stop by Thetis Island on your next trip north. It's a gorgeous little Gulf island just off Chemainus on the east coast of Vancouver Island. It has two marinas, a summer farmer's market on Saturdays, a ferry over to Vancouver island 10x/day, a one-room school house still in use, the tallest and 3rd tallest Arbutus trees in Canada, and my father and his wife have a lovely little B&B on it, with several cats and numerous chickens. You'd find a warm welcome there. There's a number of liveaboard sailors that winter in Thetis's sheltered marinas.
Wherever you go, I hope you have a wonderful time!
Since I am not a sailor, all I'll say is that each of those routes sound like absolutely EPIC adventures.
I recommend the Panama Canal. More expensive.... But safer, as well as fastest !!
Cape Horn, is a wet dream for many modern sailors. But oh so much more dangerous!
The North West passage is also very debatable.... Considering all the ice problems
that can arise.
Don't put your lovely boat in front of these unnecessary dangers!!
Been following your journey since the beginning. And it has been a fantastic journey!
so impressed with your persistence, as well as growing knowledge. When it comes to basically..... Building a new boat.
Best regards.
Piero Mengarelli
Stockholm
Sweden. 👍😊
Alluring Arctic Sailing just rooked up in Greenland after doing the NWP this summer. Juho Karhu is probably happy to talk to you guys. His boat Lumi is aluminum and specially fitted for such efforts but I would reach out to him.
I love Leo (through UA-cam, not personally) and what he has done and many of the people helping. I have watched him since he started at the beggining and whatever algorithm said I would like this sort of video back then. I loved the selection of lumber in Alabama (Live Oak for the frames and keel?) and ConnecticutI (for the cross frames? and dont remember the wood). It has been 7 or 8 YEARS now, and I have recommended this channel for many others including some who now are becoming sailors because of Leo and some have even been inspired to build boats. I will always watch every video, but this is a different chapter now. I don't know how to feel about it and this is in no way any kind of criticism. I wish there was a way for him to sail the high seas, operate the vessel and a way to continue to see the creation of insane craftsmanship and precision. I assume this is the conundrum Leo sees as well. Perhaps like the ships of the line, they can fix things along the way and improve the boat. Leo if you ever sail to the North Eastern US/ New England, please give very advance notice for your fans who would love to say hello, see Tally Ho and wish you well on your Journey. I vote for the EASTERN route. Faster, Caribbean, NE USA etc. and I would ship in for your Panama Canal fund. Now especially talking to "Captain" Leo, : lots of ports along the East coast of the United States and Canada that would welcome you and where I assume many of your fans live- Miami and St, Augustine, FL, Savannah, GA. Charleston NC., lots of places in between, then Manhattan, Sag Harbor and Greenport, NY, then of course, you must go to New London, CT and Mystic Seaport where they have an incredible old ship museum and then to Boston and eventually Maine which still keeps the wooden boat building tradition alive- all over the place. Actually from your videos of your travels so far, it is interesting how much some of the Pacific NW resembles some of Maine and vice versa. After that it's a quick jaunt to Nova Scotia, perhaps Greenland, Iceland, maybe Svalbard, the fjords of Norway, the Faroe Islands (at little out of the way, all of these), then Scotland and HOME. Who needs the Pacific paradise islands!? And you'd get to home a year earlier! Just kidding on last two points. - Oh and it would be relatively safe. Lots of time to decide but we want you to win that race and in one piece!
Leo, go the route that develooes you n your crew the skills n experience that benifits or matches the up coming race!
Leo ..Err on the side of caution. Take the safest route and most timely route ... Just get there for the Fastnet. If yo'ure early there will be plenty of avenues to exhibit Tally Ho before the race and prepare for the race. There will be many years following to explore this planet at leisure. GOOD LUCK Captain :)
I’ve been from Vancouver bay down through the Panama Canal to the Caribbean when working as a musician on cruise ships a couple times in the 90s. Highly recommend it! Stop off at ports along California and the Mexican Riveara. San Francisco, San Pedro, Cozumel, Puerto Vallerta, Acupoloco, Zaragoza and Puntarenas before going through the canal. I see no other option. It’s safe and consistent… tons of great ports.
We will help pay the cost through the canal. You’re going to have an amazing time! I envy you! ❤️🎺😊 Roam through the Caribbean and ride the Gulf Stream north to the prevailing westerlies. You can’t miss the fastenet race this way!
Как же я РАД ЗА ВАС!!!!
ВЫ СЧАСТЛИВЫЙ И СВОБОДНЫЙ ЧЕЛОВЕК!!!!🤝🤝🤝
Onwards into the North! If you make the Aleutian Islands by spring we know by what route you're bearing for England
You are still young. You have done more than I could even imagine ½ a century ago when I was 18. Do the NW passage. If you don't challenge yourself when you are young you will regret it evermore.
In 1979 I backpacked from South Carolina to Arizona,, where I was raised. I swam naked in the Atlantic and have always regretted that I didn't do another 300 miles so I could swim naked in the Pacific. (Who knows, I might've met one of those California girls you always hear about!)
Anyway, do the difficult stuff while you are young. Then you will have memories to carry you through being 68 years old living in a trailer with cancer.
Hi Leo,
I know some have mentioned trailering Tally Ho to the east coast, which would allow you to sail wherever you want next summer with no time constraints.
I have two thoughts:
1. I think sending her by rail might be a less expensive option than having to do a wide-load flatbed truck transport (unless, of course, you can get that donated).
2. Instead of transporting her all the way east, just send her to a port on Lake Superior (Duluth, Wisconsin in the US via Northern Pacific Rail in Washington State US, or Thunder Bay in Ontario via the Canadian Pacific Rail from Vancouver BC) and then sail the Great Lakes out the St Lawrence Seaway and across the Atlantic. That would be an opportunity to sail the Great Lakes -- places you likely otherwise wouldn't have chosen. You can do the Pacific west, NW Passage, or Atlantic routes after the fastnet at a your own leisurely pace.
3. If you send Tally Ho by rail in Canada, you could take the "The Canadian" and document that historically important route along the way. The only issue with this is that "The Canadian" no longer uses Canadian Pacific's tracks, so you would need to figure out how to get off from the more northerly Canadian Northern's tracks and travel down to Thunder Bay (where Canadian Pacific's tracks go) to meet up with Tally Ho. But this shouldn't be hard to do..
Cheers from Portland, Oregon,
Philip
I'm all for being pragmatic and safe, the adventurer in me screams for the Northwest Passage!! The Caribbean is cool and so is Asia but to me, it's not as cool as the Northern route. If given time, it would be awesome for Tally Ho to visit Iceland, maybe Greenland, and swing by the Faroe Islands.
Made it to PT today. Missed Tally Ho. Off to Canada likely. Did have the opportunity to meet Amber and to “order Lunch” Was a great day wandering the boatyard.
Good Sailing, Tally Ho!
Brilliant series
All the different skills required to build/maintain a boat. Amazing. Thank you.
Phenomenal video. My vote is for Cape Horn. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Leo.
Thanks for all your videos about restoring Tally Ho. You are the most skilled boatbuilder i've ever seen.
If you are passing through Suez, please consider the risk of pirates around the horn of Africa. Kind regards from Ole from Denmark.
I do believe a Cape Horn passage would be more in keeping with British history and navigation method's : )
👍👌👏 Oh WOW! The pair of new oars and the modified ones are simply great pieces of artwork like almost anything that has to do with Leo respectively Tally Ho. Congratulations! 🎉
Either one will be equally exciting for spectators.
Thanks for yet another great video Leo. I love watching your boatbuilding and your sailing adventures, big and small. How about this plan ? Sail home the shortest route slowly, do (win?) the Fastnet, do circumnavigation, do (win?) the Fastnet again.
Well, the excitement is palpable. And it's so satisfying to see you working the tools without (I think) the pressure of getting projects completed.
Beautiful mindset !!! To give back a loaned item in better condition than it was received, is a gesture that only 5% of people (in my case) are still doing. This is something only a educated craftsman can do! i get the shivers when writing this :))
Be careful about the random changing climate/winds...like in Spain happened, cause of the unpredictable warming climate. i hope that book takes this into consideration !
My money is on the NW passage since he will be in Canada and Alaska this winter. Natural jump off spot to the North. He will have a couple thosand miles in the bank.
Best of both worlds: sail straight through the middle. 👍
...mmm or load it up on a semi trailer and have it shipped to the east coast ! then its and easy sail across the Atlantic !
Purely from viewers and dreamers perspective the route around Cape Horn, Chile and South America in general sounds the most interesting! 🏔️ Not much sailing material from there yet!
As for humor. I could borrow anything to Leo so that I can get them back in better shape they ever were. Wanna borrow some chisels and planers? 😁
Hey Leo. Have you considered shipping (pun intended) Tally Ho to the Great Lakes and going up the St Lawrence through maritime Canada and across the Atlantic from Newfoundland?
Just hearing that you're keeping your tools in storage makes me excited that you might take on yet another amazing (possibly larger) project in the future for me to religiously tune into to see the progress.
Just a suggestion, trailer Tally Ho to the closest or most convenient port on the Great Lakes.
I mentioned the same idea, but Leo has mentioned several times that fresh water is dangerous for wooden boats. But Duluth is 27 road hours from Seattle.
I had a similar Idea. I wonder what the cost comparison would be. Certainly less wear and taer.
But he'd miss out on lots of great sailing.
Based on other comments that sounds like around $25,000 for the road mileage plus loading and unloading. Worse than that it would involve derigging everything, then setting it back up. You also wouldn't be doing what it is built to do, which is to sail. They can instead enjoy making stops and appearances all down the West coast and Florida on up the East coast. That gives them plenty of time to see how she handles weather and whatnot while still close enough to stop and make adjustments. Panama canal is a no brainer.
This was the greatest project I’ve ever followed. I looked so forward to the next episode and the one after that. I kind of miss the artistry and quality of the construction process. And I really miss the crazy TV “commercials” the crew did!
I will continue to look forward to your journeys.