Finishing the Rudder and Skylight Hatch (& open house) 

I found myself flooded with emotions as I watched the men, women and children who so love this adventure that they came to the open house. You've done an amazing thing with this channel Leo and it has definitely touched a great many people. I can imagine you have fans who will happily follow you around the world when this stunning sailboat is ready for launch. Thanks for all you do. I'm honored to be a patron and make a modest contribution to the effort.

Be proud Leo. The fortitude to see this through from stem to stern is enormous. The result is not a wooden boat. It is a lifetime of skills learned, used, and passed on for the future. Its a million chisel marks, blood, sweat, and tears all coming together to create a thing of beauty and practicality. It's the energy you and all involved have created for us, the vast and rudderless majority. When you sail, it will be the hearts and dreams of thousands that watch you create your wake in the world's oceans. Ok lads, back to work. This boat won't build itself. Thank you, all.

Gotta admit. I shed a tiny tear whenever you paint all that amazing wood.

This boat's fame is ever increasing... Bravo team Tally Ho!

Great to see Pancho again. Really impressive work.

Love to see Zeal killing it, thanks to the whole team

So happy Rahul and Darlene were there

That skylight is another jewel on this amazing project!

It obvious Zeal started working with his hands just after he exited the womb.

I watched your show from the beginning and I have to say you and your crew are true Craftsman congratulations Leo

I watch RU-vid rather than TV & movies, and I follow many channels. This is the only channel I never tire of. The knowledge, craftsmanship and personalities make for an eclectic mix! The video production is top notch, and the boat is simply phenomenal. Hats off to the entire crew - new and old, and thank you Leo for taking on such a huge project, explaining the works and the reasoning behind it, and for sharing the whole story with us. It has been, and continues to be, an education and a pleasure 🫡

Tally-Ho is a work of art! If she sails half as well as she look, she will be a true packet to heaven.

Zeal has nerves of steel to drill that kind of hole in the rudder after all that work! Tally Ho is looking amazing, she'll be a head turner in every port she visits.

The footage of the open house of Tally Ho gave me goose bumps. Zeal killing it with every project you entrust in him.

His parents must have had a premonition of his future approach to hammering when they named Zeal. Such enthusiasm and confidence when hammering so close to such painstaking and beautiful work fractions of a inch away. It’s both inspiring and nerve racking to watch such coordinated skill.

Hi Leo, I’ve been an avid fan of Tally Ho since the beginning (and an Old Bristolian from the 40s). This week, I’ve again viewed the videos of your amazing and inspiring journey from buying Tally Ho for $1, and this week, re-read most of the comments from fellow supporters. The restoration story of Tally Ho will hopefully find its way into a book, portraying your personal story and that of all those who have joined you along the way, they have all made a valuable and unforgettable contribution. We too often forget the past and historical record is vital to growth, and I relive every moment when you lifted the boat, removed the deck and the old keel, and began the journey. Your dedication and exactitude in all that you do shows a wisdom beyond your years and every video frame is greatly appreciated. The evidence of your craftsmanship will last forever. The day will arrive when Tally Ho sails back to England in full sail under your command. Then the adventures will begin. I just hope that I’m around to follow those exciting time. Q: Has any wooden model kit for Tally Ho been considered? Derek Lovemore. Brisbane Australia.

Hearing Darlene, Raoul and Pancho was there was the best and most heartwarming part. I miss Pancho, but remembering Raoul’s health challenges and that they still had the strenght and caring to give so much support to Leo and the project (not to mention a roof over their heads) makes me very happy to hear they are still around and part of it.

My son passed away recently and as I chart a new life and try to find meaning in it, getting to see Tally Ho up close and personal including standing on the deck was a spiritual experience for me. My wife and I were very impressed by the work everyone has put in on such a beautiful boat and I absolutely felt the spirit you spoke about several videos ago that while not much of the original boat is left the spirit of the Tally Ho is. Thank you so much and I hope to get an opportunity to visit again!

Thanks to these videos I finally bought a boat and started sailing. Today was the first day out on the water for my kids and I.

Zelle is a craftsman extraordinaire!

It's astonishing! I still vividly remember the first episodes so many years ago. What a wild ride it's been and it isn't even over!

That little girl saying "My Name is Leo, I am a boat builder and a sailor" made me smile. Great video and that boat is frikking gorgeous!

Zele (Zeele) you are the man! You handle such hard mathmatics and craftsmanship it is awe inspiring.

I drove up from AZ (~1650 miles) and very much enjoyed the open house. Actually laid eyes on Leo and everyone else on the team (except for Pat & Zeal). Highlights were getting to see Pancho up close, as well as the couple who hosted the project in Sequim, plus shaking Erika's hand, since I really appreciate the complexity of the various systems. It was a wonderful experience in spite of my mobility issues --- thanks to the two people who steadied me as I stepped over the bulwark onto the deck. Overall, well done! Thanks.

I wonder if a wooden sailing boat will ever again be built to the level of quality you and team have done. To say Tally Ho is an exquisite bespoke piece of art is a world-class understatement.

Tally Ho is such a beautiful boat and she is a credit to everyone who has worked on her or who have donated and supported this project.

Well done Leo, To see the Young Girl telling you that she watches every Episode of your restoration VLOGS really shows how much this mission has touched many lives. I look forward to when the Tally Ho will sail again.

I was one of the first 10,000 subscribers, so it's been a while. And I've just realised Leo is becoming more and more handsome as time goes on. Age and time are kind to you Leo. And Jesus Maria that butterfly hatch is a museum piece!!!!

A hundred and sixty-five episodes watched and to be honest I could sit and watch another hundred and sixty-five! Thank you for a wonderful series.

Leo, congratulations on the success of your open house! You and your crew deserve all the praise. You have gone from an introverted solo sailor to a genuine "woodworking cult hero!!!" DD

The overwhelming success of your open shop is the proof that worldwide hundreds of thousands are following Tally Ho in the making. And what a yacht she will be! With all her “jewellery” not even installed she already looks like a bride in the morning.

Her beauty takes my breath away every video. I am so glad you aren't rushing to get her into the water.

Babe wake up! Sampson Boat Co just dropped a new video

Everybody has dreams that they never fulfill because life gets in the way and folks like you live your dreams and it touches a common thread in a lot of folks. What a beautiful boat/dream.

I’ll take a moment to say thank you for the opportunity to come aboard Tally Ho and to see the process and setting of the project. I could see it was an intense moment for the crew, so I tried to keep my eyes open my mouth shut. I can’t thank you enough. It was incredibly moving. I’ve watched all the videos, some several times each. I was stunned at the good-natured banter from the crew, the production and setting of the boat were gorgeous. My friends and I were talking for hours about the “Easter eggs“ that were stashed along the path through the tour. It’s something I will remember for a long long time. Thank you so much.

The size of that trim tab surprised me, it seems very deep (meaning fore-aft) relative to the rudder depth. I suppose I'm used to aircraft trim tabs which are tiny relative to their control surfaces. I suppose there's a formula for the relative sizes of rudder and trim, and I guess it's to ensure the self-steering arrangement doesn't need too much force to operate. Zeal not only displays wonderful skill but also great courage - even if I had the skill to drill that trim tab control rod hole, I wouldn't be have the guts to start. Those winches are something else, lord only knows what they cost, but the boat deserves them. The hatches and cockpit all look magnificent.

My jealousy, admiration, respect, and awe are at an all time high. kudos to you leo. a dollar and an impractical dream attacked with a focus and determination that has won the hearts of thousands. what a thing...

Great to see Poncho hasn't lost her appetite for wood chips.

Loved the extended bits of Zeal explaining, dude just oozes calmness.

I had a moment of wondering if you were playing a joke with the gudgeon and pintle references, expecting to hear that the kenutten valve needed adjusting or the gehooten bolt needed tightening. It is charming that the boat world just has to be different. That's not the right side, it is port, there is no rope here, it is line, those aren't hinges, they're gudgeons and pintles. The tradition is incredible - like stepping into another world. Keep the weird coming, I am loving it even though I am a lubber.

Thank goodness! A new video….we were having withdrawls!

I sailed a 25ton ferro ketch 25000 miles from Durban. 3 hours of us. I designed and built my self steering on the water in Durban. My trim tab was only half the width of Tally Ho, it worked perfectly and we hardly ever steered whilst we were sailing. I have watched your videos from tthe beginning congratulations for a magnificent series.Frank Luton

Just so privileged to see Zeal doing his things. The man is a very special talent among masters of the crafts working on Tally ho!

Damn I miss Pancho! Glad to hear (and see) she made the visit!

When Leo builds a boat, he doesn't just build a boat. Wow, that boat is a sight to behold. So much love, care and attention to detail. She is the poster child of perfection.

Zeal is an asset, the man busts his ass consistently. I'm a contractor and I can tell you its very rare to find men like that nowadays. Props to him.

It was great to see Pancho! (and her humans)

Excellent! So much video detail! A hundred years, from now, these videos, showing Your building process and management skills, Leo, has set a fine example of fine boat building.

What an absolute treat it was for my wife and I to meet you last week at your open house. As always, looking forward to watching your progress! Thank you for sharing your fantastic journey !

My wife and I find ourselves sitting here every Saturday night with a smile on our faces . Congratulations !!

you are a reminder, to me, to just 'keep on keeping on' and push forwards with project large or small. I enjoy watching each episode whilst working from home making nautical charts for the dutch government!

"Why take so long with the details?" "Because we can." Frankly, the attention and engineering is sine qua non, and fills me with warm fuzzies. I wonder whether people have grasped the true nature of Tally Ho, that she isn't merely a boat. You and the Team (yes, that requires a capital T) are a testament to traditional techniques, values and craft. Tally Ho is an inspiration. It's major hard graft though the end result will speak volumes to those with a similar dream, who might be wondering if it's worth the blood, sweat and tears. As the old saw goes, "If it was easy then everybody would be doing it." It's worth doing BECAUSE not everybody does it. I'm turning green looking at the crowd who get to see her up close. Putting all that bling on deffo gives us a glimpse of her final fit, too. Big hand, Leo.

I sense that Tally Ho's story won't end when she is set afloat. I hope to see videos of her travels as well.

Oh my dog, the little girl reciting your intro to you was freakin adorable. So cool that you let people feel like a part of such a fantastic project even in a little way!

So heartwarming and emotional to see thousands of people queuing up to see probably the most beautifully crafted boat being built in the world today. I would have loved to have been there. The journey you have invited us to be a part of is truly inspirational. You yourself are truly a “master” boatbuilder as well as a sailor and the crew you have created are a credit to you and the Tally Ho project. This is the benchmark You Tube channel all channel’s should be judged by.

Lovely, lovely, lovely... I can't say enough about how magnificent Tally Ho is looking! Any helper or shipwright should be very proud to place this job on their resume. The vessel itself speaks to the quality of workmanship! ⚓⚓⛵

The day you sail somewhere in europe i will bee there to lay my eyes on your craftmanship! Been here since the start of the project and im amazed of the skill, time and effort you guys put in to this boat every week!! Keep at it!:)

Very much a tribute to Albert Strange, but with the hindsight of 100 or so years use and abuse, and topped off with some serious innovation. Water makers, power distribution, electro mechanical drive. Really really a great design carried forward 100 years.

The amount of complex drilling you’ve tasked Zeal with is astounding and he has succeeded beyond anything I thought possible.

I cannot say anything that has not been said a few hundred times in the comments already. Leo, a sailor, a boatbuilder and a leader. He has assembled a team of the all the talents and give them the freedom to create beautiful work. In the process he has rebuilt a famous old yacht to a standard that the original builders would just shake their heads in disbelief and admiration. Bravo Zulu

My dad was a cabinetmaker. I know he would really appreciate your skill and craftsmanship as do I. Thank you all for revealing what goes into the design and construction of such a magnificent vessel. Best of luck Leo and crew as you complete the final chapters of this beautiful story.

Loved seeing the pictures from the open house!! The boat is beautiful! You have had a very special group of artisans working for you from the very beginning! So wonderful to see their love and care of the materials and the ship, as well and the enjoyment and pride they must have in this very, very well done ship!

I’ve been fascinated to watch the care and craftsmanship which has gone into this project, and thrilled to see a new generation of artisans mastering, undertaking, and keeping alive skills which in some cases went out of common use in their great grandparents’ day or before. One slight quibble- at about 2:30 in this video, when the process of riveting the pintle to the rudder is being discussed, the term “upsetting” is used. In the forging of metals, upsetting is a process whereby a bar of material is made shorter and wider overall by being perched vertically on an anvil and hammered on the end. When setting a rivet, the process of widening the end of the rivet to clinch it in place is referred to as “peening”.

Really hope one day you get the opportunity to give us folk in Blighty a show of this masterpiece. Been watching this build since day 1 🇬🇧 great job done thus far by all involved 👍🏼

I've followed your journey from the beginning and it has inspired me to design and build my own ( much smaller) creek crawling sail boat. Today I cast its keel, and although my workmanship is nowhere near that of you and your team, I'm reminded with every video, DON’T CUT CORNERS!

Auto like enabled Cannot wait for fastnet 27 when Tally ho returns after 100yrs after winning the race

I remember the episode where they were discussing whose chisels were the sharpest. Everyone said Leo's were, and it's kinda obvious when you look at what a beautiful job he does on his hair with them.

That whole trim tab project is pure genius, you have some awesome crew, that knows what they are doing.

There are not many people in Zeal’s calibration. He swung the hammer to the rivets so confidently like if there was a sacrificial piece around it. And drilling a hole thru the rudder that has to be perfectly centred. Job itself is doable, there is no magic. But having confidence to go with it is another thing. That rudder has hundreds of hours of work at that point.

Zeal's work on the rudder has just been master level. Really interesting to watch. Such a great crew there, and so many fun posts from people who visited the open house. Look forward to spending my Saturday with you all and really hope you guys stick together and keep the channel going even after Tally Ho splashes. So much to look forward to!

Huge respect! 😊 for sourcing and buying and 1000+miles transporting soulfull wood, and for taking big tools to all the precious lumber: Leo shaping the purpleheart keel, and rudder by Zeal ✌️

Congratulations on the turnout for the open house. Zeal, beautiful work on the rudder and trim tab. Everything looks so amazing, I am in awe of the work you've all done.

Zeal is so chill and calm when explaining what he has been doing in front of the camera. A legend amongst legends!

All these videos are a hit but the star of the show is the remarkable talent that has built this now famous boat the world over. Hat’s off to you all. 😀😀😀😀

What craftsmanship! Leo, you need to keep this crew busy on your next build while you are off sailing the world on Tally Ho.

Man that rudder is a true meeting point of art and engineering

One of your best! To many people who admire your channel we just witnessed the birth of a baby. She now lives! Resurected from the grave! Thanks so very much for taking on this for us. We all have found this journey like expectant parents. We can now envision your dream completely and admire all your efforts. Expect 10's of thousands on the day She is Christened.

I simply don't have words anymore.. This is a piece of art made up of pieces of art. You are all absolutely amazing! 💚

My feelings for everything here will never change. The medallion offer as well. Cheers to you all.

Leo, I've watched from the beginning when you first went and looked at tally ho with all the weeds growing around her. I have to say I never in my wildest dreams thought tally ho would become the amazing beautiful sailing ship she has become. Did you ever imagine that there would be so much interest world wide about tally ho. I'm sure you never thought you would become such a celebrity and that term applies to the many dedicated craftsmen and women who put so much work into this amazing accomplishment. I'm hoping to be around to see the launch and then seeing you and your crew sail to the U.k. and hopefully the world. You had a dream and a vision you made come to life and that is something very special. God bless tally ho and all who sail on her.

This open house event was somewhat emotional. Seeing the people looking at your drawings, and me realizing what all you went through from day one. An incredible achievement by an incredible, hard-working , and intelligent individual… can’t wait to see Tally Ho in the water!

Thanks, Zeal, love watching you work, love seeing what you've made. As for the open day - hey, Pancho! How you doin'? Cheers, Tally Ho team. So good.

Just have abit of spare time so I came back for another taste of this wonderful build. WELLDONE ONCE AGAIN, LEO.

Every episode increases my awe for what you and your team have accomplished. You deserve every possible accolade. Congratulations again. 🇨🇦

A build without compromise

Our trip from Huntington Beach, California was well worth the time spent. Meeting Leo and his crew and actually seeing tally ho up close are things that I will always remember.

I have been here since pretty well day 1. On reflection it has always amazed me watching the skills of everyone involved, restoring what will undoubtedly be a beautiful wooden boat. These skills are delivered by multi generations of craftsmen which is lovely to see, knowing that the younger ones are carrying on delivering traditional highly skilled crafts. As you watch and admire any element of the project you cannot help but notice that the bedrock skills are supplemented by modern technology where necessary but only to support the classic skills. By that I mean things like Routers, Blow Torches. Then that gets you thinking how clever and hard working were the original builders of Tally Ho having built her without modern tools and technology!. The whole process of this restoration being recorded shows, objectives, planning, process, skills, detail, practicality, commitment, determination, community, honesty, humour, it is also educational, inspirational, thought provoking and blending educational aspects of engineering, design and practicality. Leo is doing a fantastic job in all aspects he has had the foresight, the tenacity, the personality, skills, Humour, Engineering skills, artistic production capabilities and he may not know this the educational abbility to teach others. I do not know of any other channel that delivers on so many fronts. It is a pleasure and a priveledge to be able to watch. Thank you to Leo and all the crew.

I''ve been with you since the beginning. Watched every episode. And, while I am not a boatbuilder or sailor, or even own a boat, it has been a fascinating journey that makes me envious. I remember when the project began with just you. Now you have almost 500K subs and drew a crowd of over 2000 to the open house. It must be so gratifying and to see and realize what you have achieved. Rock on Leo.

One of the main reasons for hot riveting is that, as the metal cools and contracts, it pulls the two sides together and thereby tightens the joint. Not to teach anyone to vacuum ova....

Great to see that Raul, Darlene and Pancho were able to get there for the open day, although I imagine they're welcome any day.

I wish I could have come. Looks like great fun! Many thanks to you Leo and the whole team. It's the highlight of my weekend each time a video comes out. :)

The open house looked fantastic. I wish I could have gone, but I don't have the time or resources. I'm a big fan of this series, and it's exciting to see how much it's grown. It's incredible how this show means different things to different people. For some, it's just fun to watch, while for others, it helps them cope with tough times. It's great that it brings so much happiness to many people's lives.

Wow. I've been a woodworker for 40 years and I'm a very good one. These guys are not mere woodworkers. They are on a completely different level.

Another awesome show of the phenomenon that is Tally Ho. It's become a lasting story of what can be done with expertise and attention to detail. Well done Leo and the buch working to complete her.

I would have flown up for the day from Colorado, but I had plans to catch up with some long-time school chums who are all getting older (in our 60s). And when I saw the sign up list fill so quickly I was sure I did the right thing to let others get in there. Perhaps some day in the future I’ll get the chance to kick the tires (starboard or port). Leo, you picked the right project at the best time, and you are truly becoming a master of the video craft, as RU-vid and anyone who knows these things will agree. You’ve shown countless boat enthusiasts so much about the repair, maintenance, design, and operation of a classic sailboat. Such a great gift that will keep giving to future generations. I’ll see you next time, cheers.

We we’re from Yorkshire and were lucky to be travelling past Port Townsend on your open day. We were so pleased to be able to visit and see what a fantastic job you and the team are doing. It was a privilege to meet the team and congratulate them on their work and the videos.

I hope that the whole team see this. You are all absolutely killing it, not only with the workmanship you display also in the way you put this across to us folk that have absolutely no experience or knowledge in boat building in way that makes us understand every detail!

😊The Tally-Ho as I must remind myself is a Pilot Cutter, a serious work boat but it so much a true work of art and would look right at home in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. Congrats to Leo and all of you amazingly talented Shipwrights! You all Rock.

I could never be the craftsman that Zeal is, however hard I try I can never get the pencil to stay behind my ear!

When Zeele is working, nothing short of a John Williams composition should underscore his scenes, because Zeele is clearly a master craftsman of the highest order, sort of like John Williams is. What a beautiful community surrounds this amazing project! Thanks so much for Tally Ho! and your channel!