Tally Ho Inspired Sculpture Installed In St Lawrence Ahead Of Round The Island Race

(c) Jill Lee

A new kinetic sculpture inspired by the famous yacht Tally Ho has been installed in St Lawrence ahead of this weekend’s Round the Island Race.

The artwork, which also functions as a fully working weather vane, has been created by Island artist Alex Williams and installed at Far Out Retreat, overlooking the English Channel.

The sculpture moves with the wind and celebrates the remarkable story of Tally Ho, the Albert Strange-designed yacht which won the Fastnet Race in 1927.

The installation comes ahead of the 100-year anniversary of that victory and as sailing enthusiasts continue to follow the yacht’s restoration by boatbuilder, sailor and YouTuber Leo Goolden.

Alex’s model of Tally Ho was created by Rob Dyer of RP Fabrication in Ryde before being finished by Pete Jarvie of Ryde Paint & Body, resulting in a piece that is both a work of art and a functioning weathervane.

The idea came from Far Out Retreat’s Jill Lee, who wanted a boat sculpture inspired by the sea views and yachts sailing past below the clifftop property.

Jill said:

“Every day I watch yachts passing by, and I’ve always been mesmerised by the sight of their white sails against the turquoise sea.

I wanted to capture that feeling in a piece of art that belongs here, and moves with the prevailing winds.”

Jill approached Bembridge-based artist Alex Williams, a former keen sailor, to bring the idea to life.

Alex said Tally Ho was the natural choice because of its extraordinary history, including being rebuilt after facing adversity and wreckage.

Built in 1910, the gaff-rigged vessel became a sailing legend after winning the 1927 Fastnet Race.

Almost a century later, Tally Ho was given a new lease of life when Leo Goolden bought the yacht for one dollar and spent seven years restoring her.

The yacht is now sailing again and is expected to compete in next year’s Fastnet Race at the end of Cowes Week, 100 years after her original victory.

Her new owner is also expected to visit the Isle of Wight this summer.

Alex added:

“The story really struck a chord with me. As someone who loves sailing, Tally Ho represents resilience, craftsmanship and the belief that something people thought was beyond saving can come back stronger than ever.”

Alex has previously created artwork inspired by the Isle of Wight, including during his time as Artist in Residence at Ventnor Botanic Garden in 2016.

His latest creation now forms a new landmark on the Island’s southern coastline.