Sampson Boat Co · video

What this video covers

Leo Goolden sails Tally Ho singlehanded from Panama to Port Antonio, Jamaica — roughly 800 miles — arriving to check in and meet returning crew member Marit.0:29 For most of the passage Tally Ho sailed close to the wind; only after rounding Jamaica's eastern point did conditions shift to a broad reach, where the boat rolled more despite being more comfortable upwind.0:46 Goolden kept the trysail up throughout rather than switching back to the mainsail, which eliminated boom-handling risk and kept conditions quiet below decks even when wind held at 30 knots.1:07 A crash jibe earlier in the passage damaged the autopilot; Goolden credits the reinstalled jibe buffer with absorbing the shock and preventing deck fitting failures.14:52 A new arch installed at Linton Bay is designed to shield the autopilot from the mainsheet during future jibes.2:01 Saltwater intrusion through mushroom vents, the forward hatch, and the chain pipe soaked the forepeak and rusted the vise — the passage's main unresolved problem.13:10 Radar and AIS alarms proved essential for solo watch-keeping.16:07 At Port Antonio, Goolden hove to outside the harbour until the marina opened, then completed quarantine, customs, and immigration in sequence.7:04 The planned route continues to Cuba, then the Bahamas, before an undecided offshore passage.17:14

More from Sampson Boat Co

Tally Ho sails into England after 59 years overseas!Aug 2026A very brief update from the Fal estuaryAug 2026Piracy and Peril - stories from the boatyards of West CorkAug 2026Tally Ho completes her Atlantic Crossing at the Fastnet Rock!Aug 2026

From Sampson Boat Co — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.