Past & Future Projects

The origin of this project began with a YouTube series by the Sampson Boat Company. Leo Goolden, an accomplished shipwright and sailor from Bristol bought a famous 1910 pilot gaff cutter designed by Albert Strange called Tally Ho for $1.

Over the past few years he has been restoring the boat from the keel up in the northwest part of the United States, and the project has been funded entirely by the community built up around the series. If you haven’t seen it you really should.

Tally Ho has the distinction of winning the famous Fastnet Race in 1927. This race, contested every two years off the coast of England and Ireland, is famous for its challenging conditions and is considered to be one of the classic big offshore races. Many of the boats who start do not finish the race, with some even being dismasted. In 1927, Tally Ho was one of only two boats out of the starting 15 to finish. The other one was called La Goleta, and she was designed by none other than John G. Alden.

The YouTube series’ combination of nautical history and beautiful woodwork led us to the purchase of Parliament. Leo’s talent dwarfs ours, but we’ve been inspired by the craftspeople on the project, and have started a few projects of our own.

Changes Since 2024

Parliament has a long list of past and future projects listed below. The goal is to maintain her classic appearance while including a number of modern safety and convenience necessities. If you or anyone you know of is interested in lending a hand or advice, please get in touch with us.

  • New Dash and Electronics

  • A new name painted on the transom

  • New flags and insignia

  • A swim ladder

  • A new coat or two of varnish for her brightwork, including all spars (mast, boom, jib boom, whisker pole, and spinnaker pole)

  • New interior paint

  • Updated rigging

  • Some epoxy work for a few cracked planks

  • A new electric pod drive motor with hydro-generation and a 48v solar trickle-charged battery powering all systems

  • Polished flotation tanks

  • A new bilge pump and deck wash system with through-hull discharge and intake

  • A new speaker system

  • New cushions and canvas

  • New hull paint with boot and cove stripes

  • New sails

  • A motorized furler for the jib

  • A new anchor and rode