**********UPDATE 23 JULY 2020*****************************
While speaking with USCG RCC Boston regarding a different matter, it was learned the EPIRB for the S/V TALLY HO was located. Boatwatch was not aware of that development. Here is what RCC Boston told us:
On 20MAR2020 the EPIRB from the TALLY HO! alerted approximately 1200NM east of Norfolk, VA (37°14.400’N, 050°57.400’W). RCC Boston requested AMVER vessels STOLT LOTUS and TORM RAGNHILD respond and search the area. ASEC HC-130 was launched to conduct a search in daylight hours.
ASEC CGR 2001 completed A-1 search of the area with negative results. No response to EGC of any signs of distress in the area. RCC Boston suspended the active search for the S/V Tally HO! pending further developments. The case can be re-opened if new information comes to light that warrants further search efforts.
UPDATE 15 Nov 2019
Boat Watch was just notified at 5:45 PM 15 NOV 2019 by the USCG Rescue Coordination Center, Boston, The USCG is cancelling their active search for the Tally Ho pending any further developments.
Singlehanded sailor, 72-year-old Peter Farrell departed Fire Island, NY on 13 OCT 2019, intending to stop in Bermuda, and then continue on to Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands. FARRELL did not call relatives from Bermuda. It is quite possible he decided to bypass Bermuda in favor of heading straight to the British Virgin Islands. His intended ETA in Jost Van Dyke at the time of his departure from Fire Island, New York was 03- 04 NOV 2019.
However, based upon SAROPS data simulating a solo sail voyage from Fire Island, NY to Jost Van Dyke BVI, the USCG believe Mr. Farrell would have been expected to arrive at his destination by Tuesday 12 NOV 2019.
The S/V TALLO HO! is described as a 28-foot sloop, dark blue hull with red sails. It is believed there is only a VHF radio onboard, no HF radio, Sat phone, or satellite tracking device. There is an EPIRB aboard and a 6-person life raft. Tally Ho! is a 1931 Atkin cutter. She is 30 feet on deck, with a 6-foot bowsprit and a bumkin. There was some discussion on social media that PETER FARRELL had changed the name of the boat, but direct contact with a family member indicates the name of the vessel remains TALLY HO!.
Anyone who has knowledge of Peter Farrell and/or the S/V TALLY HO! is requested to contact the U.S. Coast Guard and Boatwatch.org.
In the meanwhile, we will put this out on the SSCA HF Radio Net as a Boat Watch. The net is on the air daily at 0815 hrs Eastern Time or 1215 hrs UTC on marine SSB frequency 8.104.
