The kinetic piece, which doubles as a weather vane, was unveiled on the cliffs of St Lawrence, depicting the Albert Strange-designed yacht Tally Ho.
The sculpture, designed by Island artist Alex Williams, was erected in time for the 100-year celebration of Tally Ho’s victory in the Fastnet race in 1927.
The piece, turning in the sea breeze, overlooks the English Channel from Far Out Retreat and is a nod to the yacht’s extraordinary story.
It’s a story that has been avidly followed by sailing enthusiasts, particularly the restoration journey led by boat builder and YouTuber, Leo Goolden.
The sculpture was made by Roger Dyer of RP Fabrications, based in Bembridge, and finished by Pete Jarvie of Ryde Paint and Body.
The idea for the sculpture came from Far Out Retreat’s Jill Lee, inspired by the sight of beautiful boats sailing past her clifftop retreat.
She 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.”
The choice of Tally Ho as the subject was made by Alex Williams, a former keen sailor, who was struck by the yacht’s remarkable rescue journey.
Built in 1910, Tally Ho became a legend after winning the 1927 Fastnet Race, before facing adversity and wreckage.
Nearly a century later, Tally Ho found a new lease of life when Leo Goolden bought her for one dollar and spent seven years restoring her.
Today, Tally Ho is once again in full sail and expected to compete in next year’s Fastnet Race, 100 years after her original victory.
Alex Williams, who was artist in residence at Ventnor Botanic Garden in 2016, said: “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.”
His latest work is now set to become a new landmark on the Island’s southernmost coastline.