For Sale
The “Ted Turner” Lightning (#6294)
This “Woody” was custom built by Lippincott Boat Works for 18 year old Ted Turner in 1956. This was Turner’s first boat, and he spent his life savings on it when he graduated from McCallie Military School in 1956. Turner later won the America’s Cup and became Yachtsman of the Year.
This beautiful old Lightning was purchased by WCSC member Bill Albergotti from Bernard Olasov of the Carolina Yacht Club in Charleston in 1965. Bill and his family sailed the Lightning at this Club in the late 1960’s, later storing it in the back of Bill’s garage for about 40 years.
Bill’s son, Sam Albergotti, had the Lightning renovated by Corky Gray of High Rock Lake, North Carolina in 2008. Corky was recommended by Bob Astrove, who was head of the “Woody” division of the International Lighting Class Association. Corky is the historian of the ILCA.
At the time Bill Albergotti bought this boat (1965), Ted Turner was not yet famous. He was about 24 years old, had moved on to sailing Olympic class boats at Dartmouth, and had not yet started the wildly successful businesses that made him a household name.
The Lightning is a beauty, incorporating a beautiful mélange of woods in its construction, including cedar planking, Iroko floorboards, Sitka spruce spars, and mahogany moldings, centerboard trunk and other trim.
Sam’s wife and sailing partner (Moyer Albergotti) died in 2022, so the Lightning will be sold in order to make room for another enthusiastic sailor at WCSC.
Includes a new (never used) boat cover made by Craig Thayer, sails (possibly the original sails), provenance proving the boat’s heritage (including pages from the 1956 and 1957 ILCA yearbook, and original certificate of measurement), trailer and all equipment.
Offered for $2,500.00 or best offer to someone who will provide it with a good home!
Sam Albergotti: 934-4054; sam@jonesfirm.com