Thunderbird yacht is back on Lake Tahoe after 4 years

With record water levels, refurbished engines and a new bottom, Thunderbird yacht is making a long- awaited debut at the Lake Tahoe Concourse d’ Elegance this August 11th – 12th.

America’s most recognizable, and possibly the most valuable, wooden speedboat turns 77 and will be the centerpiece of one the most acclaimed and prestigious wooden boat shows in North America.

Thunderbird Lake Tahoe has its most impressive asset back on the lake after 4 years of low water, needed maintenance, and optimization of the rebuilt twin V12 super charged vintage WWII Allison engines.

The 55′ pleasure yacht was commissioned by Captain George Whittell Jr. specifically for Lake Tahoe. She was designed by famed naval architect John L. Hacker and built by Huskins Boat Works in Bay City, Michigan.

Originally outfitted with twin V-12, 550 hp Kermath engines, the yacht was later sold to Bill Harrah who replaced them with the Allison’s and fondly called her his “70 mile-per-hour cocktail lounge”.

Since 1940, the Thunderbird yacht has hosted heads-of-state, entertainers, celebrities, and people from all over the world who have come to Lake Tahoe to enjoy the elegance and beauty of this Hackercraft.

On her deck, Sinatra negotiated his contract to perform at Harrah’s casinos and former U.S. Presidents Reagan and Clinton have each taken their turn at her helm.

Launched from her boathouse in June this year, she has kicked off the Tahoe summer season with VIP members’ charters, Castle events, and special wine dinner cruises. (The Thunderbird was on the cover in our last summer’s issue).

—Tahoe Yacht Club

Speak Your Mind

Tell us what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!

You must be logged in to post a comment.

  • Follow us on PinterestFollow us on Pinterest