Ted Lockwood’s journey into the world of yachting began at an early age, and it has been a lifelong passion that has shaped his career. From sailing prams at age three on Geist Reservoir in Indianapolis, Indiana, to becoming a seasoned yacht broker with David Walters Yachts, Ted's story is deeply intertwined with the sea.

Raised in Northern Michigan on Lake Leelanau, Ted’s early experiences with sailing were shaped by his family’s involvement in the sport. As members of both the Leland Yacht Club and the Grand Traverse Yacht Club, Ted learned the ropes of racing and cruising on a variety of boats. His youthful enthusiasm for sailing led him to race everything from Kites to Lasers, 420s, Snipes, Thistles, and 470s, before transitioning to larger boats. He spent countless hours honing his skills on a J/24, Melges 24, Cal 30 and a C&C 40, which he often treated as his own personal playground. Ted’s deep connection to sailing continued to grow as he undertook his first yacht delivery at age 12—a remarkable task that saw him and two 12-year-old friends sail a 36-foot Carter 1 Ton from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, to Traverse City Michigan.

As Ted’s skills as a sailor matured, so did his experience in competitive sailing. He has participated in over 100 offshore races, including the prestigious Chicago to Mackinac and Bayview to Mackinac races, as well as other notable events such as the Long Island Sound races, Block Island Race Week, and the Annapolis Newport race. This vast race experience has afforded him a unique perspective on yacht handling, both in competitive and cruising conditions.

Ted’s journey is not just limited to the sailing world. From 1976 to 1981, he competed as a downhill racer for the United States Ski Team, demonstrating his versatility and competitive spirit. After retiring from skiing, Ted shifted gears, attending college and later marrying his wife, Debbie. He established a successful Junior Ski Academy, employing over 10 coaches and training more than 1,000 young athletes over 15 years in Michigan, Colorado, Oregon and New Zealand.

In 1998, Ted entered the real estate and development sector in Northern Michigan, where he ran a successful business. Throughout his career, Ted has owned a variety of sailboats(most recently a Hylas 49) and motor yachts, gaining valuable hands-on experience in yacht maintenance, service, and operations. He has a deep understanding of both small and large boat handling, whether it be cruising liveaboard yachts or competitive racing sailboats. Ted’s wealth of experience in yacht sales, ownership, maintenance and service is an invaluable asset for those seeking advice on yacht ownership.

Ted’s travels have also taken him to various parts of the world, from the Caribbean to the Eastern Seaboard and Europe, where he has assisted buyers and sellers with yacht transactions. His extensive knowledge of both the market and the yachts themselves allows him to provide clients with smooth, stress-free transactions. Ted specializes in both high-performance yachts and bluewater cruising vessels, always aiming to ensure the best possible experience for his clients.

Today, Ted lives in Traverse City, Michigan, with his wife Debbie and their loyal dog Sammy. His two daughters have pursued impressive careers of their own, with one working as a physician in Sweden and the other holding a master’s degree in mathematics and teaching in Boston. Ted’s lifelong passion for sailing, his extensive experience in yachting, and his personal commitment to his clients make him an exceptional yacht broker with David Walters Yachts.

Whether you're looking to buy or sell a vessel, Ted Lockwood’s expertise ensures that you will have the best guidance through the process, making the experience seamless and enjoyable.