Southern Boating's publisher George "Skip" Allen, Sr. passed away at his home in Ft. Lauderdale on March 23rd, 2014. Allen was involved with the boating industry for over four decades. His career began with his employment by Charles Chapman as an ad salesman for Motorboating and Sailing magazine. Allen was one of the founders of Popular Boating magazine, which later became Boating magazine. He founded Southern Boating magazine in 1972 and began guiding flotillas of recreational boat owners to the Bahamas. In 2004, he was the recipient of the Charles F. Chapman Award that recognizes individual contributions to the marine industry. Condolences to his friends.
A real loss. I met him once at the Miami Show. Loved the business card he gave me, it listed his title as "janitor."
I am going to miss Skip terribly. With Joe Bartram's death, and now Skip, We are losing our connection to a great generation of Yachtsmen. With great sorrow, Maldwin
I agree with Maldwin---Skip crossed such a broad era of American yachting history, from a time when the New York Boatshow was THE show to Modern Boating magazine that was THE magazine, thru his time with Bertram and then starting Southern Boating. He was irascible and knowledgeable at the same time. He knew everyone in boating, he helped the Bahamas immensely, and he loved boats and yachts. My sympathies are with his son, Skip Jr. and his wife, Helen. I'm going to miss seeing his face aboard Press On Regardless and I'm going to miss his usual greeting, "hey, what the hell are you up to?" Fair winds, Skip.
He will surely be missed through out the boating community. As mentioned he was a huge promoter of the Bahamas. So big in fact the flags in the Bahamas should probably be flown at half mast for the next week out of respect.