Bob Bitchin Receives 6th Annual Sailing Industry Distinguished Service Award

Published: Friday, October 18, 2019

Sail America’s Industry Breakfast kicked off the second day of the 50th United States Sailboat Show (October 10-14). With clear blue skies on the horizon, the Annapolis Boat Shows announced Robert Lipkin, aka Bob Bitchin, as the winner of the 6th annual Sailing Industry Distinguished Service Award.

Trading in his Harley wheels for sails, Robert became a dedicated sailor cruising around the Pacific and Central America. To share his passion, Robert created Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine, which later became the first and only nationally televised show about the sailing lifestyle. Today, he continues to inspire others by hosting numerous Cruiser parties, seminars, and his nine sailing novels.

“For several decades, Bob Bitchin has been a tireless promoter of sailing,” said Annapolis Boat Shows President, Paul Jacobs. “Not only has his love for sailing propelled him around the world, but his work within the industry has inspired people from all walks of life to do the same.”

The Distinguished Service Award is an annual honor bestowed on a sailor who has distinguished him or herself through outstanding and selfless service to the overall advancement of the sailing industry. The awardee received an inscribed Anniversary 8-day Ships Bell Clock on a mahogany base that is a limited-edition precision timepiece donated by Weems & Plath. Created by the Annapolis Boat Shows in 2014, the objective is to inspire members of the sailing industry to strive for high standards of excellence, service, and commitment.

Last year’s Sailing Industry Distinguished Service Award went to Gary Jobson, a timeless sailor, television commentator, and author based in Annapolis. Just like Gary, Bob joins an important group of recipients recognized for their continued and unselfish service to the overall advancement of the sailing industry. For more information on previous winners, visit annapolisboatshows.com.