ALLEZ

Antique and Classics ALLEZ

Allez

A Little History

In the booming times of the 1920’s the world was everybody’s oyster and anything seemed possible so at the turn of the decade Chris Smith and Sons Boat Company (Chris Craft) of Algonac, Michigan announced plans to build thirty (30) commuter-style yachts with every modern feature and comfort known to man at the time contained in this 48’ speedster. Nothing better describes the optimism of the day better than the marketing copy introducing the company’s self-proclaimed Flagship to the yachting public.

“Aristocrat it is, line and fitment, fleet, streamlined and luxurious throughout. Even Chris-Craft, the largest organization of its kind in the world can offer but thirty of these 48-foot wonder ships for 1930. Only thirty can be built to the standards set for this flagship of flagships.

Naturally those seeking the ultimate in a craft that is fleet as the wind yet able to be controlled by a boy will want to be among the fortunate thirty. Their ships this year will be true flagship, center of all admiring eyes – possessors of the height of boating luxury.”

This optimism was just that (optimistic) and the grand plans of Chris Craft of becoming the purveyors of elegant watercraft to the elite of the day were dashed on October 29, 1929 (sometimes know as Black Thursday) with the Wall Street stock market crash that would grow into the Great Depression which would effect the world’s economy for the next several years and all but completely dry up the market pool of well-healed buyers for this Chris Craft company Flagship. In the end only five of the 48’ commuters were built and it is perhaps fitting that they only one still in service was the first of the model built to be named Allez that was built for company founder Chris Smith.

Allez was featured in original1930’s vintage Chris Craft's sales literature and under the ownership of Chris Smith cruised from the Great Lakes to the US East Coast for display in 1930 New York City and Miami Boat shows prior to her first new ownership just 6 months after her initial launching.

Since the 1930’s Allez (under several ownerships) would cruise the extent of the US East Coast following the seasons, eventually ending up on Lake Champlain and ultimately in 1976 being moved to Montreal to become part of a private collection of vintage and historic boats. Under that and the current ownerships Allez has seen significant restoration of hull, decks and cabins along with updating of all ship’s systems and equipment. See the following timeline for a history work done and care taken to bring this classic and historic vessel back to her position as the true Flagship of the Chris Craft fleet.