KEY WEST SPRING POKER RUN

Key West

SPRING POKER RUN

Stu Jones takes the Florida Powerboat Club to the magical beaches of the Southernmost city for a memorable spring romp.

Tim Gallagher of Performance Boat Center with his crew aboard a Wright Performance 360 powered by twin Mercury Racing 450s. The Florida Powerboat Club’s spring event set a new attendance record, with 37 registered teams. It was the third on the 2021 FPC event calendar, and a terrific opportunity for club members to explore Key West at the height of Spring Break—quite a different vibe than on the club’s November Key West Poker Run, coinciding with the offshore powerboat races.

Aside from warmer temperatures and longer days, the smaller group afforded the club a chance to explore other island destinations near Key West, where it’s a common practice to anchor or raft up or even beach the boats along the sandy, pristine beaches of Boca Grande Key Island.

After the Thursday run—which took the group about 180 miles south of Miami—the boats settled in to various marinas in the historic Key West Seaport, including the landmark Conch Republic Seafood Company, where around 18 boats filled the entire basin adjacent to the restaurant. It was a showstopper for anyone walking along the pedestrian boardwalk that surrounds the Key West Harbor. For some onlookers, it was their first time seeing these big colorful machines as they scrambled to take photos to send home to their friends.

On Friday, the majority of the teams took advantage of the nice weather and cruised out to the sandy beaches of the Mule Keys, located about 10 miles west of Key West. The casual setting provided the ideal opportunity for these speedboaters from all over the U.S. and Canada—including some from as far away as France—to meet each other and create new friendships.

The evening gave the teams a chance to go off and enjoy Key West with a casual and informal agenda. And with so many Key West visitors getting their first escape after several months of Covid lockdown, the spirit on the streets and in the clubs was a very welcome respite indeed.

Saturday provided an abundance of fabulous weather, and with westerly winds, it seemed that the anchorage at Woman Key (part of the Mule Keys) would be an ideal getaway for the day. A small group of boats assembled there in about 5 feet of water, 100 yards from a very scenic mile-long beach. Meanwhile another group of boats headed off to Snipes Point, a popular hangout for local boaters who have good knowledge of the shallow waterways.

Saturday night was reserved for a group dinner function at the Conch Republic Seafood Company, where a huge dinner tent was erected on the patio, giving FPC members a very private, outdoor setting where a wonderful meal was served and several awards presented in a variety of categories. Of course, poker hands were played out in the customary fashion, with prizes awarded to the top three teams. Congratulations to Bryan Houtchens of California, who traveled a very long way to attend the event. This was his second time winning the poker run grand prize, following his last appearance with FPC about four years ago.

To follow the Florida Powerboat Club and view their 2021 event calendar visit the club website at flpowerboat.com, or visit FPC’s YouTube channel for full video coverage.

Right: Mike and Laura Pizzelanti of Florida in Wasabi, a Mystic C4200 center console powered by triple Mercury 350 Verado outboards.

Upper left: Richard and Tatiana Hartz of Connecticut drive their 39' Fountain center console, powered by quad Mercury Racing 400R outboards.

Center left: Michael Brogna of Massachusetts pilots Impulse Decision, his Formula 353 FasTech.

Yvonne Aleman drives the MTI 340X Mad Props. Bottom: Kevin and Maureen Randlett drive Blue Da Money, their Formula 330 CBR Sport Cruiser, powered by triple Mercury 300 Verado outboards.

Yvonne Aleman drives the MTI 340X Mad Props. Florida natives Michael and Sarah Howe in Light Speed, their MTI 390X, powered by twin Mercury Racing 450Rs.

Above: My Therapist Insisted is Bryan Houtchens’ 42' MTI catamaran, powered by twin Mercury Racing 1100 I/Os. Houtchens was the winner of the poker run.

Left: Frank & Grazia Bulte from France pilot Shark Rider, a 44' MTI catamaran with twin Mercury Racing 1100 I/Os.

Kris and Dawn Randlett of Florida drive Chillin’ the Most, their 37' Midnight Express, powered by quad Mercury Racing 400R outboards.

Ryan Zivitski of Florida drives his 40' Mystic powered by twin Mercury Racing 450Rs.

Below left: The fleet’s LEDs light up the night while docked at Gilbert’s.

Above: Todd Roberti and friends in his Mystic M4200 center console, powered by triple Mercury Racing 400Rs.

Left: Brittany Dunn—aka Miss Speedboat—and her fiancé Bubba Chrisco, in her newly renovated 368 Skater, Mrs. War Party. It’s powered by twin Mercury Racing 450Rs.

Right: John and Suzanne Stella of New York in Perfect Prescription, their Nor-Tech 390 center console, powered by triple Mercury Racing 400Rs.

FPC poker-card girls distribute envelopes to the future winners.

Above: Stu Jones in his Project 1080 pace boat, a fully restored 2000 Cigarette 38 Top Gun. Out of Control is Michael and Crystal Tandoi’s Skater 40SS, powered by twin Mercury Racing 860 stern drives.