Letter
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Stu & Jackie Jones
A
s we move into the fall of 2021, the continued allure of recreational boating as one of the few “escapism sports” seems to have a firm grip on North Americans, as many continue to jump on the mass exodus band-wagon, and head for the Sunshine State. Some with their boats in tow, others with a fist full of dollars and a three point credit line, ready to buy that dream boat and enjoy the Florida powerboating lifestyle. While the reasons and motivations may vary between various individuals, there is clearly a measurable increase in the demand for the Florida boating lifestyle, as waterfront real estate prices soar, and boat manufacturers rack up orders pushing delivery dates to over two years or more in some cases. Adding to the complications for new boat deliveries is a backlog of pandemic-related business slowdowns, shortages of muchneeded computer chips from China that control these highlyadvance power plants, skyrocketing prices for resins and hull fabrication materials…and the list goes on. So the question is, should any of this add high levels of frustration to our lives? The answer is simply NO! First of all, none of us should ever be mad or frustrated about something this is just out of our control. Secondly, everyone who owns a powerboat and has the leisure time to enjoy it should consider themselves very fortunate to be enjoying this lifestyle, whether it’s a Sunday afternoon at the sandbar a weeklong adventure to attend a bucket list poker run, or go island hopping in the Bahamas. Indeed, so many of our peers who we meet in this extended FPC family have worked
4 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
hard to get where they are at, and they can feel both proud, and fortunate at the same time, to be enjoying these pleasures. At the FPC office it seems that every other day there’s frustrated cancellation from someone whose new boat won’t be ready, or someone who got caught in the middle of a refit and something through a wrench in the deadline. To all of you I share these few thoughts. Stop worrying & cheer up! 1. The FPC staff will find somebody to take over your cancelled hotel room and slip and carry your event fees over to the next poker run. 2. We’ll say to everyone who we know you will be missing! 3. We will pretend to NOT be having any fun in our social media posts! 4. Most importantly, We will be right here waiting for you when your refit project is done or your new boat is delivered and you can jump all over the next FPC poker run event! The 2022 season will be amazing, and we’re NOT going anywhere!! FPC looks forward to seeing everyone at the 29th Key West Poker Run, which could see a record turnout in every way measurable. Let’s be safe out there, control your speed, pay attention to your surroundings, don’t drink and drive, and always wear your life jackets! See you in Key West!
Stu Jones,
FPC President & Founder
Comments: stu@flpowerboat.com
