EDITOR/PUBLISHER
Stu Jones stu@flpowerboat.com
OFFICE MANAGER
Jackie Jones jackie@flpowerboat.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Lina Montes fpclina@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHY
Pete Boden
Jerry Wyszatycki Stu Jones
EVENT MANAGEMENT
Jackie Jones jackie@flpowerboat.com
Megan Smith admin@flpowerboat.com
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Sue Dachille fpcevents@gmail.com
VIDEO PRODUCTION
Stu Jones
Ryan McCoy
Joe Kotrady
DIRECT ALL INQUIRIES TO Florida Powerboat Club
1214 SW 6th St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069
Tel: 954.545-1414
Fax: 954.782-2452
www.FLPOWERBOAT.com
POMPANO OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday 10 AM - 5 PM
4. LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Celebrating 30 years with FPC is high on Stu Jones' agenda for 2023, but the club's founder reminds us that safety remains paramount to the club's success, and it's My Way or Highway for those repeat offenders who just don't see the big picture when it comes to making safety a priority.
6. KEY WEST POKER RUN 2022
On the Florida powerboating scene, there's one destination that makes it into every conversation, Key West. But for this 30th celebration of FPC's signature poker run event, getting from Miami to Key West, required a Plan B to overcome some challenges from Mother Nature.
8. KEY WEST: THURSDAY RUN
With the scheduled Wednesday departure cancelled due to stormy weather, the Thursday run gave boaters a chance to make a break for Key West.
36. SATURDAY RUN & WOMAN KEY RAFTUP
After arriving in Key West, the weather kept improving and the Saturday Fun Run to Woman Key provided the perfect backdrop for a rendezvous in paradise.
84. MONDAY FUN DAY
No trailer queens here...The Monday run back to Miami enjoyed great weather and little bonus, as the FPC chopper crew took chase from Key West Harbor.
94. TOYS TOUR : DEC 2022
With no FPC runs on the December calendar, the TOYS TOUR provided the perfect escape for Stu & Jackie Jones to take part in this fun weekend with other boaters on the less-travelled St. Johns River in North Florida.
ON THE COVER: Key West Poker Run Raft-up at Woman Key. Fpc girls Gloria & Sage
Thankfully I set my own editorial rules almost twenty-five years ago, stipulating that I would never exceed one page of text for my traditional “Letter from the President”. The reason I stated that is that I have so many topics that need addressing, this edition has far exceeded the normal word-count, and we must steal a page to get it all in. The good news is, if I really let loose this LFP could easily be a multi-page essay. So please allow my departure from tradition after twenty four years of publishing, to dive in and punctuate a few very important topics!
The first and top priority as we move into a busy 2023, is boating safety. On the national boating scene, there are countless offenses daily across all spectrums; cruising, sailing, yachting, fishing, powerboating…just stupid stuff happening every weekend, on every lake, river, bay or ocean, and at boat ramps, marinas and public docks everywhere. If anyone follows the major boating channels on social media, you would know about some of these insane incidents that are happening out there on the water. Careless mistake due to un-skilled drivers, idiot-factor and often drunken fools that we must avoid at all costs. But as president of FPC, nothing I can say or do will change any of these incidents “out there”. Where I need to focus 100% of my attention, is on our very own FPC poker runs.
February 2023
multiple paid-duty first responders run with the poker run in fast boats, with professional fire-rescue staff ready to engage. Unfortunately, despite this tireless effort, our safety messaging still falls on deaf ears. Over the last twelve months, on many of our events, it was frustrating to see this even after issuing safety guidelines and waivers, hosting hour-long captains meetings before events, producing Youtube safety videos and talking about safety until I am blue in face! We still see marginal and often zero compliance from some of our registered poker run teams!
An accident at the Tampa Poker Run last year reminded us of the importance of these safety guidelines, when four young crew members were pitched into the bay waters at a high rate of speed when their 30’ Spectre hit a wave and almost rolled over. Luckily, they were all wearing life jackets, were un-injured, and rescued immediately by a fellow club member! However, the driver’s kill lanyard was not properly attached, so the boat continued under full power and drove un-manned for several miles across Tampa Bay, passing near a congested area of kite surfers, then crashing onto an isolated shoreline - with no further incidents. Moral of the story: You can’t just check off one or two boxes on the safety guidelines….You have to CHECK THEM ALL! So, my message to any members and crews who just don’t seem to care, is simply, Enough is Enough! In addition to being a threat to their own safety and the safety of their crew, these irresponsible drivers are a liability to FPC and to the boating public who share the same waterways. We just don’t need them around anymore…and it’s not worth any amount of money to have them on the FPC roster! Specifically, my three biggest concerns that need to be addressed are:
1) Excessive Speed in unsafe conditions
2) Non-compliance on wearing PFD’s & kill switch lanyards while travelling at speed
Anyone who has been around FPC over the years, whether attending our events, watching our videos, or reading my stories in the Powerboating in Paradise Magazine, would know that I have always made a strong commitment to safety and have initiated continuous safety messaging. In 2013, FPC was the first organization to tackle the challenge of having
3) Use of alcohol or drugs while operating on poker run
These are my targets for 2023, so my message to the blatant offender is, “Please don’t get me on a bad day, because it will be your last poker run with FPC.”
Depending on the severity, a letter may be written by me personally, to the offender’s insurance agent and to every other poker run organizer in the country, because we all need to be aware of dangerous drivers that are a threat to our safety, our sport and the performance marine industry that is a livelihood for so many of us. The second important message concerns the high levels of tourism in the Sunshine State and the continuous demand for lodging and docking inventory at the premium boating destinations around the state of Florida. In many boating hotspots like the Florida Keys, South Florida and the Tampa Bay area, recreational boating is at an all-time high, and as poker run organizers we must compete for the most desirable venues. We are up against wedding planners, corporate events, fishing tournaments and sometimes just the general high season boating population. It has become increasingly difficult to lock-down the best venues and hotels, and when we do, it comes at a premium. The simple laws of supply and demand are dictating where we can go, and what we will pay, so it is important to keep a close watch on our event calendar and the registration deadlines that we publish. In 2023 and beyond, it will become a regular occurrence for FPC to close registration for many of our events, often several weeks before the actual event is being staged. Remember that membership with FPC in no way guarantees event participation. Each event requires an advance registration, so please monitor the FPC event calendar closely and get your online forms completed, sooner than later, if you and your crew are very intent on joining us.
Thankfully, my final message ends on a truly positive note. Looking back, I organized my first poker run thirty-two years ago in the Summer of 1991 in Miami, and it was two years later in June 1993 when Powerboat Club was incorporated. This year officially marks 30 years of Powerboating in Paradise with FPC, and in my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined bringing the club this far, much less be a member of a performance boating community that now has a stand-alone industry, and a worldwide circuit of poker runs that numbers in the hundreds. We have an A-list roster of FPC members who support us loyally, and an extended family of industry peers who design and manufacture the most incredible performance boats, engines and accessories, that make up what is essentially a 99% American-Built industry. Indeed, there have been trials and tribulations along the way, and for me personally, it has often been a difficult sea to navigate. However, at 63 years of age, I’m certain that I do not have any other careers in mind. That said, I would like to slow down my own pace to a more comfortable cruise-control, focus on my health and well-bring, so I can enjoy the next phase of my life. That’s not an admission of formal retirement, however I am ready to welcome to FPC a team player from a younger generation, someone as passionate as myself, who is willing to steer this amazing ship into the future. Our two sons Tyler (19) and Max(17) will continue to help out the family business when they can, but they still have several years of school ahead, and that is a top priority for Jackie and I as parents. This is a “command position” that needs to be filled. I would say it is not a job, but a career, and possibly a dream career for the right person! Among the requirements… Persistence, Professionalism., and above all an unwavering PassionforPowerboating . That’s the key ingredient that got FPC this far. If you or someone you know might be interested in this challenging but rewarding lifestyle career with FPC, please see our announcement on page 93 with more details on how to proceed.
Meanwhile, let us continue to share the passion that we all have for this great sport and lifestyle, by doing our part to ensure a safe 2023, both on the water and off!
Stu Jones FPC President & Founder Florida Powerboat Cub
Celebrating thirty years of the Key West Poker Run was certainly the buzz as FPC organizers and 275 powerboat teams from around the world prepared for the club's signature poker run. Mother Nature had something else in mind, as she dealt an unwelcome visitor named Hurricane Nicole to Miami's doorstep on the poker run departure days, forcing Plan B on all fronts!
By Stu JonesThe 30th Annual Key West Poker Run was presented by Cigarette Racing Team for the second consecutive year, and enjoyed a stellar 275-boat roster of high-performance hardware from the United States, Canada and Europe. But Tropical Storm Nicole, later named a category one hurricane, forced cancellation by a significant number of these teams, many experiencing travel delays, cancelled flights, boat transporting issues and windstormexclusion clauses on their boat insurance policies.
While FPC management had high hopes of a successful outcome to ring in the 30th anniversary of this signature poker run event, the storm put the FPC team on high alert, as they monitored the Miami-
bound storm track, and modified the poker run agenda to ensure safe passage of over two hundred powerboat teams, departing from three different staging points in Fort Lauderdale, North Miami Beach, and Coconut Grove. After receiving a bulletin from Miami Dade Fire Rescue and phone calls from the United States Coast Guard sector commanders, FPC president Stu Jones made the prudent decision to cancel the Wednesday run, keeping Thursday on the schedule and adding a new Friday departure from Miami. This provided a great outcome, as more than 125 teams made the run Thursday, and another thirty-plus teams departed for a smooth ride to Key West on Friday.
The Thursday run featured a variety of lunch destinations in the Upper Keys, including always popular Gilberts which hosted many of the teams, while manufacturer-sponsored lunches including NorTech Hi Performance hosting its owners at Sundowners in Key Largo, while Cigarette Racing Team returned to Sole by the Sea, at Playa Largo Resort. Mystic Powerboats returned to its favored stopover, Lazydays South in Marathon, where Mystic owners gathered for a great lunch, before taking the final 50 mile trek to Key West. For the teams requiring high-octane ethanol free fuel, Chief Marine Group in Islamorada provided the ideal stopover, where FPC fuel partner had two fuel trucks on hand to support the event.
In addition to the boaters travelling on Thursday and Friday runs, dozens of other teams took the initiative to get a jump on the storm, by boating down on Tuesday, prior to the storm's arrival, while a significant number of others decided to trailer their boats all the way from Miami to Key West, avoiding any chance of an unpleasant ride in turbulent waters. Surprisingly, the Key West agenda of events remained on schedule for the most part, with the Key West Poker Run Village opening as planned on Thursday afternoon, with land displays that included over a dozen marine trade sponsors displaying their latest powerboat models, high-performance engines, marine accessories and a wide variety of souvenir retail merchandise.
Photos by: Jerry Wyszatycki, Jeff Helmkamp & Stu Jones
Hans Othar & Kristen Blix | FL | Team 2TWENTY5 | 39' Nor-Tech
Gary Karwowski | FL | Team LOADED DECK | 42' Mystic
William Koufas | FL | Team CHEAP SKATER | 32' Skater
FPC Girl Sage
FJ PROPELLER Crew
HAMMERTIME 2.0
Jimmie Harrison | FL | Team FJ PROPELLER | 39' Nor-Tech
Mark & Eileen Fischer | FL | Team DEEP IMPACT | 39' Deep Impact
Shad Vera | FL | Team BIG THUNDER MARINE | 41' Donzi
Dennis Delatorre | FL | Team PLANTATION BOAT MART | 39' Deep Impact
Roger Larochelle l NH | Team FLOOR IT V | 36' Sunsation
Stephen & Maria Madaffari l FL | Team MINDSET | 33' Renegade
FLOOR IT V Crew
EVIL WOMAN Crew
Curtis Watkins l FL | Team EVIL WOMAN | 39' Nor-Tech
Bret Laso & Allison Ricard l SC | Team NAUTI BEAST | 36' Nor-Tech
Stephen Barker l NY | Team X-FACTOR | 42' Cigarette
X-FACTOR Crew
Brett & Trisha Patterson l FL | Team DEEP IMPACT 36 | 36' Deep Impact
DEEP IMPACT 36 Crew
Gilbert's in Key Largo has become a landmark stopover for the vast majority of boaters transiting to and from the Florida Keys. By virtue of its geographic location along a narrow mangrove waterway named Jewfish Creek, which connects Barnes Sound to the north with Blackwater Sound, Gilberts is a natural stopover that has an inviting alure with its massive tiki bar and daily live music from the vocals of local entertainer Bobby Brown. With its long face-dock of over five hundred feet in length, it’s quite easy to hang the fenders, cast a few lines, and quickly be seated under the shade of the rustic tiki, enjoying a cold beverage and diving into the well-stocked buffet featuring an extensive offering of freshly prepared Mojo chicken, blackened mahi, BBQ pulled pork, and hearty Cuban-inspired sides that include black beans & rice, sweet plantains followed by a tasty brownie! But this is a poker run and we’re not here for the long haul! The Gilberts format ensures a friendly relaxing vibe for a great meal, and a quick turn so poker run teams can soon be on their way.
FPC Girls Kendall, Gloria & Sage
Ryan Harris l FL | Team DISPATCHED | 35' Donzi
Gregg & Courtney Seaman l CA | Team TRIPLE PLAY | 39' Nor-Tech
James & Tammy Johnson l NJ | Team THE BACKUP | 34' Fountain
Zach & Lynn Martin l GA | Team POKER FACE | 32' Sunsation
Dan DeSantis l MA | Team MCLAREN OF CHARLOTTE | 43' Skater
Eric & Ashley Matzen l NY | Team PIPE DREAMS | 32' Doug Wright
FPC Gloria
Steven Woitkun l NH | Team HOLY SMOKES III | 46' Outerlimits
MEDIUM PIMPIN Crew
Bill Melchione l NJ | Team SUPREME | 42' MTI
Steven Fernandez 954-655-6498
Braden Verkaik 954-651-8535
Lance Rader l FL | Team FAST CAT | 39' Deep Impact
John & Dawn Clarke | NC | Team JAGUAR 37 OS | 37' Jaguar
Team CHIEF MARINE GROUP | 53' HCB
FPC Girl Gloria
Kenneth MacNichol l NH | Team LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE | 32' Renegade
David Rudiger l OH | Team OHIO | 42' Mystic
FPC Girl Gloria
Bill Yates l FL | Team NOR-TECH | 39' Nor-Tech
Jeb & Stephanie Bradshaw l NH | Team SCARAB | 38' Scarab
Chadwick Sneed l MO | Team TOPGUN | 39' Cigarette
Michel Lacasse l NH | Team HANG N' BANG | 37' Midnight Express
Brad Hancock l FL | Team ALL HAIL | 43' Midnight Express
Frank & Claudia Scheelen l FL | Team SCHEELEN MOTORSPORTS | 36' Nor-Tech
SEARAY Crew
Zebastian Fohlin l Sweden | Team SEARAY | 65' Searay
Eric Avila l FL | Team CONCEPT BOATS | 44' Concept
Joshua & Kyly Ballon l MA | Team ALWAYS SOMETHIN' | 38' Hustler
ALWAYS SOMETHIN' Crew
Christopher Radley l TX | Team REEL RAD | 35' Statement
REEL RAD Crew
John Stella l NY | Team PERFECT RX | 39' Nor-Tech
PERFECT RX Crew
Bruno & Rebecca Perree l FL | Team MEGAWATTS | 39' Outerlimits
Kevin & Jenica Eisenbach l MO | Team SUPER SOAKER | 38' Cigarette
Mike Boyle l FL | Team XCAT | 39' MTI
(PG)Panagiotis & Sarah Georgiou l KY | Team MEGA FLEXIN | 50' MTI
John Wittenberger Jr & Sr l NJ | Team ON THE ROCKS | 36' Spectre
Matt Berman l CA | Team SHE GONE | 32' Sunsation
FPC Girl Gloria
Team Performance Boat Center | 32' Sunsation CCX
Gaby Pacheco l FL | Team SD MARINE-CIGARETTE RACING | Cigarette 515
Rick Riggle l OH | Team NOR-TECH | 45' Nor- Tech
Aaron & Belen Salstrom l ID | Team TRUCKS PLUS IDAHO | 34' MTI
TRUCKS PLUS IDAHO Crew
Buddy Thomas l MA | Team ALL SET | 39' Outerlimits
Kyle Fowler l GA | Team A-SALT WEAPON | 38' Fountain
Gregory Moppert l DE | Team GATED | 41' Cigarette
Craig & Franca LaScola l MA | Team ROLLING THE DICE | 46' Outerlimits
ROLLING THE DICE Crew
Dawn & Donald Hadden l SC | Team DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS | 44' Concept
Greg & Jennifer Connell l TX | Team LEGEND MARINE GROUP | 39' Nor-Tech
LEGEND MARINE GROUP Crew Bryan Tapocik/ Mike Pizzelanti l FL | Team WASABI | 42' Mystic
Sam & Matt Gabriel l NJ | Team RAGING BULL | 48' MTI
Michael & Neveda McClallen l IL | Team WILD TRIPS | 37' Active Thunder
Deris Ceresa l FL | Team PHANTOM BLACK | 43' Midnight Express
WILD TRIPS Crew
Justin Digiovanni l TX | Team GINGER | 34' Pilini Marine
Curtis Morris l TX | Team YAHOO | 36' Skater
Jeb & Stephanie Bradshaw l NC | Team STACKIN RACKS | 42' Outerlimits
Brian & Danni Forehand l NC | Team BE FORE U | 50' Outerlimits
Kris & Dawn Randlett l FL | Team CHILLIN’ THE MOST | 37' Midnight Express
CHILLIN’ THE MOST Crew
Robert Smulski l DE | Team NOR TECH 39 | 39' Nor-Tech
NOR TECH 39 Crew
Taylor Peterson l NH | Team BAYRIPPERS | 29' Nitra
Peter & Carolyn Fink l NE | Team 42 MTI | 42' MTI
Mark Stoddart l Canada | Team HUNTRESS | 42' Cigarette
Steven Woitkun l NH | Team HOLY SMOKES III | 46' Outerlimits
James & Sonia Redding l Mexico | Team LA MEXICANA | 39' Deep Impact
Charlie & Michelle Mattingly l MD | 48' MTI
Christopher Richards l NY | Team ANGLE OF ATTACK | 44' Mystic
Christopher Richards l NY | Team ANGLE OF ATTACK | 44' Mystic
John Tumino l NJ | Team MYSTIC 42 | 42' Mystic
Scott Harnois l MA | Team HER OFFSHORE ACCOUNT | 30' Superboat
Nick & Christi Evans l IN | Team RECOVERED MONEY | 50' Nor-Tech
Ray & Kristine Gremaux l NY | Team BIG SHOT! | 42' Mystic
Gil & Lena Anuez Jr l FL | Team NOR-LAXIN | 39' Nor-Tech
Shane & Vicki Franks l MI | Team SADDLE UP | 42' Statement
Ray & Jill Kowalik l MO | Team BIKINI BOTTOM II | 42' MTI
Byron Storms l CA | Team STORMS | 39' Deep Impact
Rick Spade l OH | Team SPADEMADE | 33' ARTH
COLLINSON Crew
Greg Collinson l Canada | Team COLLINSON | 34' Statement
Jack Villars l Switzerland | Team JACK | 43' MTI
Robb & Tara Rill l FL | Team DARKCYDE | 38' Axopar
Roger & Pam Anderson l TX | Team WILD HORSES | 39' Nor-Tech
Thomas Mindee Borzilleri l FL | Team OAR'N AROUND | 39' Nor-Tech
Ron Szolack l MI | Team FLIGHT CLUB | 42' Cigarette
Mark & Nancy Tuck l VA | Team TIMBERCAT | 36' Wright Performance
Sonny Martorana l Canada | Team DEVENZO | 39' MTI
DEVENZO Crew
Robert & Alessandra Conti l NJ | Team CONTI | 38' Cigarette
Chad Havens l TX | Team SAVAGE | 40' Skater
Kevin Catron l MD | Team SHOWROOM SHINE | 38' Statement
David Kramer l NJ | Team NAUTI TENDENSEAS | 39' Nor-Tech
Chris Boyett l LA | Team 36 STATEMENT | 36' Statement
By Saturday, the weather effects from Hurricane Nicole had all but disappeared, and with a beautiful day for boating, hundreds of poker run teams headed to the annual Woman Key rendezvous, where calm seas provided the ideal raft up conditions for a great party. The FPC photo and video team made up for lost flying time from the earlier days of the event, flying two helicopters on a schedule of four separate flights for most of the day, gathering spectacular money shots to share on FPC media platforms and with media partners including Speedonthewater and Speedboat Magazine. With Boca Grande key remaining closed to boating visitors by National Wildlife Refuge authorities, the FPC powerboat teams were able to settle in for a calm and comfortable anchorage at Woman Key, located less than ten miles from Key West Harbor. By mid-afternoon, hundreds of powerboats and yachts of all sizes, provided the perfect platform for thousands of participants, many of whom had escaped the clutches of early winter in colder climates to the north. Indeed, this was a day for all to remember.
FPC Girl Gloria
Derek Wachob l OK | Team BLACK DIAMOND | 52' MTI
Win Farnsworth l FL | Team 007 | 80' Sunseeker
The sponsor dock at Conch Republic Seafood Company came alive by Thursday as over two dozen sponsor teams displayed colorful new center consoles, performance cats and monohulls, giving thousands of daily visitors a different level of entertainment that would not be seen at your average boat show. After all, this is Key West, where the spirits run high, the energy is at maximum level, along with the audio systems, and the ladies are more than happy to show off their matching team bikinis!
The Conch Republic Sponsor Dock accommodates up to 30 boats, providing a colorful display of high-performance hardware .
Cars & Bars: Common sightings around the Key West.
FPC girls Sage, Gloria, Justine and Kendall ready to give out the prize cups!
Friday activities at the Poker Run village included Sponsor Appreciation day, where the major sponsors are invited to the FPC stage for special awards and photos. For this particular year the format was somewhat altered, due to the always popular Key West Body Paint Exhibition, which had been postponed from its normal Thursday scheduling. With great attendance for the event, more than ten lovely contestants took part in the fun, and for the second year in a row, it was a spirited FPC poker run participant winning top honors, this year with a patriotic Veterans Day theme. The prize came with a bragging rights and a nice bonus, a $500 cash prize!
With poker cards being played out by teams over two consecutive nights, it was Saturday night that was reserved for FPC as a dinner buyout at the Conch Republic Seafood Company, and teams began arriving shortly after 6pm to begin the festivities. As always, the jumbo FPC video screen lit up the night, as extensive aerial coverage from the Friday and Saturday boating activities gave many of the teams a chance to see their boats and crew members enjoying the tropical waters in the Florida Keys. The poker cards were played out by the FPC Girls and by late Saturday evening, prizes were awarded to the teams with the top five poker hands. This included a total payout of over $30,000 in prizes: $ 17,500 in cash, with $ 10,000 of this amount sponsored by Deep Impact, Blackwater Boats and their exclusive dealer, Plantation Boat Mart. Congratulations to the Grand Prize winning team of Aaron Salstrom from Idaho who attended for his very first time in his new 34’ MTI cat.
1st Place - Aaron & Belen Salstrom-Team TRUCKS PLUS IDAHO
4 th Place - Zach & Lynne Martin-Team POKER FACE
5th Place -Bill Melchione-Team SUPREME
3rd Place - Manny Oses-Team RENEGADE POWERBOATS
Sexiest Female Crew - Team HAMMERTIME II - 39 Deep Impact
Best Performance V-Bottom - Team ROLLING THE DICE46' Outerlimits
Best Sound System - Team GAME CHANGER43' Midnight Express
Best Poker Run Boat - Team BIG THUNDER MARINE41' Donzi
Best Paint & Graphics Center Console - Team GATED - 41' Cigarette
Best Classic Boat - Team NINJA - 1988 34' Scarab
Best Quint Center Console - Team MIDNIGHT EXPRESS 52' Midnight Express
Sponsor Award - Plantation Boat Mart - Dennis Delatorre & Brianna Murray
Farthest Traveled - Team SEARAY | SWEEDEN | 65' Searay
Best Triple Center Console - SMOKE'EM - 39' Nor-Tech
Good Samaritan Award - Team BE FORE U - 50' Outerlimits Best Team Name - Team WALL NUTS - 36' Doug Wright
• Access to all FPC events and parties.
• Powerboating Video. (Dozens of titles to choose.)
• Powerboating in Paradise Magazine subscription.
• Embroidered Club T-shirt in your choice of colors.
• Access to all Membership discount programs.
PLUS:
• Premium mens OGIO club polo shirt.
• Premium Concierge Services
• Priority booking status for rooms and dockage on all FPC Events.
• Marina and marine service referrals for your powerboat.
• Nautical assistance to a variety of marine resorts and boating destinations.
• Planning and hotel/slip reservations for your Florida boating weekends.
$499.00/year*
GOLD MEMBERSHIP
Membership suggested for married couples Includes all of the Standard Membership benefits
Membership Includes:
• Discounted rates on FPC Magazine advertising
• Discounted rates on all web advertising/banner programs.
• Access to all FPC events and parties.
• Second membership for spouse/partner included
• Premium mens OGIO Club Polo Shirt.
• Premium womens OGIO Ladies Tank Top
PLUS: $399.00/year*
STANDARD MEMBERSHIP
Membership Includes:
• Access to all FPC events and parties.
• Powerboating Video. (Dozens of titles to choose.)
• Powerboating in Paradise Magazine subscription.
• Embroidered Club T-shirt in your choice of colors.
• Access to all Membership discount programs.
$299.00/year*
• Business listing on our website affiliate section.
• Business card introduction Ad in FPC magazine. Commercial Members also have the opportunity to run promotions and discounts through FPC events.
$399.00/year*
Membership Includes:
• Club T-shirt in your choice of colors.
• Powerboating in Paradise Magazine subscription.
• Access to FPC parties
• Discounted Boat Show tickets.
$99.00/year*
Best Dressed Crew - Team OUT OF CONTROL - 40' Skater
Best Sterndrive Cat - Team UGHH IT'S NASTY
Best Paint & Graphics Cat - Team BLU GATTI - 48' MTI
Stu & Jackie Jones with FPC Girls
Sexiest Male Crew - Team DEVENZO - 39' MTI
Heading home after a fun weekend in Key West can mean different strokes for different folks. For those who partied a little too hard, it might be some well-needed oxygen to cure the hangover. For others, it’s a bittersweet ride through paradise that reminds them, it will all be over when the boat is back on the trailer in Miami, and they will have to start planning the next adventure in paradise. To ease the burden of that pending road-trip home, FPC organizers made special arrangements with their helicopter pilot and photo video crew, to accompany the Monday group for the departure from Key West Harbor. Shortly after 10am and with ideal conditions on this beautiful Monday morning, it was hammer down
for one last blast of Powerboating in Paradise. In sharp contrast to the unpleasant boating conditions experienced a few days earlier as Hurricane Nicole disrupted the waterways for the Miami departure, the Monday weather conditions were superb, with light winds and moderate temperatures that made for a great 160-mile trek back to Miami. With optional checkpoints that included a lunch stop at Postcard Inn in Islamorada, a fueling pit stop at SD Marine group for 93 octane fuel and the always popular Gilberts in Key Largo, it was a fantastic way for these poker run teams to squeeze that one last rally of high-performance fun, from a day that is commonly known to many as the most unpleasant day of the week.
FPC thanks all sponsors for their continued support and all poker run participants for working around the challenging agenda brought on by Hurricane Nicole. In spite of all the hurdles that had to dealt with, most would agree, the event had a fabulous outcome!
Ted & Lacey Honeycutt l SC | Team CHANGE OF PACE | 29' Baja
Vic Nappe l FL | Team SD MARINE GROUP | 42' Cigarette
Michael Tandoi l NY | Team OUT OF CONTROL | 40' Skater
Thomas Freund | NY | Team 39' MTI
Chad & Nicole Kohmescher l OK | Team SMOKE'EM | 39' Nor-Tech
Zach Polsky l NJ | Team GAME OVER | 43' Midnight Express
David Wilks / Michael Tandoi l NY | Team IN CONTROL | 52' Sunseeker
Connor & Allye Toomey l MD | Team ALLYE KAT | 32' Doug Wright
Brad Ekstam l MO | Team FASS MOTORSPORTS | 42' Performance Power Boats
Howard Beindit l MI | Team CHAOS | 40' Skater
-Must be American Citizen-Florida Resident and reside in South Florida
-Strong communication skills and good with people
-Post secondary education required - college or university degree
-USCG captains license is an asset - may substitute for above degree
-Minimum 5 years marine industry experience in any capacity
-Minimum 5 years personal powerboat ownership
-Minimum 5 years of experience boating on Florida waterways
-Clean driving record - No suspension or DUI record
-No criminal record - no convictions
-Some level of experience hauling boats and/or large trailers
-Some level of Photography and/or videography experience
-Strong Social media experience - primarily Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
-Strong computer and technical skills - Word, Excel, database programs
-Strong writing skills and general understanding of publishing techniques
-Previous self-employment or business ownership would be an asset
-This is a contract position for training period of six months
-This is a full-time employment position after six month training is completed
-This position requires extensive travel throughout Florida year-round.
-Compensation is comprised of salary plus performance bonuses
-Salary upon completion of training $ 100K plus incentives
-Business partnership incentives will be entertained after two years. SEND
What started over two decades ago by its late founder Rus Matos, has now become a popular weekend getaway for performance boaters in North Florida who can enjoy the pleasures of boating in the less travelled St. Johns River, which holds the records as Florida’s longest river, at 310 miles. While the St. John’s River is the source of Jacksonville Florida’s nickname, the River City, it is interesting to note that while the mighty flows through the heart of this major Florida city, the Toys Tour makes its homeport the small town of Palatka, where the river winds through wilderness and is most popular with fisherman and recreational boaters for its scenic beauty, calm protected waters, and numerous rustic waterfront restaurants and quaint fish camps.
The event is now headed up by organizer Walter Braithwaite who currently works with Velocity Powerboats and is an industry-veteran-turned poker run organizer who invested tremendous time and finances in putting together a first class event that made everyone feel welcome. While close to 100 teams were reported to have registered, it was apparent that at least sixty powerboats of all sizes took part in the fun run to 3 Bananas Restaurant in Crescent City, sponsored by Cigarette Racing Team. The next day featured a toy hand off for the kids, followed by lunch at Renegades on the River, which culminated at Silver Glen Springs, a popular anchorage in crystal clear, spring fed water. With the excitement of river cruising by day, paired with great dinner parties under the event tent, this was a splendid way to enjoy a rural and often undiscovered piece of paradise in Florida, and it’s a must-do for anyone that can get there!
Stu & Jackie hanging out at Silver Glen Springs raft-up
Lunch stop at Three Bananas on Crescent Lake
DANNY
ED MILLER
Hi-Tech Marine | 410-375-1638
ANDREW POKORNY
Powerstroke Performance | 239-910-4169
powerstrokeperformancespecialties.com | andrew.pokorny@gmail.com
2023 River Road | Baltimore | MD 21221
JOHN CLARKE
Jaguar Powerboats LLC | 954-673-8961
1437 Cunningham Brick Yard Rd | Thomasville | NC 27360
JORDAN LAMPKIN
Lampkin Marine Services | 242-376-3066
1323 SE 17th st | Fort Lauderdale | FL 33316
GREG & JENNIFER CONNELL
Legend Marine Group | 214-676-6885
www.hitechmarine.com | hitechmarine1@gmail.com jaguarpowerboats.com | dawn.clarke@jaguarpowerboats.com lampkinmarine.com | jordan@lampkinmarine.com legendmarinegroup.com | greg@ legendmarinegroup.com
3231 Commander Dr | Carrollton | TX 75006
JULIAN MALDONADO
Manatee Marine Unlimited | 941-405-2835
5660 Division Drive | Fort Myers | FL 33905
RICK SPADE
Spade Kreation | 513-383-6825
spademade.com | rick@spademade.com
11308 Dallas Boulevard | Cincinnatti | OH 45231
JOHN KRAY
Sportboats Marine | 239-770-2744
sportboats.com | conrad@sportboats.com
17790 San Carlos Blvd | Ft Myers | FL 33931
STEPHEN MILES
Stephen Miles Design | 270-570-4442
stephenmilesdesign.com | propainter7970@yahoo.com
3854 Griffin Ave | Owensboro | KY 42301
DAVID SHAEFFER
T&D Custom Painting | 616-841-1086
tanddcustompainting.com | david@tanddcustompainting.com
3806 US HWY 41 North | Palmetto | FL 34221
ALBERT FRANKO
Marine Connection | 646-785-0125
1410 W 24th Street | Miami Beach | FL 33140
ANDY IMHOF
Maryland Offshore Marine | 301-294-5936
9500 Henry Ct Suit 50 | Zeeland | MI 49464
FRANK SCHEELEN
Scheelen-Racing | 239-450-2931
scheelen-racing.com | topfun@me.com
Mallory Court 397 | Naples | FL341100
CHRISTOPHER GELSDORF
info@manateemarineunlimited.com | www.manateemarineunlimited.com marineconnection.com | albert@marineconnection.com mdoffshore.com | info@mdoffshore.com christopher.gelsdorf@solvingpartners.com
235-A Derwood Cir | Rockville | MD 20850 20457 Hamburg, Alter Wall 32 | Germany
MAYLA GmbH | 491-514-2506
REESE BROWN
Miramont Interests | 832-691-1581
reese@mt-tx.com
VINCENT ODDO
Office Furniture Connecti | 832-368-2066 ofconnection.com | voddo@ofconnection.com
750 Almeda Genoa Ste. A | Houston | TX 77047
LES VOUDRIE
Precision paint worx | 618-972-3513
macgyver2491@gmail.com
Total Marine | 201-741-6817
totalmarine.com | tcaruso@totalmarine.com
160 Water St | Norwalk | CT 06854
JOHN HERMAN SPRAGUE STEVE
Tuppen's Marine | 561-252-6105
tuppens.com | boatking@earthlink.net
5999 Homeland Rd | Lake Worth | FL 33449
JOSEPH LABON
Ultimate Marine | 407-276-5800
ultimatemarine.com | kevin@ultimatemarine.com
3419 WD Judge Dr #150 | Orlando | FL 32808
DAVID DELEZENNE
Unique Custom Marine | 954-980-4887
ucmarinevault.com | uniquecustommarine@gmail.com
2044 NW 25th Ave | Pompano Beach | FL 33069
Membership Info: 954-545-1414
