VOL 15 #1
A MAGAZINE SHOWCASING THE FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB LIFESTYLE
KEY W WEST EST n u R r e k Po As Good as it Gets!
WINTER WONDERLAND
! n o h t a r a In M
EMERALD Run COAST Poker
Six Days of Summer Fun!
FPC Discovers First Class Faro Blanco Resort Yacht Club
BIRTHDAY BASH IN PARADISE
Miami Boat Show Poker Run logs 20 years in Islamorada!
Plus... GIRLS OF FPC
WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM
A Magazine Showcasing The Florida Powerboat Club Lifestyle CONTENTS
SPRING/SUMMER 2015 Vol. 15#1
4 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Stu Jones stu@flpowerboat.com
The latest views and news from FPC president Stu Jones, who sees a great year ahead for our sport and announces plans to work on a national television production to promote poker runs.
OFFICE MANAGER
6 EMERALD COAST POKER RUN 2014
EDITOR/PUBLISHER
Tracey Gutierrez admin@flpowerboat.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Juan Carlos Grisales fpcmag@gmail.com Steve Sheer
PHOTOGRAPHY
Stu Jones Jim Wenger Ryan McCoy Jerry Wyszatycki
EVENT MANAGEMENT Jackie Jones jackie@flpowerboat.com Jobe Holmes
MEDIA SALES
Send resume to: stu@flpowerboat.com
TV & VIDEO PRODUCTION Stu Jones David Steel Ryan McCoy Juan Ona
The Big One Delivers Paradise in the Panhandle! For over two decades, poker runners from all over the U.S. have made this summer pilgrimage to Northwest Florida, to enjoy miles of sandy beaches and protected cruising grounds, while raising boatloads of money for local youth charities.
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 - Friday 10 AM - 5 PM
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34 FT LAUDERDALE BOAT SHOW BASH 2014 A tradition that has continued for more than a decade, the Cocktail Barge at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show was the perfect platform for this festive occasion!
36 22ND KEY WEST OFFSHORE POKER RUN Celebrating 22 years, this Fall event continues to deliver an amazing 350-mile roundtrip from Miami to Key West for over 170 poker run teams. Scenic vistas, colorful powerboats and smiling faces make this FPC’s signature poker run, year after year.
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74 KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014
Politics in Paradise: Discover how a United States government refuge agent has selectively targeted powerboaters and FPC over public access to Boca Grande Key, spinning local Keys media with unfair outcomes for FPC in the Monroe county funding arena.
80 WINTER POKER RUN FPC back to Marathon at the all-new Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club.
88 MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 2015
DIRECT ALL INQUIRIES TO
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Power & Sale. An amazing footprint of new offshore powerboats and new stern drive and outboard product from the leading manufacturers, took center stage at the Miami Convention Center and SeaIsle Marina. It was a bittersweet send-off, as the Miami Show bids farewell to these landmark show venues, and introduces an entirely new format for 2016, the Miami Marine Stadium at Virginia Key.
92 MIAMI BOAT SHOW BASH 2015
Sobe Salute. After 23 fabulous years for this South Beach celebration, the news of the Miami Boat Show moving to Virgina Key will put these party plans in jeopardy for the next few years. The 2015 Bash went out with a Bang, with great entertainment and a friendly Sobe Vibe that has made this the Friday Night ticket for over two decades!
80 88
96 MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN 2015
Jacket Optional! The unseasonable cold didn’t hold anyone back from joining FPC to celebrate 20 years of this annual Post-Boat-Show February tradition. In lieu of bikinis, tank tops and board shorts, the parkas and ski hats were Plan B apparel option, as 90 poker run teams bundled up for a weekend in Islamorada. FPC Pompano Beach Headquarters
Traveling? Need to lighten the load? Enjoy the digital version of this issue of Powerboating in Paradise Magazine on...
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All copyright laws apply. No ON THE COVER: Double Header: Mark & Eileen Fischer premiered their new Nor-Tech 527 at part of this publication may be the Miami Boat Show, then performed as paceboat for the Miami Boat Show Poker Run just a reproduced without the expressed written permission of the publisher few days later. MODELS: Every issue is a swimwear issue! Those lovely ladies of FPC keep us entertained at www.facebook.com/flpowerboat every FPC party. See highlights from the FPC Miami Boat Show bash on page 92.
SEE THE COMPLETE DIGITAL EDITION OF POWERBOATING IN PARADISE MAGAZINE AT WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM
SPRING 2015
Letter from the
PRESIDENT I
t seems like the long cold winters with record amounts of snowfall keep repeating year after year, and this past winter season was tremendously brutal for many of our northern friends. Thankfully for those who were able to plan their great escape, FPC provided adventures in paradise for thousands of powerboaters, starting with the Key West Poker Run in November, and followed by two consecutive poker runs to the Florida Keys in January and February. This issue of Powerboating in Paradise features excellent coverage and photos of all three events, along with some of the highlights from the Miami International GOT A Show, COMMENT Boat FPC’s FOR ME? and Miami Boat E-MAIL ME AT STU@FLPOWERBOAT.COM Show Bash. Many of these event venues took the theme of Grand Finales, as circumstances beyond our control affect the venues we select for memorable gatherings and the destinations we seek for our premier poker run events. With the pending change of venue for the Miami International Boat Show in 2016, from Miami Beach to Miami Marine stadium on Virginia
Key, it’s certain the 23-year FPC Miami Boat Show Bash will be forced to find a new home. Even the Miami Boat Show Poker Run, has certainly out-grown its destination at the Post Card Inn & Marina at Islamorada, illustrated by the 12-boat deep raft up along the outer bulkhead at the resort, and the ensuing panic when the wind hit 30mph! Clearly, as FPC moves forward into the latter
part of 2015 and as we plan our 2016 event schedules, it’s an ongoing struggle to find the ideal venues that provide us the perfect platform to host festive parties and exciting poker run events. We’ll certainly keep our members updated as these changes come forth! And now, as this issue of Powerboating in Paradise hits the Tampa Bay Poker Run, spring is in the air and many of us are already planning our summer poker run season.
Stu & Jackie Jones
For me that’s also exciting, as I’ve always made it a top priority to get out to other poker run events outside of Florida, and hang out with our members and meet new boating friends from all over the boating hotbeds in United States and Canada. The Jones clan have become seasoned motorhome travelers, so this summer, our plans may involve us visiting a handful of major poker runs from Texas to Michigan….. so let us know where you’re headed this summer and we’ll do our best to get there and join you! I may also be carrying a video camera to capture highlights and more importantly, the unique personalities that are the fabric of our sport! You guys and gals are a fun bunch, living life to its fullest, and I think it’s time to expose the culture of this fantastic poker run sport and the leading poker events around the country, on national television. We’re talking to a variety of networks now to come up with the best formats, but it’s all looking very promising, and we invite you all to join us for the exciting ride.
Stu Jones
President & Founder, FPC
Paradise In The Panhandle
The
BIG ONE STORY & PHOTOS | STU JONES STORY & PHOTOS | STU JONES
A
fter a very successful twenty two years of Paradise in the Panhandle, where every August thousands of visitors enjoy a great vacation in one of the nation’s premier boating destinations, one might expect the organizers of the Emerald Coast Poker Run to relax the format and leave the event on cruise-control for a few years. But not in this case. In fact, the event management partnership that was forged between the Florida 6
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Powerboat Club and the local Emerald Coast Foundation several years ago, has created synergies that keep new and fresh ideas coming to the table every year, with an outcome that is a win-win for all parties, particularly the attendees. After inclement weather in 2013 that resulted in a the first-ever Saturday cancellation of the boating portion of the poker run, there were some concerns by organizers that the 2014 Emerald Coast Poker Run might suffer a drop in attendance. That’s when the Emerald Coast Founda-
tion presented the idea of a smaller, less expensive class for the local boaters with smaller craft…who wanted to get in on the fun with the “Big Boys” that rolled into town every year with their high-powered, colorful machines. The outcome…. a new Ruby Class was offered for smaller craft, under 30 feet in length with less than six-hundred horsepower….while the big powered offshore powerboats now became the Emerald Class. While all the boats ran together on the Saturday run, the classes did not share the same course
For two full decades, poker runners have flocked to Northwest Florida to raise boatloads of money and party hardy at the Emerald Coast Poker Run.
World Famous AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar perched upon the bluffs of Destin’s historic inner harbor with spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico.
EMERALD COAST POKER RUN 2014 or checkpoints, nor did the Ruby class boats all play for the seats at the final table Saturday night, where a brand new Ford F150 Pickup would be awarded to the high-stakes winner. As always, the Boat Week Festivities were second to none….and the weeklong agenda remained focused on boating friendly, fund-raising events that would
ultimately give visiting poker run teams plenty of parties on their agenda if they arrived in town early. Tuesday night kicked things off with the Pirate-themed Mardi-Gras parade through Harborwalk Village in Destin, and for the second year the parade offered owners of powerboats that chance to parade their big shiny boats with crew on board, from the Coyote Ugly Parking lot and alongside the packed shops and restaurants of Harborwalk Village.
Continued on page 10 POWERBOATING IN PARADISE 7
EMERALD COAST POKER RUN 2014
8
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Parade
Emerald Coast poker run participants who arrive early into town, are treated to a complete agenda of great events that make up the “Boat Week” calendar. A few years back, the Pardi Gras Parade at Harborwalk Village in Destin, was added to that agenda, with a Tuesday evening party that’s fun for the whole family! A handful of poker run teams with their towvehicles connected to their boats, gathered at Coyote Ugly for staging, where several other Mardi-gras style floats were lit up and ready to entertain. Parade attendees wore colorful pirate and wench outfits and stacked up their giant bags of beads, ready to engage in this pirate-themed occasion. As the darkness fell, the parade excursion wea ved its way through a cro wded Harborwalk Village, near the foot of the landmark Emerald Grand Resort. Thousands of screaming kids waved their arms frantically, as float riders and boat crews tossed beads to their waiting hands. Once again, the powerboats were a big hit, and we suggest more participants try this for the 2015 edition of the Emerald Coast Poker Run. SJ
With thousands of spectators on hand to enjoy the show and catch countless beads, it’s great family fun that turns grownup men instantly into ten year olds. I speak from my own personal experience! Wednesday evening the party shifted to Helen Back Café on Okaloosa Island, where Emerald Coast Foundation president Chris Sehman (Helen Back’s owner) rolled out the red carpet to poker runners and event volunteers. You won’t get a better pizza in town anywhere, and it’s quite customary to see a tray of Fireball shots being passed around to festive partiers! The casino night theme ensured the fund-raising efforts would go to the “kids”, which refers to the many youthoriented charities that are the recipients of these charitable proceeds from the boat week parties. Thursday night heated up the Boat Week agenda with the sexy and always astonishing lineup of over twenty beautiful bikini contestants for the Miss Boat Week Contest, hosted at the Swamp Nightclub. Depending on where you are standing in this shoulder to shoulder full house, you may actually feel like you are indeed, in a Swamp, as the hot summer night in the open air venue, surrounded by cheering two hundred pound males….well you get the picture. That’s why I enjoy feeling like a big-shot at the contest judging table…with a cold ice bucket of beer at close reach to my left hand, and my right hand on my pen, which I use carefully to scrutinize and score the sensuous dance moves of contestant # 4 versus the washboard abs of Contestant # 7. Hey… there’s big prizes at stake!! By Friday….nearly all the poker run teams have rolled into town, and there is high-performance hardware everywhere the eye can see. There’s a huge clan that trailers in from States to the west…including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi….then a solid core from Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio to the north…and from the east…the usual suspects from Georgia and the Carolinas. Considering the event is staged in Florida, one may expect more boats from the Sunshine State, but even then it’s still over 650 miles one way from Miami, so that tends to limit the South Florida Continued on page 12 10
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Emerald Grande Beach
Joe Amodio (GA) Team TILTED KILT- 40’ Performance
Steve Anderson (FL), Team WATER DAMAGE - 35’ Baja
Ryan Borel (LA), Team SPECTRE - 30’ Spectre
Andrew Bragg (LA), Team ROAD RUNNER - 27’ Formula
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crew from making it all the way to the Emerald Coast. Once they try it…they will become hooked, because even South Florida just doesn’t have the endless beaches and over-the-top fun that that can be had on the Emerald Coast Poker Run. It’s just a gem in so many ways…. and one that cannot be appreciated until you actually get there and try it! FPC staged onsite registration, checkin and captains meetings once again from the Ramada Resort in Fort Walton Beach, along with the Emerald Grande Resort in Destin. By Friday afternoon dozens of poker run teams were ready to play, so the Friday fun run got underway…and a decision was made to head westbound to Juana Pagodas. This is by far one of the most popular checkpoints on the poker run, and by adding this to the fun run format on Friday, it gave us more time to fly the chopper and get some great aerial stills and video for the Powerboating in Paradise TV show. The weather was perfect and this gave everyone a chance to shake down the boats and get all revved up for the Saturday Poker Run. Of course Crab Island and Destin Harbor were already jammed up with boats as well…and from all reports on weather, we were all set for a perfect weekend. Friday Night is always AJ’s night, and it’s a big party! Owner Alan Laird is also one of the poker run forefathers, and although he’s not involved in organizing the poker run any longer, he always rolls out the red carpet and hosts a great party at AJ’s. There is special treatment of the poker runners, who have access to a fresh seafood buffet and have a big private deck to themselves, overlooking Destin Harbor and all the boats on display down below! What a fun time! By Saturday, you can pretty much be certain the boat count will always be 150 Plus…and this year a lot of those boats were part of the new Ruby Class. That was a great addition to the poker run, because it got a bunch of the locals to get on board and participate…many of them always felt they did not measure up to the big horsepower players…but that was never the intent of the organizContinued on page 14 12
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Jim Archambault (GA), Team STILL KEEPIN IT REAL - 34’ Sunsation
Shane Carrus (LA), Team JUS SAYIN - 36’ Baja
Weston Bass (LA), Team CHANGE ORDER - 39’ Cigarette
John Angelie (LA), Team SHE LIKES IT ON TOP - 38’ Fountain
Jason Birdwell (MS), Team MAXBIDDER.COM - 40’ Profile
Smoking the sound
ers and we are just happy that the local ECF and FPC were able to find a new format that made this happen. Our photo and video team got first class treatment flying with John Woodruff in his Bell Long Ranger called Windship, along with his gal Nancy and daughter Allie on board with. Wow, you want to talk about riding around in a Cadillacin-the-Sky. That was a first class flight and John’s not afraid to put that big beast down on the deck to get these great shots of all the boats that are here in the magazine! Thanks John! Saturday night was big fun as always at the Emerald Coast Convention Center. The ECF board works hard organizing this bash and I have to give them so much credit year after year. The food was fantastic…it was never too crowded at the food lines, the bar stands or the poker tables. It’s just a great way to finish the perfect day of boating. Of course it takes all night to play out so many poker hands so it was late before the final round got down to two players…and there was Eileen Fischer faced off against a newcomer named Bryan Stover , and bang… the guy takes a loaded Ford F150 Pickup as the Grand Prize. Funny thing….I could never get the guy to call us back here at FPC to conduct an interview for the magazine or the TV show so I guess it would have gone something like this… “My name is Bryan, I went to the Emerald Coast Poker Run 2014 and won a damn brand new truck!! Lucky me!” You TOO can win a big shiny new pickup truck!! Just come to the Emerald Coast Poker Run this summer…taking place the week of Aug 19-23rd ! We still call it the Big One for so many reasons, and its time you find out for yourself! SJ
Ray Andrus (TX ) Team RELENTLESS - 42’ Cigarette
Tim Brooks (LA), Team GEAUX SEA - 38’ Powerquest
Brent Buford (LA), Team OVAKILL - 47’ Outerlimits
ken Armstrong (TX), Team PHANTOM - 48’ MTI
Card Stop: Wei-an Chen (LA), Team ASIAN PERSUASIAN - 42’ Fountain
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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
OFFSHORE PERF MARINE
Warren Foreman (TX), Team XRATED - 46’ Skater
Robert “Bubba” Chrisco (OK), Team WAR PARTY - 39’ Cigarette
Bryan Davies (LA), Team V-ROD - 39’ Skater
Scott Favre (LA), Team FOUNTAIN - 38’ Fountain Cliff Anderson (TX), Team YOLO - 25’ Eliminator
Card Stop:
Mark & Eileen Fischer (FL), Team OFFLEASE ONLY - 39’ Deep Impact
Brian Davis (GA), Team POKER FACE - 35’ Fountain
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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
BOATS DIRECT USA
Donald Braddy (FL), Team SWAMP CHOMP II - 35’ Everglades
Gary Goodell (FL), Team CAVEMAN - 38’ Cigarette
Richie Barr (La), Team WIRED UP - 38’ Fountain
Gerald Haning (TX), Team EXCUSES - 48’ MTI
Johnny Ballard (TX), Team BUSTED - 43’ NorTech
Nigeville Fire Rescue _ Safety Support
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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
PIRATES OF LANIER
Eric Huegele (TX), Team BADFISH- 42’ Fountain
Rich Johanneck (MN), Team FUELISH PLEASURE - 40’ Advantage
Mark Hurm (FL), Team TA-DA! - 25’ Baja
David & Jenny Landsman (TX) Team GOLDDIGGER - 50’ Outerlimits
Miles Holcomb (MS), Team SMOKIN THE SOUND - 35’ Cigarette
AJ’s
Chet & Cindy Huffman (CA), Team WAY NUTZ - 43’ NorTech
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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
ACTIVE THUNDER
Clint Kellam (TX), Team UNCHAINED - 38’ Fountain
SAFETY PATROL BOAT TIME TO LIME
Josh Kirkland (GA), Team UOEVNO - 42’ Fountain
Heath Kirkwood (TX), Team JUST PLUMB - 42’ FOUNTAIN
David Shelton (KY), Team NAILED IT III - 38’ Fountain
HWY 98 Bridge with scenic Crab Island on the left
Michael Pierce (LA), Team MAXIMUS - XX’ Cigarette
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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
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EMERALD COAST POKER RUN 2014
Juanas & Crab Island Whenever some asks us to describe what is so fantastic about boating along the Emerald Coast, it’s often hard to find the words that do justice to its scenic beauty and unique geography that set it apart from so many other Florida boating hotspots. Its all about the beaches really, but most people think of beaches as ocean front stretches of sandy beach, populated with large resorts and condominiums along the shoreline. But exposed coastal beaches are not boater friendly, whereas the miles and miles of beaches along the protected waters from Destin to Pensacola, are the backdrop for the Emerald Coast Poker Run, and the reason that so many local boaters rarely miss a weekend of summer boating fun in this area. Over the years, the most popular areas for poker runners, continue to be Crab Island, just inside Destin’s East Pass and a checkpoint named Juana’s Pagodas, at the west end of the poker run course near the small beach town, Navarre. For the 2014 Emerald Coast Poker Run, organizers decided to make Juana’s the destination for the Friday fun run, which proved to be a great addition to the agenda. Whether you attend the poker run or just sit back and watch all the action, the scenic waterways and beaches in the Emerald Coast provide miles and miles of endless anchoring spots and soft sandy beaches. SJ
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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
SONIC BOATS
Rufus Scott (GA), Team II FREAK- 38’ Baja
Brian Shelton (IN), Team LIV4 TODAY - 40’ MTI
Mark Hurm (FL), Team TA-DA! - 25’ Baja
Mike & Michelle Sommer (IL) Team SOMMER THUNDER - 37’ Active Thunder Glen Wilson (OK), Team DANGERKITTY - 28’ Skater
Emerald Grande Resort
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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Cass Shewbart (TX), Team LIQUID PROZAC - 38’ Cigarette
BOAT SHOW TV / PIPTV
Ladd Spring (LA), Team SPRING BREAK II- 42’ Cigarette
Jerry Swanson / Keath Snow (MS), Team TERRIBLE- 46’ Skater
Jerry Swanson (MS), Team LUNA SEA- 47’ Fountain
Roger Anderson (TX) Team EASY MONEY - 42’ Fountain
Derek Wachob (OK), Team BLACK DIAMOND - 52’ MTI AJ’s
Kevin Kurkowski (TX) Team GRASSYASS 2 - 35’ Fountain
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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Derek Wachob (OK), Team PLAN B - 42’ Cigarette
GROVE HARBOUR
EmErald Coast pokEr run 2014
Miss Boat Week
One of the highlights of the Boat Week agenda has always been the Miss Boat Week Contest, which has been held at the Swamp Nightclub in Fort Walton Beach for several years. This year’s lineup of beautiful contestants kept several hundred party guests entertained, as the open-air nightclub provided warm ocean breezes and the bartenders worked feverishly to quench the thirst of the festive mob! Judging this contest has
become a very prestigious honor, and this year more participants provided generous contributions for the privilege of sitting in the front row and scoring contestants on many attributes, including their witty answers to questions from the comical Emcee! Special thanks to FPC member Joe Amodio from Tilted Kilt, for his generous (five digit) donation to the event...100% of that amount going to the event charity, Emerald Coast Foundation. SJ
Florida Powerboat Club Presents P resents the:
23RD
Emerald Coast Poker Run 2015
160+ BOATING TEAMS EXPECTED! ALL BOATS WELCOME - ANY STYLE ANY SIZE!
.RAISING MONEY FOR KIDS OF THE EMERALD COAST .GREAT ACCOMMODATIONS ON DESTIN & FORT WALTON BEACH .THE FINEST BEACHES & BEST BOATING IN THE USA!
AUG 18-23
brought to you by:
2015
EMERAL COAST FPC AD
Charitable Proceeds Go to:
SCHEDULE OF BOAT WEEK EVENTS • Tues.18Th Pardi Gras Parade - Poker Run Boats Welcome! harborwalk Village- Destin Th helen Back Casino Night Kickoff Party •WeD.19 Ladies Night - helen Back Fort Walton Th •ThuRs. 20 Miss Boat Week Contest @ The swamp. Friday Fun Run & AJ’s Captains Party •FRI. 21sT ND: 23RD Annual emerald Coast Poker Run •sAT.22 Poker Run Bash emerald Coast Convention Center Party. RD •suN. 23 Crab Island Raftup Party.
REGISTER, SUBSCRIBE, OR MORE INFO ONLINE AT WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM OR CALL 954-545-1414
FORT
LAUDERDALE
B A S H “One for the Money, Two for the show” There’s no better way to kick off the fall boating season that with a big “Double Header”, a premier boat show backed up by a FPC’s signature poker run to Key West! And the best way to celebrate this festive occasion is the FPC’s Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Bash, staged once again at the Hi Performance dock cocktail barge at the Bahia Mar, with dozens of high performance powerboats from the nation’s leading builders, as the backdrop! For an action packed entertainment agenda, organizers stacked the deck with a sexy Halloween fashion show and live musical entertainment from the renown, Ron “Elvis” Adams, and his backup band, the Castaways. The party kicked off on schedule at 8PM, as the doors of the Ft Lauderdale Show closed for the day, but show visitors and exhibitors alike were welcome to stop by for some fun, and the front gates of the Boat Show remained open to party guests.
34 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
With the 22nd Annual Key West Poker Run as the party’s theme, fashion show (contestants) were scored by a panel of judges, both men and women, to determine the winner of the coveted Miss Key West Poker Run. Between fashion shows, the live music continued, as Ron and his Castaways band got the crowd dancing to the Elvis favorites we have all come to love. For those who have attended the Emerald Coast Poker Run over the years, most would know that Ron and his wife Joy are well-known throughout the Florida Panhandle, for their support of many charity events, where Ron most often donates his performances to organizers for their entertainment agendas. Special thanks to Ron and Joy Adams for making this a special night, and thanks to the entire Show Management staff for treating FPC staff and invited guests with a warm welcome year after year! SJ
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 35
Key West Temptation
After twenty two years and millions of media impressions from images and video clips transmitted around the world, FPC’s Key West Poker Run has comfortably reached status class of “Bucket A group of boats from the the Performance gets up List Poker Run” for so many that attend. And for those who watch from to speed as they depart Grove Harbour Marina, for afar, the the Temptation grows deeper, as Thursday every year event delivers a fresh new bundle of seductive content. start. the Joining the action in hot pursuit of the “money shot”, the FPC photo & video crew flew in the STORY: JONES l PHOTOS: JONES,Helicopter. RYAN MCCOY, JERRY WYSZATYCKI, & JIM WENGER Robinson R44STU from Florida Coast STU to Coast
A
ttending the Key West Poker Run is everything but a last minute impulse or a wild-hair-in-theass decision. Indeed, it is quite the opposite as we have learned from thousands of participants over the years. Joining a group of 150-plus powerboats for what is essentially a week-long adventure in boating paradise, that often tallies in more than 400-miles roundtrip, sucks thousands of dollars in fuel and hotels from the pockets of its participants, and for many, it takes weeks or months in planning…it’s understandable that the Key West Poker Run has found its way onto the poker run “bucket-list” for boaters from around the globe. Perhaps even more astounding, is that in spite of all the logistical challenges and the fact that Key West is one of the most expensive poker runs to attend on the national circuit, due to is long distance, weeklong agenda and high
36 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
ABOVE: Whether it’s a colorful fleet of high dollar offshore machines rumbling into the harbor for a poker card, or a peaceful sunset from Mallory Square, the Key West Poker Run has an allure that stimulates all the senses.
cost of accommodations, the hard core enthusiasts travel thousands of miles and keep returning year after year! The 2014 edition of this signature poker run event marked 22 consecutive years for the Florida Powerboat Club, staging this weeklong fall festival, which fell immediately on the heels of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. As FPC staff tore down the boat show booth at Bahia Mar Resort & Marina, another fully loaded event trailer was on its way to Key West the following day for the poker run village set up at the Conch Republic Seafood Company. Making matters
even more challenging for organizers, was the increased registration to nearly 175 registered poker run teams, including well over thirty major sponsors, bringing Key West back to the strong participation numbers that were present ten years earlier when the economy was in high-gear. Of course, strong registration numbers are never a problem‌merely an indication that we at FPC would have to do our best to stay well-organized for poker run check-ins, catered functions, poker run checkpoints‌and above all, remain focused on maintaining the highest level of safety on the poker run
course. For that task, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) boats were on hand with a strong presence, along with Miami Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) fireboats and trained dive-paramedic teams to patrol the poker run couse. In the past, the event offered as many as four departure dates from Miami, giving participants many options to customize their poker run agenda. But in more recent years, the most popular days have become Wednesday and Thursday, and that format was adopted for the 2014 event. Weather was fantastic as the fi rst round of continued on next page
Powerboating in Paradise | 37
THURSDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014
DR. CHRIS DELOACHE (OK) Team GAME OVER | 42’ MTI
RICHIE BARR (LA)
Team WIRED UP | 38’ Fountain
ERIK & DANNEEN MARTIN (OH)
Team RUNNIN ON E | 37’ Active Thunder
JEFFREY BOGNOLO (FL)
Team GOOD NEIGHBOR | 38’ Donzi
about 40+ teams gathered at Sea Isle Marina for the Wednesday departure, which would take its customary parade along the Miami skyline before heading to Grove Harbour Marina for the first poker card. The conditions on Biscayne Bay provided a smooth ride for all boats, as the group spread out into a long formation, with the faster Hi-Performance class boats leading the charge towards Key Largo, with the Performance and Sportboat classes falling into the well-defined vapor trails that carved through the bay waters. After a fabulous lunch in Key Largo, managed and overseen by the new owners of Gilberts Resort, the eager weekend warriors were back on track, weaving through the scenic waters of the upper Keys. Next stop, Sunshine Key RV Park, where the marina staff and VP Fuels were on hand to provide a healthy dose of fuel, for the final leg into Key West. In hindsight, it might be easy to conclude that the Wednesday departure went off like clockwork, with no major incidents. As for Thursday, well that’s another story, and one that will remain in the FPC archives for an eternity. continued on page 42
38 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
THURSDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014
CELESTE SEGREDO & JASON VENTURA (FL) Team BRAND X HI PERF MARINE | 36’ Cigarette
TODD WERNER (FL)
Team STATEMENT! | 50’ Statement! Passion Cat
CHRIS FISHER (VT)
Team VT DONZI | 35’ Donzi
HUNTER & LAUREN COE (MI) Team NAS-T | 39’ Ocean Express
40 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
FRIDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014
DAVID & JENNY LANDSMAN (MD) Team SUPERCAT | 36’ Nor-Tech
MIKE CLAMSHACK (FL) Team AFTERFISH | 36’ Yellowfin
If you’ve ever attended the Key West Poker Run, and were debating which departure day would be the best for you to join, you probably asked us, “What’s the biggest day when Most of the boats are going?” The answer has always been “Thursday”, mostly because the five-day, four night program seems to provide everyone with just the right amount of time to have a great poker run experience in every way. But that often puts the Thursday run at well over 100 participant boats, and certainly creates challenges with the management of poker run checkpoints, lunch stops and fuel locations. For 2014, organizers added an alternative lunch location at the Island Fish Company in Marathon, so that participants could avoid the big raft up and crowded lunch stop at Gilberts. Even though the Gilberts staff did a fantastic job handling the huge crowd of participants, the Island Fish Company checkpoint was applauded by all those who gave it a try….great food, private docks, and certainly easy to find near the entrance to the Vaca Cut at the north end of Marathon along the bayside. continued on page 44
MIAMI DADE FIRE BOAT 1: Taking its role in the FPC Safety Management Program and putting on a show!
42 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
FRIDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014
JIM & LYNNE ARCHAMBAULT (GA)
Team STILL KEEPIN’ IT REAL | 34’ Sunsation
MICHAEL ALEXANDER (NY)
Team TJA MOTORSPORTS | 32’ Skater
NATE & ROBIN MICHEL (LA)
Team REMOTE ACCESS | 47’ Outerlimits
JOE CALVANESE & DAN DESANTIS (CT)
For the 2015 Key West event, we’ll add yet another Marathon checkpoint at Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club, making for a smooth flow of boats and providing more facilities for lunch and fuel along the 170 miles course from Miami to Key West. The Thursday run did encounter some drama along the course, as one participant boat experienced a fire that eventually got out of hand, along bay waters just south of Islamorada. The boat’s captain used numerous fire extinguishers in an attempt to put out the engine room fire, but the intense heat kept re-igniting the hull, until the boat eventually transformed into an inferno. Thanks to the quick actions and response by numerous other poker run teams, the captain and crew were rescued with no injuries. What remained was a charred hull, and one very upset boat owner, who seemed to take it in stride. Aside from the obvious terrible loss for this longtime FPC member, if anything positive can be taken away from this incident, it’s (a) the reminder of how important it is to going boating in a group setting and (b) that having the best and most up-to-date fire extinguishing equipment on board is paramount to the safety of your vessel and your crew. By late Thursday, more than 150 registered poker run boats had arrived and settled in at a multitude of marinas throughout Key West, and by Friday another dozen or more teams would join the group. The festivities were in full-speed at Poker Run Headquarters, located once again at the Conch Republic Seafood Company. This landmark Old Town location is on the doorstep to the Historic Seaport, offers a 300-person seafood restaurant, a landbased footprint for numerous marine sponsor displays, and was bustling with activity from Thursday through Sunday.
Team DE CAL | 46’ Skater
44 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
continued on page 46
FRIDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014
DAVID COHEN (MA)
Team OUTERLIMITS | 52’ Outerlimits
JOHN & MARIA BETTENCOURT (MA) Team LAST CALL | 47’ Fountain
CHET & CINDY HUFFMAN (CA) Team WAY NUTZ | 43’ Nor-Tech
BRYAN & TINA FUNK (MD)
Team OASIS MARINAS | 38’ Fountain
46 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
The Poker Run Village enter t a i n ment a g end a included Peoples’ Choice awards on Thursday evening, a Sponsor Appreciation Happy Hour on Friday, and of course the big Poker Run dinner party on Saturday evening, where participants enjoy a lavish dinner presented by Conch Republic Seafood Company, and teams play out their poker cards for huge prizes, including a Ford Mustang Convertible, offered by OffleaseOnly.. It would be the 7th Grand Prize Mustang offered on this event, in as many years. SJ
OffleaseOnly Grand Prize Mustang Convertible
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FRIDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014 GEORGE & SHANNON ARGYROS (FL) Team MAYHEM | 44’ MTI
WARREN FOREMAN (TX) Team RATED X | 46’ Skater
JEFF CAMPBELL (TX)
Team RIDIN’ DIRTY | 43’ Nor-Tech
BOBBY & TANYA MURRAY (MD) Team SPECTRE | 36’ Spectre
48 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014 | FRIDAY JOHN ROSATTI (FL)
Team BURGERFI| 52’ MTI Special thanks to John and the crew from Burgerfi for returning as a Key West Sponsor. The Burgerfi mobile display trailer was parked in the Poker Run Village, with Lamborghini’s and all sorts of cool toys!
MORECHELL & BONITA PRYER (VA) Team NO LIMITS | 47’ Formula The couple from Virginia had taken a few years away from the Key West Poker Run, but returned with their colorful 47 Fountain Poker Run edition.
SIMON & KATHRYN WILLIAMS (FL)
Team GOGPS | 42’ Cigarette Special thanks to the Williams’ for entertaining FPC guests Rolf and Petra from Europe, who are avid boaters with their Sunseeker in Mallorca, Spain.
GARY GOODELL (FL)
Team CAVEMAN | 38’ Cigarette
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 49
FRIDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014
DENNIS RAIA (NY)
Team OUTRAIAGIOUS | 48’ MTI
BOB & ELLE BERG (FL) Team ARTEMIS | 50’ Nor-Tech
FALK & NATASHA PREUSSNER (FL) Team ESSENCE | 42’ MTI SV
FRED REAVIS (SC)
Team BLEW BY U | 40’ MTI
50 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
FRIDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014
FRANK SCHULTZ JR. (CO) Team AMERICAN MUSCLE III | 46’ Cigarette
LADD SPRING (LA) Team SPRING BREAK II | 42’ Cigarette
GLENN SALYER (KY)
Team LAKE CUMBERLAND MARINE | 50’ Outerlimits
52 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
JOHN & CONNIE FAHMY (GA) Team EVERDRY | 38’ Baja
CARD STOP | Grove
Harbour Marina
Grove Harbour Marina provided a great launch pad for dozens of poker run teams, and remains as the official starting point where Poker Card #1 is handed off. With big plans for future development, Grove Harbour has purchased the neighboring restaurants and marina to the south, promising an exciting future for FPC members and poker run events.
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 53
FRIDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014 SKIP BRAVER (FL)
Team CIGARETTE RACING | 41’ Cigarette 1040
CURT & JUJU VINSON (FL) Team HIGH HEELIN | 39’ Nor-Tech
JIM WILEY (FL)
Team 007 | 44’ MTI
WAYNE WILKERSON (FL) Team SUPER BEAST 40’ Nor-Tech
54 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 55
FRIDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014 MARK WADDINGTON (NE)
Team PERFORMANCE BOAT CENTER | 52’ Outerlimits
Departing Miami on a beautiful day!
TONY THOMPSON (TX)
Team PAIN KILLER | 47’ Fountain
JEFF & JENNIFER CORBEL (IL) Team OUTA MY MIND | 39’ Outerlimits
CURTIS & REBEKAH WATKINS (FL)
Team DISRUPTER | 52’ Skater
CURTIS WATKINS (FL)
Team DISRUPTER | 52’ Skater
56 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014 | FRIDAY MARK & RACHEL WADDINGTON (NE) Team FAST REDHEAD | 52’ Outerlimits
MICHAEL & VERONICA VOUDOURIS (TX) Team CLEAN SWEEP
| 39’ Nor-Tech
MATT GARLAND (KY) Team UN-CORKED | 39’ Nor-Tech
ESKIL HANSEN (NOR) Team NOR-TECH | 50’ Nor-Tech
SCOTT CONRAD (FL)
Team NOR-TECH | 39’ Nor-Tech Center Console
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 57
FRIDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014
STEVE & MARINA JOHNSON (FL) Team NAUTI GIRL | 38’ Formula
JOSH KIRKLAND (GA) Team UOEVNO | 42’ Fountain
RON ROMAN-RICUCCI (NJ) Team MOTLEY CREW | 42’ Fountain
BRAD SCHOENWALD & SCOTT PRICE (FL)
Team POWERBOAT NATION | 38’ Cigarette
58 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Old Town Villas 8.5x11.qxp_Layout 1 3/18/15 11:44 PM Page 1
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FRIDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014
JACK VILLARS (SWITZERLAND) Team JACK | 44’ MTI
KARSTEN MELCHER (GERMANY) Team GERMANY 1 | 28’ EVO LaveyCraft
BRYAN ALOIA (NJ)
Team HUSTLER SLINGSHOT | 38’ Hustler
JAMES & HEATHER PELLIZZI (FL) Team TAPS | 40’ MTI
60 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014 | FRIDAY
AMY LINCOLN & BOB PERETTE (MA)
Team HEAT HER UP | 35’ Cigarette
MIKE & ANGELA GOLDBAUGH (AL) Team LATE FEE$ | 38’ Donzi
JOE AMODIO (GA)
Team TILTED KILT | 40’ Performance
DAN KURZEJEWSKI (PA) Team RIDE THIS | 38’ Cigarette
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 61
FRIDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014 CRAIG MYTELKA (VA)
Team SUNSATION | 34’ Sunsation CCX POKER RUN SPONSOR
MAX ALANIZ (TX)
Team KING OF CLUBS | 39’ Nor-Tech
“OFFICIAL PACEBOAT” THURSDAY Stu got a chance to ride his old boat!
DAVID DENICOLA (NJ)
Team NOR EASTER | 39’ Nor-Tech Note: Fully rigged for Fishing!
JEFF & MARILYN WHITLOCK (AL) Team DO IT | 42’ MTI
62 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Something’s out there. Make sure you see it.
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Contact Electronics Unlimited at (954) 467-2695 to learn more about the complete line of FLIR products.
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FRIDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014 TOM BEAGLE (MI)
Team BAR-NONE | 36’ Sunsation
MICHAEL CIASULLI (NJ) Team MAXON HYUNDAI- MAZDA | 38’ Skater
BUDDY THOMAS (MA) Team ALL SET | 46’ Outerlimits
64 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014 LUNCH STOP |
Gilberts
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 65
FRIDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014
JOE SGRO (NJ) Team OUTERLIMITS | 43’ Outerlimits
Note: Record holding 181 mph V bottom! Displayed in Poker Run Village
RENE HOPPE (GER) Team GERMANY 4
Anchoring in paradise off Key West
WALLY CASTRO (PR) Team WALLY CASTRO RACING | 36’ Nor-Tech
CHRIS & ANDREA SCHOENFELD (OH) Team STATEMENT! | 42’ Statement!
66 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Boca Grande - Saturday
PM-Mag-8.75x11.125_Suncoast_PM 2/24/15 1:47 PM Page 1
SUNCOAST BOAT SHOW At Marina Jack
APRIL 17-19 Shop various types and styles boats, marine electronics, products and accessories all in one place. See and Shop over 150 New boats, including: Azimut, Back Cove, Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Chris-Craft, Century, Cobalt, Cruisers, Formula, Four Winns, Grady White, Grand Banks, Hatteras, Hinckley, Jupiter, Monterey, Meridian, Pursuit, Scout, Sea Ray, Viking and More.
SHOW DAY/HOURS/ADMISSIONS: Fri. & Sat. 10 am to 7 pm, Sun. 10 am to 5 pm. Adults $12 at the gate, $10 online. Kids Under 15 are free.
Electronics and Accessories: Shop tents full of Electronics, Accessories, Jewelry, Art and Clothing all in a festive and clean atmosphere. Food, Drinks and Music: Easy access to area restaurants plus food, drinks and music on show site. WWW.SHOWMANAGEMENT.COM: Your source for driving and parking directions, admission and discounted tickets.
Marina Jack 2 Marina Plaza Sarasota, FL 34236 DOWNLOAD THE FREESHOW APP MYBOATSHOW
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FRIDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014
JERRY SPRINGER (FL) Team ON COURSE | 39’ Nor-Tech
CHRIS RYDER (NY) Team WHIPLASH | 32’ Skater
MARK STODDART (CANADA) Team OFFLIMITS | 50’ Offlimits
CHRISTIAN MCCAULEY (NH) Team INSTIGATOR | 36’ Nor-Tech
68 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Leaving Miami
KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014 | FRIDAY
MARK & EILEEN FISCHER (FL) Team OFFLEASEONLY.COM | 39’ Deep Impact
Team BOATSDIRECT.COM | 36’ Black Water
MARK PALANCHIAN (FL)
Team NEXTERA ENERGY POWER MARKETING | 90’ Yacht MIA Poker Card Check Point
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 69
FRIDAY | KEY WEST SHOW POKER RUN 2014 DON LIGHTFOOT (TX) Team LOOSE FOOT TOO | 52’ Nor-Tech
KEN ARMSTRONG (TX) Team PHANTOM | 48’ MTI
JOHN & PEGGY BARTHOLOMEW (OK) Team ELIMINATOR | 36’ Eliminator
70 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
SATURDAY | KEY WEST SHOW POKER RUN 2014 DAVID TIEVY (MD)
Team SPEC-OPS IV | 48’ Fountain OFFICIAL PRIZE SPONSOR
CURTIS GANO (MI)
Team PRIMAL INSTINCT (MI) | 38’ Cigarette
GLENN & KATHY GERSTENSLAGER (OH) Team HAULIN ASS | 42’ Fountain
WILLIAM PATER (MI) Team US TARP | 40’ Profile
POKER RUN GRAND PRIZE WINNER
72 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
SATURDAY | KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014 POLITICS
In Paradise
SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT AND MEDIA AGENDA TARGETS “POWERBOATERS” NOT JOHN Q PUBLIC
S
ATURDAY is probably one of the biggest days for the Key West Poker Run, with so much going on in Key West and so many people outdoors and having fun! For over twenty years, FPC management has always planned a fun run to tropical paradise, giving attendees a chance to enjoy the scenic waters in-and-around Key West, while capturing great photo and video content for the club magazine, website, videos and TV series on SunSports. Back in the mid-nineties, the Saturday Fun Run had a more ambitious agenda, which involved running about twenty five miles to the Marquesas Keys, where a beautiful protected anchorage provided safe harbor for dozens of boats that would raft up for an afternoon in paradise. Unfortunately, the entrance to this anchorage is not marked, and far too many boaters with less-than-perfect navigation skills often found themselves scrubbing bottom and packing sand in their strainers or impellers. So we soon discovered through many of the local Key West boaters, there was a more suitable anchorage and sandy beach along the shores of Boca Grande, in the Mule Keys, just twelve miles from Key West. This proved to be a MUCH better solution, as deep water kept propellers and intakes out of harm’s way, and the sandy bottom made it easy to anchor. Of course the beach was always an option, and many found it easiest to nestle the keel of their boat along the sandy beach, and get out to walk around and socialize with other boaters. This all begin in about
74 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
On Saturdays during powerboat week, Key West harbor is congested with cruise ships, tour boats, commercial traffic , rental boats, tourists on jet skis and race boats testing for the Sunday Superboat races. After conversations with USCG in Key West many years ago, FPC president Stu Jones decided back in the 90’s to take the poker run boats away from Key West harbor to a place where these boaters could have some fun and reduce harbor congestion. As seen in the photo below, Boca Grande is the perfect setting, with which a much safer solution to an otherwise volatile harbor that has increased potential for a catastrophic boating accident. But the US National Refuge are now attempting to take that away, by specifically targeting FPC and making a public agenda to ban the poker run boats from visiting its inviting shores and harbor.
1999, and while there appeared to be government signage on the property stating no trespassing on the “uplands” visitors pretty much stayed within the guidelines and enjoyed the scenic beauty of Boca Grande, and took home fond memories from their Key West Poker Run experience. Over the years, the Boca Grande picnicstyle event grew in popularity, and after about ten ye a rs, FPC was contacted occasionally by the offices of the United States Fish & Wildlife Office, located in Big Pine Key. There were never any off icers present at the island itself….just occasional
phone calls stating that there were guidelines that we needed to follow if FPC wanted to continue visiting the Key. Of course, never wanting to jeopardize a relationship with a federal agency, we did what we could to cooperate and follow the park’s directives…and in fact, FPC also began a media campaign to educate our television viewers, club members and magazine readers, of the importance of leaving the fragile ecosystem in the exact state it was in as they arrived. Another matter involved a request by the office, to no longer land our helicopter on an open patch of beach the south end of the Key. “No problem I said, to Officer Steve Burger back in 2013…we won’t land the helicopter there ever again.” But in October 2014, just a few weeks before the Key West Poker Run, a letter came from the offices of the US National Refuge…. stating that the Florida Powerboat Club
This panoramic photo of the shoreline of Boca Grande was compiled digitally by combining more than 25 aerial photographs. Enlarged versions allowed FPC staff to identify that just 1/3 of the boats beached along the sandy shores, were registered poker run boats. It seems irresponsible for the US National Wildlife Refuge office to randomly point its finger at FPC, and organization that has been supportive of the agency’s agenda for years.
was no longer welcome at Boca Grande. I immediately followed up on the letter, calling the letter writer, a (new) officer named Nancy Finley, who had taken over for our previous contact. I was shocked that Officer Finley was essentially saying that FPC boats were no longer welcome there, but when I asked if the Key would be closed to “all public”, it was clear that this wasn’t the case. It was just the “poker run” boats that were the subject of letter, not John Q Boater. While I stressed that I had little time to find alternate anchorage locations, I took the necessary steps as requested, to remove the Boca Grande Fun Run the agenda. Furthermore, FPC staff immediately took the initiative to publish rules and guidelines for the sanctuary, and circulated them in the FPC poker run captain’s kits. At the
mandatory captains meeting in Miami, members were informed of the agenda by the National Refuge office, and I suggested they seek other anchoring locations...or at the very least, follow the guidelines and “raft up” in anchorage, rather than beach their boats along the sandy shores of Boca Grande. As expected, dozens of boats headed to Boca Grande on Saturday, and there were soon more than 150 boats present near the shoreline or along the sandy beach. Most noticeable, were the increased number of FPC member boats that were anchored and rafted up, rather than beached along the sandy shores. As promised, we did not land our FPC helicopter on the shoreline, and instead took photos from the west side of the Key, to document the day’s activities. It appeared to be
the typical scene that happens during every Key West Poker Run, and we never thought once about it again... Until a month later. That’s when the Key West Citizen broke a front page story, that the US National Refuge says Powerboaters NO LONGER WELCOME, further singling out Florida Powerboat Club and its founder, Stu Jones. This is the kind of unfair targeting and selective enforcement that is simply unacceptable, especially in light of all the efforts made by FPC to cooperate with the US FW office. We went on to later poll the management of the area marinas and dock masters at all the leading marinas in the Key West area, to determine what type of information agenda or campaigning had ever been carried out by the US FW POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 75
After FPC management launched Boca Grande visitation guidelines to its members and made this an important item on the agenda for the poker run captains meeting, more boats were seen anchoring than in previous years. It was very apparent that many FPC members had changed their patterns to suit park official’s requests. office….to instruct area boaters of the same guidelines that were spelled out to Florida Powerboat Club, and apparently, it’s never been done. The message conveyed to FPC to no longer visit Boca Grande by boat, has apparently never been communicated to local boaters in Key West ! That’s where this story ends….but where our fight begins. No government agency at any level, whether a county, state or federal agency, can rule a magic wand over the general public and selectively decide who and who Can or Cannot visit publicly owned lands. It’s time for powerboat owners to get on board and take a stand against this anti-poker run agenda, and start writing letters to the US National Refuge Office in Big Pine Key. Voice your disapproval of this unfair, selective enforcement…and the misuse of the local media to target our organization. Since the articles surfaced in the Key West Citizen and other local newspapers in December 2014, the Monroe County Commission, which oversees the distribution of county tax dollars and grants to organizations that generate tourism in Monroe County, stepped into the middle of an already approved grant to Florida Powerboat Club. A TDC funding application was approved in 2014 for an FPC Key Largo event planned for October 2015, in the amount of $ 10,000. That funding grant was since overturned by the county commission due to the wrongful and inaccurate reporting by the local press. That event has since been cancelled as a result! Its time to voice your concerns: Please call or write to: Nancy Finley Fish and Wildlife Service, US 28950 Watson Blvd. Big Pine Key, Florida 33043-4665 email: Nancy_Finley@fws.Gov Ph: 305-872-2239 76 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
A wide variety of boats visited Boca Grande, and it was evident by the presence of fishing boats and cruisers that many local boaters were visiting the island as well.
Large yachts and cruisers like the Sunseeker pictured, gave their crews a great platform for a beautiful day on the water. The yacht pictured was not registered with the poker run event. This image depicts about four local boats and their crews beached along the sandy shores of Boca Grande, while several poker run boats remain anchored offshore, as requested by park officials.
KEY WEST POKER RUN 2014
Party & Awards
There was so much going on around the Key West Poker Run Village all weekend long, and every evening featured entertainment, awards and presentations to the many teams and sponsors. Thursday kicked off a new tradition of presenting the coveted Peoples Choice Awards, followed by the Friday evening Sponsor Appreciation Night, where over 30 Key West Feature Sponsors are recognized for their contributions and support. Of course Saturday always the big bash, where poker run teams play out their cards for great prizes, including the Grand Prize Mustang Convertible, offered by OffleaseOnly. Congratulations to Bill Pater from Michigan who took home the Grand Prize Mustang, and to all our winners in a variety of categories!
Bill Pater (left) from Michigan attended his first Key West Poker Run in his 40’ Profile, and pulled the lucky hand that landed first place and the OffleaseOnly 2014 Ford Mustang convertible!
e s i Winter d a r a nP in
STORY STU JONES | PHOTOS STU JONES & RYAN MC COY
AFTER A THREE YEAR ABSENCE FROM THE JANUARY EVENT CALENDAR, THE FPC WINTER POKER RUN RE-KINDLED THE CLUB’S LONG AWAITED RETURN TO MARATHON, WHERE AN ALL-NEW FARO BLANCO YACHT CLUB PROVIDED THE PERFECT SETTING FOR THIS MID-WINTER ESCAPE TO PARADISE.
E
scaping the cold northern winters to enjoy powerboating vacations in tropical paradise is the very essence of how Florida Powerboat Club was created in the first place. So it only makes sense that the club offers a wide selection of Florida boating events during the cold winter months, year after year. But somehow, as cold as it may be in mid-January in places like Illinois, Michigan or Ontario, attendance at the Winter Poker Run to the Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys began to dwindle in 2009 and 2010, leading FPC management to pull the event from the schedule for three years. Then, when the all-new Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club announced its property would be open for business in January 2015, it seemed like a fitting time to get the Winter Poker Run back on the map. The allure of a brand new Hyatt Place Hotel, on-site with a new, first class marina, provided the necessary incentive to get FPC back to Marathon. Of course, Marathon has always been popular destination for FPC over the last two decades. With its central location in the heart of the Florida Keys, Marathon has always been popular with all boaters…be it powerboaters, cruisers, yachtsmen or sailors. Back in 1993 when Florida Powerboat Club had just commenced operations, the first big event was the Sonic Owners Key West Rally….which was staged by FPC on behalf of Sonic USA, based in Hollywood at the time. The destination was the Faro Blanco Resort in Marathon, which provided a choice of old charming cottages, small hotel rooms on property, along with a huge pool and great dining options. There were even nearby boat-house accommodations at their affiliated marina on the Boot Key (oceanside) where boaters could literally tie up their powerboat alongside and enjoy spacious accommodations afloat. All this and great dining options all around Marathon made this a # 1 boating destination back in the 90’s. Sadly, hurricanes, tropical storms and a flailing economy took away all that Faro Blanco Resort had to offer for almost
80 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Preparing for departure at Grove Harbour
The new dining room at the Lighthouse Grill- Faro Blanco Resort Gino Gargiulo and Mike Ciasulli brought their big cats for the ride
WINTER POKER RUN 2015
Flyboard performance by Cooper Riggs
Bill Pater (MI), Rode his Custom Chopper
Danielle & Brittany
Lunch stop at the rustic Gilberts Key Largo
Bruce Varon (FL), Custom Z28 Camaro
two decades, and there were limited alternatives in Marathon to replace what once was. In 1999, FPC turned to Duck Key, just ten miles north for an alternate middle Keys destination that filled the January void for almost fifteen years. Now, in fairness to Hawks Cay Resort & Marina, this has been a first class resort and marina in ever y way possible, and we still maintain it’s one of the best boating destinations in the Florida Keys. But FPC members like to explore and adventure with new destinations, and it seemed like the Spottswood organization, builders and owners of the Faro Blanco, really had boaters in mind when they built this amazing new resort. In Coconut Grove, it was a beautiful January day when twenty-two powerboats and their eager crews gathered for the Friday morning start and there were a lot new faces on the docks…proving once again that new blood is the signature of FPC’s continued growth! Continued on next page
Bob & Elle Berg (FL), Team ARTEMIS - 50’ NorTech
Luis Sotero took on the role of aerial photos with his SeaRey plane
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 81
WINTER BOAT POKER RUN 2015
Rick Johanneck (MN, Team FUELISH PLEASURE - 40’ Advantage
Mike Sanz (FL), Team BACK IN BLACK - 39’ Cigarette
Rick & Ellen Raab (PA), Team SO WELL WORTH IT - 38’ Fountain
As the group gathered at Grove Harbour Marina, the warm sun brought smiles to many faces, and the combination of highperformance hardware and a great sunny day ahead would be the two primal needs these northerners were looking for! One ironic piece of trivia that was enjoyed by but one participant, your writer, was that today’s boat count of twenty two teams, was the exact same boat-count that existed back in 1993 when the first group of Sonics took flight from the Hyatt Pier 66 Resort in Fort Lauderdale to Faro Blanco Resort. 82 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
Luis Sotero (FL), Team SeaRey- Amphibious Aircraft
Britt Hawrylak (TX), Team TIGER RACING TEAM - 42’ Cigarette
I jumped on board with one of our newest club members, Chris Ribeiro, who owns a super-cool Cigarette Maximus 45, powered by Mercury Racing 1075’s. We’ve had a handful of these 45 Maximus models in the club over the years, but it’s actually one of the most rare Cigarette models ever built, and Chris’s white-silver flame graphics Maximus has a storied past, (ask Chris, no room here for that chapter!) From my perspective, it’s just cool to jump on board with our new members and meet the unique personalities that are the fabric of our FPC culture. We throttled up on Biscayne Bay, and soon the faster cats were just rooster tails on the horizon, as the pack headed for Key Largo. The helicopter plans were to fly in Marathon on Saturday, yet there was an aircraft flying alongside the boats. The event’s Air-Land-Sea format attracted a SeaRey amphibious aircraft flying lowand-close above our poker run fleet as we got up to speed. Continued on next page
Joe Amodio (GA), Team TILTED KILT - 40’ Performance
John Hynes (FL), Team PREDATOR - 39’ Outerlimits
Christian & Andrea McCauley (NH), Team INSTIGATOR - 36’ NorTech
David & Jenny Landsman (MD), Team GOLDDIGGER - 50’ Outerlimits
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WINTER BOAT POKER RUN 2015
Mark & Eileen Fischer (FL), Team BOATSDIRECTUSA - 39’ Contender
Jackie with Chris Rebeiro’s crew on Paceboat
Mark Munro (NJ), Team ON YOUR MARK - 39’ Cigarette
Riding on board with Rick Johannek on 40 Advantage
Bob & Elle Berg (FL), The PROGRAM -97 Hargrave & TEAM ARTEMIS - 50’ NorTech
Only this time, the pilot and passenger were not spectators, but rather participants. Luis Sotero from Miami decided to leave his 38 Cigarette in the shop where it was undergoing repairs, and opt for his alternate form of fun. The aircraft was painted in sync with the Cigarette’s 90 MPH red and white graphics, making it the appropriate entry to join a group of high-performance powerboats. Of course, not seen at the moment, was a pair of custom choppers and a handful of custom cars, making their way to Key Largo on the Florida turnpike. All, registered teams for this first FPC event of 2015! 84 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
After a great lunch a Gilberts Resort in Key Largo, the group arrived to the newly opened Faro Blanco Yacht Club & Resort, soon discovering that the staff were prepped and ready for this first big event. In fact, one half of the marina had not yet received its Cert of Occupancy, but this would not affect the marine accommodations, as nearl y 75 slips were open and ready for new tenants! The Lighthouse Grill bar was soon lined with thirsty guests, and the new bar & restaurant staff were eager to please! The entire weekend was full of great food, plenty of fun, first class accommodations and a variety of entertainment. Special thanks to all the participants, the entire staff at the Faro Blanco Yacht Club & Resort, along with the Monroe County Tourist Development council for their assistance getting the 14th Annual Winter Poker Run back under full swing. We can’t wait to return again soon!
Mark Bullitt (FL), Team SISU - 39’ Cigarette
SJ Joshua Tawes (VA), Team CHASIN LIGHTNING - 37’ Hustler Talon
Flying High with Luis Sotero
Chris Ribeiro (TX), Team MAXIMUS - 45’ Cigarette
Tom Polski (CT), Team EFFICIENT LIGHTING - 38’ Cigarette
Michael Ciasulli (NJ), Team MAXON AUTO GROUP - 38’ Skater
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WINTER BOAT POKER RUN 2015
Party & Awards
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1. “Life’s A Beach” Sand Pails were awarded 2. Mike Ciusulli (NJ) won Best Catamaran 3. Cozy dinner awards party @ Hyatt Place 4. Ashley accepts Best V-Bottom for Britt Hawrylak 5. Mark Monroe (NJ) Won Best Paint & Graphics 6. Warren Foreman( TX) Hams if up with Stu. 7. Bob Berg’s Lady’s of The Program, win Sexiest Crew 8. Chris Ribeiro (TX) wins top hand in SEA Class 9. Bruce Varon (FL) wins top hand in LAND Class 10. Jim & Lynn Archambault (GA) win AIR Class 11. The new Lighthouse Grill patio bar was full speed! 12. Captain Erin Nelson with new member Tom Ely 13. Rick & Ellen Raab(PA) Team So Well Worth It 14. Eileen & Mark Fischer (FL) Sponsor BoatsdirectUSA 15. Mike Ciasulli & Tom Healy- Skater 388 16, Larry Hill & Crew - Team Maximus 19. Luis Sotero & Family(FL) Team SeaRey aircraft entry.
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MIAMI BOAT SHOW 2015 w offered an amazing selection of boats of The 2015 edition of the Miami International Boat Sho there been such a large presence of powerboat all styles at its three Miami locations, but rarely has s numbers to kick off their 2015 selling season. manufacturers, many of them recording stellar sale
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s the doors open at the 74th Miami International Boat Show, rumblings and rumors were already circulating that the show may or may not continue in the coming years. Indeed the official news had been launched several months earlier by the show’s owner, NMMA that the Miami Beach Convention Center would be going into a major renovation in the coming years, which essentially put the show’s main location in Miami Beach out of business temporarily. But the NMMA staff had long anticipated this news, and had the new venue plans completed and polished long before 2015 doors opened. Part of those plans involved erecting close to 600,000 square feet of enormous display tents at the Miami Marine Stadium on Virginia Key, located just southeast of Downtown Miami across the Rickenbacker Causeway, and installing and extensive floating dock system for inwater displays. This planning detail was certainly exemplified in the structure and layout of the 2015 show, where the one large vendor tent that had been the traditional format, was replaced by at least three full size display tents that accommodated hundreds of exhibitors with large, multi-boat displays.
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POWER & $ALES
The result was a much more polished, upscale boat show, reminding exhibitors and visitors alike, that NMMA was poised and ready to tackle the challenges of carving out an entirely new venue for the Miami Boat Show in 2016. As the 2015 show opened on Thusday, it was almost impossible to keep pace with all the new powerboat models and new propulsion product unveilings that dominated the first two days of the show, as FPC’s Boat Show TV video crew scurried around to capture well-attended media gatherings. It all kicked off at Cigarette Racing, where Skip Braver and the Cigarette family unveiled the sleek and sexy new Cigarette 50’ Marauder, inspired by AMG and powered by the all-new Mercury Racing 1550HP dual-fuel power plants. Not to be upstaged, it’s sibling, the all-new 41 GTR center console garnered respect, with this quad Mercury Racing 400 Verados…a boat that would soon be leading the FPC’s Miami Boat Show Poker Run to the Florida keys just one week later. The unveilings continued, with a visit to Plantation Boat Mart, for the launch of the World’s Largest Center Console, the Hydra Sports 53, powered by quad 7 Marine outboards, and a boat that we learned was conceived and built in an amazing 9-month stretch! Other memorable visits included Midnight Express where a Ulysse Nardin themed center console also boasted a four-pack of 7 Marines, along with Sonic Powerboats, which had three very distinct new models on display, including a completely new 42 Hyper Sonic V-bottom. Continued on next page
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MIAMI BOAT SHOW 2015
Skater unveiled Bill Pyburn’s new high-tech, big power 388, Pure Platinum II, and a host of others offered new models including, the new Scarab 350, Mystic Powerboats’ new 39 center console, four new models from Outerlimits, and Nor-Tech Hi Performance Boats displayed a unique mix of center consoles and offshore performance pedigree, in the new 527 V, powered by Mercury Racing 1350’s. BoatsDirectUSA joined the matching boat-car display game, with a Ferrari Red Blackwater 36 alongside a Ferrari California convertible, sharing the booth with the first new Deep Impact 36, the first new boat from the Mark Fischer lead build-team. One west-coast builder Schiada Boats offered a unique 42’ performance, v-bottom with European styling and a spacious interior, which was generating a tremendous wow-factor. The FPC crew wrapped up the Miami 2015 coverage by visiting the SeaIsle Marina in-water show, taking demo rides on the Statement 380 SUV with Fastboats Marine Group, the Nortech 39 CC powered by quad Verado 400’s, and the newest 36’ from Blackwater. After celebrating twenty five years of working the Miami International Boat Show, I would summarize my report by pointing out that our friends and colleagues in the performance marine industry are building some of the best products we have ever seen, and establishing a stronger market presence in the recreational marine world than ever before. We are saddened to see the Miami Beach Convention Center and SeaIsle Marina depart as landmark locations for the Miami Boat Show, but it will be exciting to visit an all-new venue, and I have every bit of faith in NMMA and the Miami Boat Show management team, led by Cathy Rick-Joule, in seeing a great outcome for February 2016. SJ
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SOBE SALUTE After an incredible twenty three year run in South Beach’s Art Deco district, the Florida Powerboat Club’s annual Miami Boat Show Bash, bids farewell to the Raleigh Hotel and all those iconic landmarks that preceded. Having started this tradition in 1993 at Mickey Rourke’s Knockout Saloon, named after the actor’s short stint in the ring, the party held every Friday during the Miami Show for over two decades, frequented top venues that included the Clevelander and Edison Hotels on Ocean Drive, then the trendy Sagamore, followed by the Raleigh, where the Bash has called home for six years. So as we prepped the venue for a night filled with zesty entertainment, top shelf spirits and tasty treats from Raleigh’s delightful catering menu, fond memories ran through my head, as I recalled some of the finer times of this great event. In twenty three years, we entertained tens of thousands of guests, mostly members of the performance marine community, and countless visitors and exhibitors alike, from the Miami Boat Show who were looking for a good party and some fun boat people to hang out with. The Boat Show Bash always delivered. And while the party has always remained upscale and most often felt like an exclusive venue to its guests, the FPC Miami Boat Show Bash has never been a stuffy private affair. It has never carried a cover charge, not once has anyone ever been turned away, and aside from the cash bar ( sorry about the South Beach prices ) the food and entertainment has always been provided by Florida Powerboat Club, with the help of the many party sponsors that have stepped up to assist. While there have been numerous supporters through the years, I would mostly like to thank Mark & Eileen Fischer, who have sponsored the event for over a decade!
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STORY STU JONES | PHOTOS JERRY WYSZATYCKI
All this reflection is for a valid reason, as it relates to the future of the Bash. With the Miami Boat Show leaving South Beach for the next two to three years, ( and possibly longer depending on who you talk to ) it remains uncertain whether FPC will find a suitable venue near the new show venue at Miami Marine Stadium, to stage a party that rivals the caliber of these memorable South Beach gatherings. So regardless of what happens in the future, we can be certain that South Beach will NOT be in the mix in the immediate years to come. It’s been a great run, and regardless of whether or not the estimated $400,000 we have spent on the party over the years ever turned in a direct impact to club’s bottom line, let’s call it a wash. We’ve enjoyed every single year and every venue we’ve visited, and most importantly, we hope that the thousands of FPC members and boat show guests have appreciated our efforts along the way. SJ
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JACKET OPTIONAL WHAT STARTED AS A MANUFACTURERS RALLY TWENTY YEARS AGO HAS TRANSFORMED INTO FPC’S PREMIER WINTER EVENT, FOLLOWING THE MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW. THIS YEAR’S UNSEASONALLY COLD TEMPERATURES BROUGHT OUT THE FLEECE JACKETS AND WINTER WEAR FOR THOSE WHO DIDN’T WANT TO BRAVE THE WIND CHILL AT 100MPH!
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hile casual summer attire may be the norm for the Florida Keys, much to our dismay, Miami Boat Show Poker Run participants were hard-pressed to spot a bikini top as the boats prepared for the Thursday morning departure at Sea Isle Marina. On the contrary, captains and crew members were layered in sweaters and heavy jackets, some even with head gear and ski masks, to combat the cold. Just a day earlier, an unseasonal wave of winter chill spread over South Florida as the Miami Boat Show wrapped up, making the 20th Annual Miami Boat Show Poker Run the coldest on record since the event began in the mid-nineties. 96 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
But the spirits remained high, and as the boats paraded through Downtown Miami, and it was almost comical to see the array of creative outfits that were visible on every direction. The only problem was, no one could be recognized. Who were these masked weekend warriors! The event was structured with two departures as always, and more participants are beginning to favor the Thursday run, which appeared to be nearly sixty boats. I had the pleasure of jumping on board with Cigarette’s President Skip Braver and his crew, on the brand new 41 GTR, a center console model powered by quad Mercury Racing Verado 400’s, a new outboard model that seemed to be popular throughout the
Miami Boat Show. It seemed only fitting that Mercury Racing president Erik Christensen was along for the ride, and we’re certain he was anxious to see all the Mercury Racing product being put to the test in its true element…a Florida Powerboat Club poker run! Soon after the first poker card handoff at Grove Harbour Marina, it was clear that the strong northwest winds had been pounding Biscayne Bay into a frenzy for the last 24 hours, and the 5-6 footers that we witnessed were truly amazing. The only comfort was knowing that the following sea conditions would be much easier to manage for most of the boats, and most dreaded the thought
Miami’s SeaIsle Marina played host to the Miami Boat Show and FPC poker runs for decades. This 2015 event marked the last time this venue will be used for either, due to marina management changes.
The landmark Post Card Inn Resort in Islamorada hosted the poker run for its 18th time in the event’s 20 year history. The boats keep getting bigger, but the size of the marina remains unchanged, making it difficult to accommodate the 80+ boats that registered for the poker run. Creative rafting on the bulkhead often yields rows of more tan a dozen boats deep!
of ever having to turn and face into those seas for any reason. It was a true test of every captain’s skill set, to find the right groove, the perfect speed, and dial in the trim and tabs to keep the boat level and dry. There’s only one thing worse than being Cold on a powerboat at 60 mph, that’s being cold and WET! Once we were out of the open bay waters and arriving at Gilberts in Key Largo for lunch, the winds died down and the bright sun began to warm up the day, giving everyone that bit of reassurance that they would probably get what they came for... a healthy dose of UV rays and a little fun in paradise.
The Thursday group was settled in at Post Card Inn & Marina by mid-afternoon, and it was time for the FPC crew to return to Miami for the next wave of boats. We loaded up the van with our team of Miami Dade Fire Rescue divers, who had joined us for the entire run riding on small center console FWC boats, and I was reluctant to ask, but it was killing me.”So guys, how was the ride down?” I inquired. Big laughs broke out from all four ….and one replied, “Are you kidding bro….? That was (expletive) brutal! I thought we were going to be rescuing each other!” We all had a good laugh, and the four seemed happy that they would be replaced by another rescue team for the Friday assignment.
Back in Miami, the Catch Restaurant at the Biscayne Marriott was alive and bustling with poker run teams who had just arrived from far-away places, and it seemed everyone was anxious to hear the reports from the day’s earlier ride down to Islamorada. I didn’t sugarcoat it, reminding everyone on the captains meeting that those waves may have been the biggest seas I had ever experienced in Biscayne Bay in over twenty years. But, I conceded, everyone made it there safely, even the single engine 28 foot LaveyCraft that was one of three boats entered by Team Germany. Continued on page 98
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MIAMI POKER RUN 2015 | THURSDAY
SKIP BRAVER (FL) Team CIGARETTE RACING | 41’ Cigarette
I awoke Friday morning and looking out from my balcony at the line of performance boats down Pier 3, I carved the image into my memory and backed it up with a few snapshots with the iPhone, because this would be the last time after twenty years that I would take in that morning view. For the last several months, the management at Sea Isle Marina had been reminding us at FPC that we were on borrowed time, as the marina owners were shifting the business model to full-time rentals, and would no longer be catering to special events like our poker runs and even the Miami International Boat Show. In fact, we were lucky enough to ride on the coat-tails of the Miami International Boat Show for all these years, and it was a win-win situation for everyone over those two decades. But in 2016, the Miami International Boat Show moves to the Miami Marine Stadium at Virginia Key, and special-event floating docks will provide the all the necessary in-water dockage for the show. Continued on page 100
CHRIS RIBEIRO (TX) Team MAXIMUS | 45’ Cigarette
The boats depart with Miami’s Bayside in the background, future site of the new SkyRise tower, which will be Miami’s tallest building.
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THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
BRETT & SHEILA BAUR (UT) Team PANTY DROPPER | 44’ MTI
AJ PHILLIP (LA) Team NO PLANS | 40’ Skater
MICHAEL CIASULLI (NJ) Team MAXON AUTO GROUP | 38’ Skater
KARSTEN MELCHER (GER)
Team GERMANY I | 28’ EVO Laveycraft
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THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
WENDELL EIRVIN (MO) Team LETʼS GO | 42’ MTI
LEONARD “BUDDY” & NINA THOMAS (MA) Team ALL SET | 46’ Outerlimits
JIM LYLE (MO) Team LIMITLESS | 39’ Outerlimits
How long that will go on, we’re unsure…but it’s 99% certain that FPC will not be staging any of our major poker run events from Sea Isle Marina, anytime soon. Thankfully, Grove Harbour Marina in Coconut Grove, have plans for expansion of their marina, and we will likely be able to stage most of our Florida Keys events from that venue over the next several years. By 10:30am we were heading for the boats, and I was excited to ride on Mark & Eileen Fischer’s new Nor-Tech 527, a mammoth v-bottom powered by Mercury Racing 1350’s, that had been part drawing-board, part-mold, and piece-by-piece assembled for more than two years. Not that Mark was pushing Nor-Tech super-hard during that time, as he certainly keeps his plate full juggling his OffleaseOnly car dealership, the Key Largo boat store BoatDirectUSA, and more recently the acquisition of Blackwater and Deep Impact boat lines. So patiently, we all waited for this big incredible Nor-Tech to become a reality, and there she sat in her slip at Sea Isle Marina, ready for her maiden poker run! I couldn’t wait to get on board and feel the performance of this machine and experience the spacious center helm cockpit. To say the rest of the ride was perfect in every way imaginable, is something that I’m always happy to report. As a poker run organizer, one must constantly be aware of the surroundings and watching closely to ensure that the starts are smooth, the captains operate safely, and everyone wears their life Continued on page 102
THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
TOM MESHINSKY (NJ)
Team OFFICIAL BUSINESS | 39’ MTI
KERRY LEONG (CAN)
Team HOLY $#?! | 52’ Outerlimits
HAL & MISSY JOHNSON (MI)
Team SOMETHINGʼS BREWING| 39’ Nor-Tech
LUIS SOTERO (FL)
Team SEAREY| Seaplane
BOB & KARI BLANFORD (FL)
Team UNITED HOMEBUILDERS | 36’ Skater
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THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
LANE CHRISTIANSON (TX) Team FAST LANE | 52’ Outerlimits
jackets to comply with the FPC safety management guidelines. While all that is happening, I keep in close contact with the helicopter crew to ensure that all the boats are getting good photo and video coverage, and more often lately, it’s a constant effort to weed out the party crashers. Yes indeed, the powerboats that just “show up” and weave their way into the pack…not registered with FPC and not paying to support the club. They interfere with the run, wasting precious chopper time that is paid for by sponsors and participants, and ultimately threaten the safety of our event. One well known former FPC member went as far as making special arrangements with Gilberts so that he could park his un-registered catamaran there, but did not call FPC to making any special arrangements. It’s this kind of arrogance that is unfortunately recurring with a small clan in our sport. A similar occurence happened with another 48 foot cat owner on the Key West Poker Run in November. That individual crashed the party at Sunshine key, where special race fuel is brought in exclusively for registered poker runners. Thankfully, the vast majority of powerboaters that come into FPC circles have been incredibly supportive, and have fueled the growth of this great organization.
BOB & ELLE BERG (FL) Team ARTEMIS | 50’ Nor-Tech
Continued on page 104
JAKE & GINA NOSSAMAN (OK) Team RED FACE RACING | 35’ DCB
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• 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 Outer Banks club polo shirt. (Ladies tops available.) • • Premium embroidered club hat. • Additional Powerboating video. • Venus Swimwear gift voucher. ($75-$100 value.) PLUS 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. $449.00/year*
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Membership Includes all of the Standard Membership benefits, PLUS: Premium Outer Banks Club Polo Shirt. (Ladies tops avail.) • Premium embroidered club hat. • Additional Powerboating Video of your choice: • Venus Swimwear gift voucher. ($75-$100 value.) • $349.00/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. $249.00/year* VIDEO MEMBERSHIP Membership Includes all of the Social Membership benefits, plus: DVDs as they are released. (10-12 per year.)
Key West Poker Run, Emerald Coast Poker Run, Bahamas Poker Run, Sportboat Poker Run, Jacksonville Poker Run, Tampa Bay Poker Run, Fort Myers Poker Run, Miami Boat Show Poker Run. Events may vary.
$169.00/year*
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Membership Includes: • Business card ad in our magazine • Access to all FPC events and parties. • Listing on our website affiliate section. Commercial Members also have the opportunity to run promotions and discounts through FPC events. $249.00/year* SOCIAL MEMBERSHIP Membership Includes: • Club T-shirt in your choice of colors. • Powerboating Video of your choice (Dozens to choose.) • Powerboating in Paradise Magazine subscription. • Access to FPC parties • Discounted Boat Show tickets. $69.00/year*
*Overseas and international memberships will have a slightly higher rate to compensate for mailing/shipping costs.
THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
GINO GARGIULO (FL)
Team RAGING BULL LAMBORGHINI | 48’ MTI
WARREN FOREMAN (TX) Team X RATED | 46’ Skater
BRAD BENSON (NJ) Team PASS BLOCKER | 52’ MTI
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What has been truly impressive is strong concentration of performance marine professionals in the FPC family, pumping out a constant flow of new and innovative performance marine products, while enjoying the camaraderie of our longtime FPC members. Our marine trade sponsors are really the Greatest! The Miami Boat Show Poker Run reached a milestone on this go-around, as we celebrated 20 years of what has turned out to be our most popular winter event. Looking forward, I would have to say that this event is only going to get better with age, as we may consider moving our destination from Islamorada to Marathon..to a larger facility. We still love Post Card Inn (formerly Holiday Isle Resort) and we are extremely happy to see that property owner, Carlisle Group, a tremendously successful real estate conglomerate, promises great plans for the resort along with the many other premier properties it has acquired in Islamorada. We have no changes to event plans confirmed yet for 2016.. so stay tuned as we speak to various resorts and finalize our agenda. Meanwhile, thanks to all of our sponsors and participants, who attended our 20th Annual Miami Boat Show Poker Run, and congratulations to the winners! SJ
THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
FRED REAVIS (SC) Team BLEW BY U | 40’ MTI
ALBERT TERAMANA (OH) Team NASTY HABIT | 42’ Cigarette
CHRIS & NICOLE RYDER (NY) Team WHIPLASH | 32’ Skater
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THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
RON SZOLACK (MI) Team TOM CAT | 46’ Skater DOUG FALCONE (NJ)
Team SIR CHARGE | 38’ Statement!
BRAD & CHERIE SCHOENWALD (FL)
Team POWERBOAT NATION | 38’ Cigarette
BOB & MADELYN CHRISTIE (NJ) Team JERSEY STRONG | 42’ Cigarette | POKER RUN SPONSOR
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THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
MARK & RACHEL WADDINGTON (NE)
Team FAST REDHEAD | 52’ Outerlimits
Even grownups like Chocolate Milk!
CARLTON BASS (OK) Team DCB | 35’ DCB
CHRISTIAN MCCAULEY (NH) Team INSTIGATOR | 36’ Nor-Tech
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THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
DAVID & JENNY LANDSMAN (MD) Team GOLDDIGGER | 36’ Nor-Tech
KEITH SLAGLE (MD) Team PANTY DROPPER | 38’ Cigarette
RENE HOPPE (FL) Team GERMANY 3 | 32’ Advantage
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THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015 BRITT HAWRYLAK & JESSICA STERRETT (TX)
Team TIGER RACING | 42’ Cigarette
GEORGE & SHANNON ARGYROS (FL) Team MAYHEM | 44’ MTI
SCOTT & ALLISON STINSON (GA)
Team POKER FACE | 41’ Liquid Glass
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THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
JOHN HYNES (BAHAMAS) Team PREDATOR | 39’ Outerlimits
NICK & PRICILLA BUIS (FL) Team STATEMENT! | 38’ Statement!
SCOTT CAROLL (FL) Team DEEP IMPACT | 39’ Deep Impact
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Miami’s scenic Venetian Causeway Bridge is a landmark that is the first bridge to cross under at the start of the run.
THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
BOBBY & TANYA MURRAY (MD) Team SPECTRE | 35’ Spectre
RICHARD & ANN GERTH (CAN)
Team OUTERLIMITS | 42’ Outerlimits
TOM & CARISSA POLSKI (CT)
Team EFFICIENT LIGHTING | 38’ Cigarette
CHRIS WALKER (GA) Team SUPERTRUCKS | 40’ Mystic
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THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
RICHARD CHANEY (MD)
Team GODSPEED | 50’ Nor-Tech
THOMAS G. TOTO (NJ) Team BIG BLUE | 52’ Outerlimits
WIN & MELISSA FARNSWORTH (CO) Team SILVER LINING | 41’ DCB | POKER RUN SPONSOR
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THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
RANDY & TIFFANY WILD (MO) Team AMERICAN MUSCLE II | 46’ Cigarette
CHRIS & BRANDY HUMPHREY (TX) Team SERVICE ME | 46’ Fountain
MARK STOCKWELL (MI) Team PAS FAUX FOUS| 50’ Nor-Tech
GREG & BRENDA MCCAULEY (MO) Team MTI V | 42’ MTI
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FRIDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015 GEORGE & MARTHA TAKKULA (FIN) Team FINLAND| 42’ Fountain
DAVE & JENNIFER WOLNEK (FL) Team CONCEPT| 42’ Concept
RAY AQUIT (FL)
Team G-SEA | 36’ Deep Impact
BENNY D’ANGELO (CAN) Team HOUDINI | 38’ Cigarette
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THURSDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
MARK & EILEEN FISCHER (FL)
Team BOATSDIRECT | 52’ Contender
Team OFF LEASE ONLY | 52’ Nor-Tech
POKER RUN SPONSOR
MARK & MELANIE TELISKA (NY) Team ESCAPE REALITY | 42’ Baja
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FRIDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
CURTIS & REBEKAH WATKINS Team DISRUPTER | 52’ Skater
MARK BULLIT (FL) Team SISU | 39’ Cigarette
RICK & ELLEN RAAB (PA) Team SO WELL WORTH IT
| 38’ Fountain
SYLVAIN & CHANTAL OLIGNY (CAN)
Team TEAM ST. MICHEL | 36’ DCB
116 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
FRIDAY | MIAMI POKER RUN 2015
DANIEL LOPEZ (FL) Team BANDIT | 35’ Cigarette
KIM & ANNALISA COLLINS (FL) Team WRECKLESS | 38’ Donzi
JOE & AMY LEE CELEILO (FL) Team EL DIABLO | 35’ Spectre
MARK STODDART (CAN) Team OFFLIMITS | 50’ Outerlimits
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 117
MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN 2015 Friday evening provided an entertaining agenda, as the poker run teams transitioned from a casual happy hour a the Tiki Bar, to a more elegant setting at the beachfront tiki, for a somewhat breezy beach soiree. Thankful for the drop curtains that block out the unwanted wind, the temperatures remained moderate and guests enjoyed a lavish dinner spread catered by the Post Card Inn staff. Naturally, the party shifted back to the Tiki Bar, where a live band kept the ladies dancing and energetic bartenders kept the spirits flowing. The more robust members found themselves huddled around firepits along Bimini row, where the big raft of powerboats bobbed up and down from a steady barage of wind from Mother Nature.
After a great day on the water on Saturday, the majority of the poker run teams were settled n by late afternoon, and it was time to play out the poker cards. Naturally, the outdoor venue may not have been the most appealing to those participants who don’t do well with chilly windy evenings, and the card playing got off to a slow start. Adding to that, a number of guests who had opted to stay down the road at other hotels such as the Cheeca Lodge, and it seemed our awards party was beginning on schedule, but with to few guests to stick around for the outcome. No problem, said the club president, “We’ll do the peoples choice awards from the FPC office when the weather warms up”. Its good to be the boss.
2 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE
POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 3
FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB & ENVIROMENT
DID YOU KNOW? DAMAGING SEAGRASS WITH YOUR BOAT’S PROPELLER WILL FRAGMENT THE GRASS BED AND SEVERELY RESTRICT THE MOVEMENT OF MARINE WILDLIFE IN NEEDED HABITAT. THIS CAN CREATE BARREN AREAS WHERE FISH AND OTHERS ONCE FLOURISHED. AND CONSIDER THAT A MOMENT’S CARELESSNESS CAN QUICKLY IMPAIR THIS PRECIOUS RESOURCE – A PROPELLER SCAR CUT INTO SEAGRASS TODAY CAN BE AROUND IN SEVEN YEARS OR LONGER.
TO REDUCE THE CHANCES OF DAMAGING SEAGRASS COMMUNITIES, BOATERS SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH LOCAL WATERS WHERE YOU PLAN TO BOAT, STAY IN DEEP WATER AND MARKED CHANNELS, WEAR POLARIZED LENSES TO READ THE WATER, AND USE UP-TO-DATE NAUTICAL CHARTS. IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN WATER THAT IS TOO SHALLOW, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY STOP, TURN YOUR MOTOR OFF, AND TRIM YOUR MOTOR UP TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE. WAIT FOR HIGH TIDE AND CAREFULLY WALK YOUR VESSEL OUT TO DEEPER WATER OR CALL FOR HELP. AND DON’T FEED THE SHARKS!
FOR MORE INFO
WWW.FLORIDAKEYS.NOAA.GOV
2015 CALENDAR
Ad Index
APRIL 14-17, 2015
TAMPA BAY POKER RUN MAY 14-17, 2015
2ND ANNUAL KEY WEST AIR, LAND & SEA POKER RUN Miami To Key West JUNE 25-30, 2015
BAHAMAS POKER RUN
Grand Bahama/Bimini / Extended trip to Abacos JULY 2015
SUMMER POKER RUN TOUR - MULTIPLE EVENTS See List Below
AUG 18-23, 2015
23RD EMERALD COAST POKER RUN Destin / Ft. Walton Beach NOV 10-16, 2015
23RD ANNUAL KEY WEST OFFSHORE POKER RUN Miami To Key West
SUMMER POKER RUN TOUR EVENTS MAY 29-30, 2015
SMOKIN THE SOUND POKER RUN Biloxi MS
JUN 18-21, 2015
TEXAS OUTLAW CHALLENGE Clear Lake, TX
JUN 18-21, 2015
7 ANNUAL LAKE CUMBERLAND THUNDER RUN Jamestown, KY
JUL 10-11, 2015
BOYNE THUNDER POKER RUN Lake Charlevoix, MI JUL 16-18, 2015
PIRATES OF LANIER Buford, GA
JUL 23-25, 2015
TBA - SEND US AN INVITATION! JUL 31- AUG 1, 2015
OLD HICKORY FUN RUN
Please confirm with FPC office before making travel plans. Dates subject to change. Visit www.flpowerboat.com for updated information.
ACTIVE THUNDER .................................... 23 AMERICAN CUSTOM MARINE ...................47 ANCHOR SUIT ...........................................73 BAM MARINE ...........................................11 BOAT HOUSE REALTY .............................. 55 BOAT SHOW TV ..........................................5 BOATS DIRECT USA ..................................19 BOOST POWER ENGINES ....................... IBC BOOSTANE OCTANE BOOST ................... 65 CMI ......................................................... 77 COBRA POWERBOATS ............................. 45 DANIA BEACH BOAT CLUB ....................... 95 DOLLER OFFSHORE MARINE ......................9 ELECTRONICS UNLIMITED ...................... 63 EMERALD COAST POKER RUN 2015 ....... 33 ENVUE ......................................................91 KEY WEST AIR LAND SEA POKER RUN .......5 GROVE HARBOR MARINA .........................31 ILLUSTRATED PROPERTIES ..................... 45 LIVORSI ................................................... 77 OCEAN LED ..............................................25 OFFLEASE ONLY......................................IFC OFFSHORE PERFORMANCE MARINE ........15 OLD HICKORY FUN RUN ............................71 OLD TOWN VILLAS .................................. 59 PILINI POWERBOATS ..............................91 PIRATES OF LANIER POKER RUN..............21 POWERBOATING IN PARADISE TV ........... 29 SCI SUPERIOR COMMUNICATIONS .......... 39 SKATER ....................................................17 SMOKIN’ THE SOUND ...............................13 SONIC POWERBOATS ...............................27 SPEEDWEAR ........................................... 95 SUNCOAST BOAT SHOW ...........................67 SCI SUPERIOR COMM .............................. 39 TEAGUE CUSTOM MARINE ..................BACK TEXAS OUTLAW CHALLENGE ...................41 TILTED KILT ............................................. 43 TNT MARINE ........................................... 95 TOTAL DOLLAR INSURANCE.....................51
ADVERTISING DEADLINES: NEXT ISSUE FALL 2015 AD MATERIALS: SEP 30TH, 2015
Hendersonville TN AUG 7-8, 2015
BUFFALO POKER RUN Grand Island NY
SEP 11-12, 2015
LAKE CUMBERLAND POKER RUN Jamestown, KY
SEP 17-20, 2015
LAKE POWELL CHALLENGE
Lake Powell, Antelope Point Marina
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