Time to Head North

Next week will be my fourth trip up to see Boyne Thunder, one of America’s premiere poker runs. The first couple of years I traveled up to Michigan, I had hoped to at least bring my Formula 242 up as a marshal boat, but ongoing trailer issues nixed that. Later, having sold my boat, my wife and I still enjoyed heading up to see the boats and check out all the activities, like the street show in Boyne City and the art fair in Charlevoix, which always seems to be held on the same weekend. There’s no doubt that the region includes some of the most scenic areas the Midwest has to offer.

The Street Party in Boyne City on Friday night is one you don't want to miss.

This year, my wife has declined to go, and being freed up, I decided to inquire about the possibility of volunteering at the event, which raises money for children with cancer and individuals with disabilities. Having secured a couple of opportunities to pitch in, I started to make plans.

I had thought about going about a month or more before, but we were invited to travel with some friends to Florida in the Fall, so I held off. When it later became clear that my wife’s job would not allow us to travel south in November, I looked again at coming up to BT, but by that time, no reasonable accommodations were available, and she was balking at making another trip north.

That meant going by myself, and since my needs are pretty modest (I just need a place to rest my head at night and take a shower) I figured I could find a convenient camping spot in the area. Finding campgrounds was not an issue; the only problem is that most non-electric tent sites can’t be reserved in advance, so it’s first-come-first served just about everywhere. I’m pretty confident that I won’t have any problems, and though I am not a big recreational camper, I think this will be a nice little adventure.

The continued popularity of this event is a real testament to the people who work so hard to put it on every year. When I first ventured up here in 2008, I think there were about 40 boats running; this year I believe the number of registrants is up to 120—and there are lots of people who are still on the waiting list. Since that more performance boaters are discovering this great Poker Run, it’s become a “must do”—not only for boaters, but for manufacturers who like to premiere their new boats. One I am especially looking forward to see is Catnip, a new classic wooden runabout from Van Dam Custom Boats, which is actually located in Boyne City. See you at the street show next Friday Night!


Catnip under construction at Van Dam Custom Boats

2011 Oneida Lake Swamp Run - Good Fun for a Good Cause

Lots of Poker Runs are run to benefit a worthy non-profit cause, and few are more worthy than the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Once again, New York State Power Boat Inc. is organizing another great Swamp Run on New York's beautiful Lake Oneida. Set for Saturday, July 30th, the run is known for its excellent water, fun destinations and top-notch organization.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sharkey Images.

This year the Swamp Run will follow the same course as last year, starting and ending in Brewerton at The WaterFront. From there, the group will run to Sylvan, have lunch and relax for about an hour and a half at Harpoon Eddie's. Afterwards, everyone will line up in front of the beach (South Side) and run in line across the front of the beach for everyone to watch.

Following this will be a run to ChMarker 117 for a card stop, then to ChMarker 135 for another card stop, then to 3 Mile Bay for a raft off with some fun and Bikinis. At 5pm, the whole group will run back to the Waterfront for dinner at 7pm with banquet and plenty of refreshments.

Last year, the event was able to raise over $10,000.00 for Make-A-Wish, and organizer Nolan Ferris has set an even more ambition goal of 21,500.00 for this year. If you've ever wondered how big a difference a contribution can make for an event like this, check out the touching story that Nolan has posted on Offshore Only.com.

To find out more and reserve your spot, contact Nolan at NysPowerBoat@yahoo.com.

Make Plans Now for Jacksonville River Rally Poker Run

The Poker Run season is well underway, and you may want to start planning for one of the best. It happens June 9th-11th, as the Florida Powerboat Club returns to to the River City, Jacksonville, FL, for its 2011 run. Known for incredible parties on and off the water, this year's Jacksonville River Rally promises to be a memorable time, and is highly recommended. Jacksonville Landing once again provides the perfect backdrop for dining, entertainment, poker run displays and awesome party action.

PHOTO CREDITS: Allen Chester.

The event's Headquarter Hotel will be the Jacksonville Hyatt Regency Riverfront. To book now, you can call the FPC office, at 954-545-1414 or DOWNLOAD the registration form. You can also contact Jackie Jones for alternate accommodations choices at: fpcevents@gmail.com. For general information, call Bill Pyburn at (904) 388-6637.

PHOTO CREDIT: OSO Member Swede.

Proceeds will benefit Camp Amigo - the Children's Burn Camp of North Florida. Here's a brief rundown of the schedule:

Thursday, June 9, 2011
12:00pm Docking will be available (Jax Landing Docks & Metro Docks) Shuttle bus available (Carey) 904-349-1217
11am—7pm Check in and Registration (The Hyatt Hotel)
9pm —?? Join us at the Ivy Bar for our Meet & Greet Party

Friday, June 10, 2011
8:30am-6:30pm Check in and Registration (The Hyatt Hotel)
9:30am Mandatory Captain’s Meeting at Hyatt Hotel
7am-9pm Shuttle bus available (Carey) 904-349-1217
11am Depart dock and enjoy the fun run and lunch, at the Sand Bar - South of the Shands Bridge on the St. Johns River
7pm-9pm Wings, beer, and refreshments at the Jacksonville Landing
7pm—2am Live entertainment center stage at the Jacksonville Landing

Saturday, June 11, 2011
7am–9:30am Late Registration (The Hyatt Hotel)
8:30am Mandatory Captain’s Meeting at Hyatt Hotel (FOR CAPTAINS WHO DID NOT ATTEND FRIDAY’S CAPTAIN’S MEETING)
7am—10:30am Shuttle bus available (Carey) 904-349-1217
9:30am Depart dock for start of the Poker Run
10am/approx Fast Track Start (for boats 100+MPH)
10:10am Start of Poker Run (for all other boats)
12pm—3pm Lunch at Outback Crab Shack
3pm— 6:30 pm Shuttle bus available (Carey) 904-349-1217
5:30pm Return to Docks
6pm-7:30pm Enjoy cocktails and card playing at Mavericks upstairs at the Jacksonville Landing followed by:
7:30pm Dinner

Campaign is On to Increase Daytime Speeds on Lake Winnepesaukee

As we have noted before, New Hampsire's largest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee, has been the subject of much controversy since the establishment of an arbitrary speed limits of 45 mph. One group, Safe Boaters of New Hampshire, has worked tirelessly to rid the lake of these limits.

PHOTO CREDITS: Boatinglocal.com.

There is currently a bill that has already passed the State Senate that would increases the daytime limit to 55 mph. While this proposed bill doesn't repeal the limits completely, high performance boaters feel it is a step in the right direction.

The group just started an email campaign to the NH House of Representatives, and is looking for as many emails as possible to support this bill. To accomplish this task they have set up a email system on their website that will allow supporters to simply click a button to send an email to every member in the House.The goal is to to show that Boaters who use the water safely do not support arbitrary limits. Visit www.sbonh.org to let your voice be heard.

New Activist Group Seeks to Keep Lake WinniPesaukee Open for Performance Boaters

New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee is a big lake - and has been one of the Northeast's top boating destinations for many years. Over the past several years, there has been a real struggle between boaters who want to keep the lake open to free, fun and responsible boating, and zealots who have pressured legislators to enact a 45mph speed limit on this attractive and popular lake.

Now there is an Activist Group - Safe Boaters of New Hampshire (SBONH) that is working with the State of NH Legislature to promote safe boating and effective legislation. This was the group the came out in severe opposition of prematurely ending the speed limit tests and instituting a permanent speed limit. This group of avid and educated boaters is also working to support bills to allow captains call on the lake as well as increase safety by promoting inspections with the US Power Squadron and other initiatives.

PHOTO CREDIT: www.lov2xlr8.no.

The group has started their own Forum to privately discuss these future initiatives and they ask that all interested powerboaters who enjoy Lake Winnipisaukee join to show your support as well as chime in on the crucial discussion that will shape the future of all lakes in New Hampshire. Check them out here.

Miami Marine Stadium Renovation May Be Coming Soon...

After Hurricane Andrew's powerful winds shut down Miami Marine Stadium in 1992 due to severe damage to the roof, the structure has sat on the waterfront - empty and unloved - continuing to deteriorate and constantly embellished with graffiti of all colors and sizes.

PHOTO CREDIT: MarineStadium.Org

But a younger generation of preservationists and architects have begun to appreciate the design and the historic role of the stadium, which some now rank as a unique cultural icon, demonstrated by its placement on the World Monuments Fund's watch list for 2010 of monuments threatened by neglect or overdevelopment for 2010. Architectural experts both in Miami and around the world say the 6,566-seat stadium is a significant modernist structure -and the move to preserve it is not a joke.

PHOTO CREDIT: Don Sire under Off the Press

That notion matches up well with the feelings of offshore powerboat racing fans, who miss the high performance action that the stadium once hosted and who have been calling for its restoration for many years. According to a report on Miami TV Station CBS Channel 4:

"The marine stadium is unique because of its cantilevered, fold-plate roof and its construction of lightweight, poured-in-place concrete, which was popular in mid-century European and Latin American sports stadiums. The modernist design appears to float over the glimmering water of Biscyane Bay; when bands used to perform there, they would play atop a floating stage. Boats clustered in the water and fans packed the stands."

PICTURE CREDIT: www.archicentral.com.

The efforts to rescue the site are heating up, as Miami has awarded a historic designation for the stadium, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation added it to its "most endangered" list. On Oct. 1, singer Jimmy Buffett cut a public service announcement on behalf of the stadium, urging his multitude of fans to support a new restoration effort.

To keep up on the latest efforts involving fund raising and renovating the stadium, head over to the Friends of Miami Marine Stadium website.

Lake of The Ozarks Shootout Just a Week Away

Last month, we told you a little bit about the great boating action to be found at Missouri's huge Lake of the Ozarks, otherwise known as LOTO. The eagerly-anticipated Lake of The Ozarks Shootout is the largest unsanctioned boat race in the United States, and was named by Powerboat Magazine as one of the "8 boating events that you must see." With speeds reaching well over 150mph on a mile-long drag course, boats from all across the United States, Canada, and beyond to vie for the honor of being “Top Gun”.

Last year's 20th Anniversary event, which was held at the new location of Captain Ron's brought a new and exciting chapter to the shootout. Crowds over the two-day wekend were estimated at over 60,000 spectators, watching David Scott & John Tomlinson re-captured Top Gun Honors with a top speed of 178 mph. This year's Shootout will continue to benefit the Lake Area Rescue Teams, as well as Habitat for Humanity, and other charitable organizations.

PHOTO CREDIT: www.lakeshootout.com.

This year's event, scheduled for August 27-30, promises to be another exciting weekend, filled with high speed fun and lots of serious partying. Accommodations throughout the region tend to fill up fast, so if you're planning on heading out there, you better get on the phone now and find out what's available. Check out the event web site HERE for more information.

2009 Shootout Schedule - Friday / Saturday / Sunday

Friday, August 28, 2009

7:30am-7pm Poker Run
8am Registration and Start at Franky & Louie's
9am-6pm On-site Registration on Cannonball Beach
9am-5pm Racer Village open to public at Captain Ron's
9am-5pm Vendor Booths open to public at Buccaneer Bay
6pm Stereo Shootout presented by Waves & Wheels at Dog Days
8pm-12am Platinum Powerboat Club Party at Cannonball Beach

Saturday, August 29, 2009

8am-4pm Registration on Cannonball Beach
8am-4pm Safety Inspections and Class Identification
9am-5pm Racer Village open to public at Captain Ron's
9am-5pm Vendor Booths open to public at Buccaneer Bay
8:30am Driver's Meeting on Cannonball Beach
10am Opening Ceremony
10am-11:30am PWC classes run
11:30am-12:30pm Professional/Manufacturer classes run
12:30-2:30pm Open Classes Run
2:30-4:30pm Professional/Manufacturer classes run
7pm Live Entertainment at Captain Ron's

Sunday, August 30, 2009

8am-3pm Registration on Cannonball Beach
8am-3pm Safety Inspection & Class Identification
8am Driver's Meeting on Cannonball Beach
9am-5pm Racer Village open to public at Captain Ron's
9am-5pm Vendor Booths open to public at Buccaneer Bay
10am National Anthem
10am-12pm Professional/Manufacturer classes run
12pm-2pm Open classes run
2pm-4pm Professional/Manufacturer classes run
4pm-4:30pm Final Top Gun runs
6pm Awards Ceremony at Captain Ron's
7pm Live Entertainment at Captain Ron's

Sunny Isle Beach Events Carry On after OSS Cancellation

What would YOU do? On June 2nd, OSS notified Sunny Isle organizers - Offshore Events LLC - that they were cancelling their involvement with the “Sunny Isle Beach Offshore Challenge Weekend," scheduled for June 11-14th. Aside from the fact that some sponsors were not coming through with promised funds, another critical problem was that the organizer's contract with the City of Sunny Isle Beach required that they provide a nationally sanctioned race. However, after hearing about the OSS pullout, the city made a concession to support a one time invitational event. Thankfully, after some serious hard work and the faithful support of dozens of offshore racers & volunteers, the Offshore Challenge race will go on as planned as a special invitational event, open to anyone and everyone - OSS, SBI, OPA and other groups.

PHOTO CREDITS: siboffshore.com / Offshore Events LLC

Event organizer Brad Schoenwald and his partners have done an outstanding job of keeping this highly-anticipated event on track. In addition to the regular race off Sunny Isle Beach, the weekend also includes a old-school open ocean race to Bimini and back on Friday the 12th, as well as a ThunderBoat Rally Poker Run on Saturday the 13th. A Racer's Village will be set up at Haulover Park, and there will be a boat parade on Friday evening as well. For more information and a full schedule of events, go here.


Of course, maybe the best reason that everyone is happy that this event is still happening is that it benefits Take Stock in Children - a comprehensive program that helps low-income children succeed by providing college and vocational scholarships, volunteer mentors, student advocates/case managers, tutoring, early intervention and long-term support. Take Stock in Children addresses one of the most critical problems facing Florida--high dropout and high youth crime rates; they have a proven record of helping low-income children stay out of trouble, graduate from high school, attend college, and become productive citizens. If you can get to Sunny Isles beach to watch this great event and help kids out, you won't be disappointed!

NJPPC Deals Fun with Atlantic City Poker Run

Few clubs have as much fun as the New Jersey Performance Powerboat Club [NJPPC] which organizes a summer full of events every year. NJPPC is a 200+ member strong organization and is also known as one of the safest and most celebrated clubs anywhere - always working to ensure that all boaters feel welcome in their organization. Like it says on their website:

"We believe that a great club should be fun for all boaters no matter what size or how fast your boat is, and all of our events are designed to allow all members to have a great time. Our club is a sociable one, with members who own all types of boats and come from diverse backgrounds."

We've already told you about their Shore Dreams for Kids charity event scheduled for July 18, but the next big event on their docket is the annual Atlantic City Poker Run, scheduled for June 26 - 28th. This overnight event will be covered by Powerboat Magazine, and has been rated as one of their Top 10 Events. It runs out of the Trump Marina Hotel and Casino, with a Thursday night welcoming party at the Typhoon Service Center in Toms River, NJ. There's also a Friday morning breakfast, an afternoon of fun and a great dinner as well.

PHOTO CREDIT: Northeast Donzi Club

One interesting thing that NJPPC does at their runs is break out the participants into three separate groups, depending on boat size, performance, or just the preference of the operator. There's an Ocean Group – for boaters who want to take an open ocean route at higher speeds, out Barnegat Inlet to Atlantic City Inlet; an Inside Group - which operates at higher speeds but takes an alternate route which does not include running on open ocean water; and a third 60 mph Inside Group, which takes the same route ans the second, but at speeds not to exceed 60mph. This allows all sizes and types of boats to enjoy the fun at a level in which the operators and their passengers feel comfortable. For more information, go to www.njppc.com or download the event brochure here [PDF file].


The Atlantic City Poker Run Schedule:

Thursday June 25th
11:30am / Golf Outing (optional)
7pm / Welcome Party at Typhoon Service Center - Open Bar, Sandwiches, hors d'oeuvres

Friday June 26th
8:30am / Arrive @ Lobster Shanty Toms River NJ
6:00pm / Dinner - Trump Marina
8:00pm / Shore Dreams For Kids Charity Auction

Saturday June 27th
9:30am / Breakfast - Trump Marina
12 Noon / Optional FUN RUN Departs
12 Noon / Friday Night Only Poker Runners Depart

Sunday June 28th
11am / Friday & Saturday Night Poker Runners Depart

Shore Dreams for Kids: Boating for a Good Cause

One of the brightest spots every summer is at Shore Dreams for Kids, an annual event dedicated to entertaining over 500 special needs children and their families throughout the New Jersey area to a day at the shore. They include participants in the Special Olympics, children of Make A Wish, Oceans of Love Support Group for Children with Cancer and other mentally and physically challenged children. This great day of fun and entertainment is designed to offer a real "carnival atmosphere" complete with games and small rides, an antique car display, food and drinks and live entertainment.

PHOTO CREDITS: Shore Dreams for Kids

Of course, the highlight of the whole event continues to be the Performance Powerboat rides in Barnegat Bay. The boat rides are provided by a large group of offshore powerboaters, including members of the New Jersey Performance Powerboat Club (NJPPC) who generously volunteer their time & their boats to share with those less fortunate.

Shore Dreams for Kids is committed to bringing community awareness to those children who love the open water, and who may never be able to experience the thrill of power boating. The men and women who help make the annual event possible are a unique group of people who love the water, life and their cause. It's amazing to see the joy in the children’s eyes after riding in a performance powerboat, and it's a great reason to get involved.

PHOTO CREDITS: Shore Dreams for Kids

This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2009, from 11:00am – 3:00pm, at the Seaside Heights Municipal Dock and Ball Park – RT. 35, Seaside Heights. If you're an area powerboater who'd like to put a smile on one of these kids faces, or if you just want to volunteer in some capacity, they could certainly use your help. Visit the website, www.shoredreamsforkids.org for complete information, or make a donation now here. It's a great cause!