The Sky Parts and the Sun Shines for the Florida Power Boat Clubs Tampa Bay Poker Run. When PowerboatNation.Com and Brand X Hi Performance Marine arrived in St Petersburg ,Florida to prepare for the poker run everyone was talking doom, gloom, and rain. Well the rain never materialized and early Saturday morning the wind was light and the sky was bright and sunny.
The 38 boat fleet was compromised of just about every type of boat. Big High Horsepower Cats, V- Bottoms and 9 boats in the sport class which included quite a few center consoles, the fleet ranged from a 34 foot Powerquest to the 80 foot Nor-Tech “Lady Lisa” The club also welcomed 5 new members during the event.
Stu had local fire rescue resources on hand for the safety plan and said he has made some great new contacts with the local fire department and city management. Next year he is looking to file permits to close the street in front of the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel and Marina, and set up a full poker run village on the street. The location really does lend itself to host an incredible event, there are two large open parks and it is right next to downtown. The Vinoy is an incredibly nice and luxurious property in a perfect location, I remember being here in 2001 with APBA when they were nearly 80 race boats in the pits next to the hotel and that was before they had the adjoining marina, now with the marina docks in place it is the perfect spot for this type of event. It is a little tight but we were able to launch a 39 Cigarette that we hauled over with a toter home and the 388 Skater with the F650 at the ramp next door. When the hotel valet filled up with too many Sport Chassis and F650’s we parked all the haulers on the street across from the park right in front of the hotel, the parking tickets were only $25.00 per day which was 75% less than the hotel value so it worked out perfect.
Thanks to Stu and Jacky as well as all of the FPC members who supported the event.
