floridapowerboatclubissue-11-2

Emerald Coast

Summer Edition VOL 11 #2

A M agazine Showc asing the Florida Powerboat Club Lifest yle

KICKOFF IN THE KEYS!

FPC launches 2011 with Winter Fun in Duck Key.

MIAMI-MANIA 2011

Boats, Babes & Beaches...Everything you’d expect ...and more!

Our twelve day tour from South Beach to Islamorada.

THE BEST OF KEY WEST !

Continuing highlights from Key West Poker Run Festival!

,WUV CPQVJGT FC[ CV VJG QHHKEG 9KVJ VJG )+4.5 1( (2% WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM

Visit us @ Emerald Grande at The Poker Run Check- in

You Can Purchase Any Photo in Our Magazine by Visiting www.flpowerboat.com/gallery/

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE MAGAZINE Emerald Coast Poker Run Summer Edition

EDITOR/PUBLISHER Stu Jones stu.fpc@gmail.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Juan C Grisales fpcmag@gmail.com

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT News and views from the Stu Jones

EMERALD COAST CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU LETTER KEY WEST POKER RUN 2010

The Final chapter, as we continue our coverage of this big fall festival. There’s so much to see, we stretched it over 10 two issues of the mag! .

WINTER WARMUP IN THE THE MIDDLE KEYS

The Winter Poker Run to Hawks Cay Resort kicked off the 2011 calendar with fun in the sun. 28

PHOTOGRAPHY

Stu Jones Christian Meighan

EVENT COORDINATORS Jackie Jones Laura Schrader fpcevents@gmail.com

MIAMI - MANIA 2011 Its no wonder why boating and yachting enthusiasts travel from around the globe for this be February Fling..

A world class boat show, sensational South Beach and a poker run to paradise ...its the complete package!

MEMBER SERVICES

Laura Schrader fpcservices@gmail.com Direct all inquiries to

FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB 1214 S.W. 6 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

All copyright laws apply.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed written permission of the publisher

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MIAMI BOAT SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

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FPC MIAMI BOAT SHOW BASH

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MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN

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TAMPA BAY POKER RUN- SNEAK PEAK

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NAPLES POKER RUN- SNEAK PEAK

FPC 2011/ 2012 SCHEDULE On the Cover: Jack & Jennifer Sullivan under hot pursuit by FPC chopper in their 38 Cigarette, Radical Decision, as they kick off 2011 on the Winter Poker Run. Photo: Stu Jones The Model: Norwegian guest model Mirrel Victoria , on the Miami Boat Show Poker Run. Photo: C. Meighan

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A

Letter from the

August 2011

President

s this issue of Powerboating in Paradise rolls off the press, we’re packing our bags and heading on the six hundred mile hike to Florida’s Panhandle, for the 19th Annual Emerald Coast Poker Run. Rarely have we seen such a great start to this summer blockbuster, as over 125 teams somehow found the FPC website and took a few minutes to fill out their form and send it in. If I can say anything at all, it’s Thank You to all of you. This is a practice that makes it possible for FPC staff to do our jobs, and create better boating events for all of you. This will be one of the most successful Emerald Coast events ever and we look forward to seeing all of you there!

As for summer so far, it’s been a hot one across the continent, so for those of you who have been getting out on the water to get the wind in your hair and cool off at your nearest sandbar or anchorage, I salute you! I often wonder just how many of our FPC members will jump in their offshore powerboat for a little romp down the beach or a short run for lunch. You see, some of us have become creatures of habit, relying on the next poker run as the “main reason” to use the boat, but sometimes we need to sneak in a day or two with friends, family or co-workers …to take the edge off and pump the adrenaline up.

Our 2011 poker run calendar has kept us very busy at the FPC headquarters, and we even offered new events to keep things new and fresh for everyone. After all, it is the spirit for adventure and exploring new places that was the driving force behind the Florida Powerboat Club’s early beginnings, and I truly do not want to lose sight of that focus.

After our Winter season format which included Hawks Cay in January, and 12-day Miami lineup in February, we took a turn towards the West Coast of Florida, launching an aggressive Spring Tour 2011 on Tampa Bay, that saw five

Stu & Jackie Jones

events in just over an eleven week period, culminating in Miami with the 20th Anniversary Sunny Isles Poker Run. We even got a chance to visit Biloxi Mississippi, for the Smokin’ The Sound Poker Run, which was a ton of fun, in a Mini-Vegas-on-water kinda way. See more on these new venues in our Fall issue of Powerboating in Paradise.

For those who are wondering if your Spring Issue got lost in the mail, look no more. We skipped an issue of the Powerboating in Paradise Magazine, mostly due to the poor economy, which still has a profound impact on the performance marine industry. Boat builders, OEM manufacturers, dealers, and marinas are still having a tough time out there, and many of us in the biz, must continually face the bittersweet reality that while this is truly a great sport, the lending institutions are thumbs-down on any purchases that have the word “fun” attached to them. The end result, less money to spend on advertising and sponsorship, so we bowed out for one issue, and focused our efforts on some new areas to promote our sport. Which brings me to my final subject for this LFP. I am extremely proud to announce, that after a two year absence from television screens across the nation, Powerboating in Paradise TV is back on SUN SPORTS, a Fox Cable network. On June 1st, we released the first of ten new episodes, showcasing Florida Powerboat Club events in full HD, with each episode airing as many as ten times over a two week time period. We have great time slots, including Wednesdays at 6:30pm EST, and even Saturdays at 5:30 EST, except for the occasional “bump” from a major league baseball game.. We’re ok with that! So tune in, catch up on the events, and enjoy the show, because you just might see yourself out there having fun and living the dream!

Stu Jones

President & Founder - Florida Powerboat Club

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Got a comment for me?

E-mail me at stu.fpc@gmail.com

Welcome to the Emerald Coast!

We are excited to once again host the Emerald Coast Poker Run and to have you as our guest. Thank you in advance for helping to support youth charities in Okaloosa County.

Please enjoy our Southern hospitality, casual atmosphere and the sugar-white sands kissed by our emerald green waters. It’s surprisingly white, shockingly cool and seemingly endless. Take time to Get A Little Sand in Your Soul.

Enjoy your stay!

Mark Bellinger President & CEO Emerald Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau

For Complete coverage of the Emerald Coast Poker Run 2010, see our last issue of Powerboating in Paradise Magazine, available at poker run checkins and parties throughout Boat Week!

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

READY TO SERVE EMERALD COAST POKER RUN PARTICIPANTS! CALL NOW : 850-337-8310 WWW.LEGENDARYMARINE.COM

DON’T MISS THE LEGENDARY IDOL CONTEST! AUGUST 13, 2011 ALL POKER RUN TEAMS ELIGIBLE

Editorial & Photos by Stu Jones Aerial Photography by Jim Wenger

Most experienced boaters know by now, never to underestimate the intoxicating lure of Key West. Whether it’s a yachting rendezvous, sailing regatta, fishing tournament or just a solo trip on the family cruiser, Key West has what it takes to attract boaters from all walks of life, in all types of vessels, and keep them there for days on end. For offshore powerboaters in search of the ultimate adventure and escape to paradise, there is indeed just one week every November that will put most of the basic human senses into overload.

From the thundering roar of offshore race engines echoing through Key West Harbor, to the sight of bikinis, ( or lack thereof), to the smell of fresh Florida lobster tails steaming before you and waiting to be devoured ...Key West can certainly give everyone what they came for, and then some!

Some call it the “offshore worlds”...Others dub it “powerboat week”....but we have our own name-sake, and it is affectionately known as The Key West Poker Run Festival.

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

But Wait

In our last issue of Powerboating in Paradise, we provided fifteen pages of feature coverage, showcasing the 2010 edition of our club’s signature poker run event, and somehow only managed to scratch the surface. With a seven day format and over 150 registered boats, 700 participants and a team of professional photographers, it wasn’t long before we accumulated thousands of mages, making it truly a task to sort through all the content and deliver it in the pages of Powerboating in Paradise Magazine. That said, we’re pleased to continue our coverage, with several pages of colorful images that tell the story, with little need for words other than simple introductions. As always, the celebrities in this story, are the members of the Florida Powerboat Club...hardworking entrepreneurs, business owners, doctors, attorneys and tradesman from around the globe. While their individual backgrounds may all be truly unique, there is one common denominator...they all possess a lust for live, and a passion for high-performance powerboating. With that said, please enjoy our continued photo editorial coverage, of the 18th Annual Key West Poker Run.

...There’s More!!!

There is a little piece of paradise just 14 miles west of Key West, which has become a popular escape for boaters in the lower Keys. Boca Grande has become a popular destination for the Saturday Fun Run, during the Key West Poker Run, and the party shows no signs of letting up. By boat or by plane, its just the perfect getaway! But bring your picnic basket Yogi, there’s not a building in sight!

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Fifteen years ago, vee bottoms dominated the FPC roster, but times have changed more recently. With a variety of catamarans, multi-engine vee-bottoms and even a few performance motoryachts thrown into the mix, there’s no telling what you might see on the Key West Poker Run!

q Motoryacht GOD’S GIFT at Boca Grande.

George & Shannon Argyros-CA Team DONZILLA 43 Donzi ZR Mercury Racing 700SCi

Mike & Angela Goldbaugh-AL Team LATE FEES 38’ Donzi ZR- Mercury Racing HP700sci

Larry & Amy Luna- TX Team GUNSLINGER 36’ Nor-Tech / Nor-tech 1100HP Morchell & Bonita Pryer-VA Team NO LIMITS 47 Fountain - Mercury Racing HP700SCi Manny Roman-FL Team MOTION CAT 43 Motion GT-430 Mercury Racing HP1075sci

The Conch Republic Seafood Company Key West Poker Run Headquarters

Dualing Donzi's!

Grant Freeman-MO Team ULTIMATE DISTRACTION Donzi 38 ZR / Mercury Racing 700SCi

Craig Barrie-FL Donzi Factory Team Donzi 38 ZRC / Mercury Racing 700SCi

WALTER & DONNA MOLOSH-NJ Team SINMATE Formula 382 / Mercury Racing 525efi

Chris Bradley-TX Team RAINMAKER 42 Fountain Lightning Power: Mercury Racing Donzi 33 Sportfish

Jim & Gina Smith-CA Team T/T CRESENDO 35’ Wellcraft Scarab/ Yamaha 350 O/B (Editor’snote: T/T means, my other boat’s much bigger!)

Scott Canepa-NV Team WICKED ADDICTION 40 Skater SS / Mercury Racing 1200CSi

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Mark & Eileen Fischer-FL Team EILEENS FIFTY 50’ Nor-Tech Supervee- Nor-Tech 1000HP Official Presenting Sponsor: OFFLEASEONLY.COM DENNIS RAIA-FL Team 2 CATTAGIOUS 42 MTI - Mercury Racing 1075 SCi

Frank & Janine D’Agostino-NJ Team LIQUIDATOR 46 Outerlimits - Mercury Racing 1075SCi

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BART VOLOSHIN-FL Team WHEELER DEALER 42 Fountain Mercury Racing 525efi

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Bob Barnhart-FL Team PREDATOR 50 Nor-Tech Triple Yanmar 480 Diesel

Brian Cooper-KY Team SANDMAN

Andy Groeber-German Team GO-FASTER.DE 50 Nor-Tech Twin Marine Turbine 1500

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Mark Shackleford-VA Team OVERACTIVE

Lazslo Lukacs-MI Team ENERGY CRISIS

Jeff Wechsler-NY Team NEED 4 SPEED

Ted Sahley- NY Team DAYDREAMER

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Rusty Luce- NY Team TOTALLY LUCE

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Joe Sabo-NJ Team MORNIN SMOKE

Mario Janoschka- Germany Team PRG ADVANTAGE

Tor Staubo-NORWAY Team GASSE 48 MTI Mercury Racing 1200SCi

Jason & Carrie Tolliver-OH Team MAXIMUM EXXXPOSURE 43 Sunsation Mercury Racing 700SCi

Wes Elmendorf-MD Team LESS TALK…MORE ACTION! 35 Fountain Mercury Racing 525efi

Jack Clark-OH Team WILD KITTY 36’ Eliminator Coupe Custom: 700HP

Our newest member from Quebec, Canada in his Fountain 42 Poker Run Edition. Special thanks to Patrick Bedard for recruiting new blood to the club, and to our sport!

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Team ARMED & DANGEROUS 38 Top Gun

Geoff & Sue Wanamaker from Maryland provided their 38 Cigarette Top Gun as Official Paceboat for the Wednesday run, leading the charge across Biscayne Bay with an anxious but well-behaved pack of big powered poker run boats. The

Wednesday departure group reached its highest attendance since introduced years ago, with about two dozen participant boats. Special thanks to Geoff and Sue for allowing me to ride along...it was truly a fantastic day, and a great ride!

Vu Nguyen (pronounced “Win”) from Baton Rouge, LA. Team SEE-VU-PLAY 38’ Donzi ZR Mercury Racing 525efi

Frank Schultz-CO Team AMERICAN MUSCLE III 46 Cigarette Mercury Racing Julie & Wayne Casey-CANADA Team UNRULY CREW II 39 Cigarette Top Gun Mercury Racing 700SCi

Terry Sobo-FL Team Nor-Tech Hi Performance Nor-Tech 39 CC Mercury Verado 300HP Randy & Denise Cochran-SC Team WIRELESS FUNZZ 42 Fountain Mercury Racing 525/830HP Whipple

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Curt & Juju Vinson-FL Team HIGH HEELIN’ 39 Nor-Tech Supervee Mercury Racing 525efi

Tim & Treva Irwin-OH Team TNT 38 Cigarette Top Gun Twin Mercury 540/675HP

Tommy Gaut-CA Team STRUT MARINE 38 Donzi ZR Mercury Racing 700SCi

Mike & Angela Goldbaugh-AL Team LATE FEES 38 Donzi ZR Mercury Racing 700SCi

Michael Cassidy-DE Team FIGHTING IRISH 42 Fountain Twin Mullar 572/1100HP

Aaron Jolley-NY Team THROWIN’ DOUGH 42 Sonic SS - Innovation 720HP

Joseph Umosella-FL Team PATRIOT 43 Nor-Tech Supervee Nor-Tech 1150HP

Bill Zecher-FL Team GIDDY UP 35 Fountain Mercury Racing 525efi

Matthew Gordon- NY Team BAD COMPANY 33 Donzi ZX Twin Custom 650 HP

Austin Mansur-IL Team WARBIRD 50 Nor-Tech Turbine Marine 1500HP

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Andy Loetscher-GA Team DIRTY BIRD 46 Outerlimits Mercury Racing 1075SCi (Note boat for sale ad, page 27 )

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5 4 3

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10 12 6 11 13 20 14 15 17 19 16 18 21

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Girls of FPC paid a late night visit to ILMOR but nobody was home..Oh well time for a photo!

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KEY WEST POKER RUN VILLAGE 2 010 @CONCH REP UBLIC S EAFOOD CO. 1. Loyalty Motor Coach 2. Nor-Tech Support Trailer 3. Double R Performance Nortech 40 4. Outerlimits Powerboats 5. Sunsation Powerboats 6 Shogren Performance 39 Nor-Tech 7.Nor-Tech 80 -Pokerruns 8 Feature Sponsor Dock 9. FPC Hospitality Area 10. Chief Engines 11. Deep Impact 36 12. Hardin Marine 13. Ilmor High Performance 14. Cigarette Apparel 15. Pier 57 MTI 16. Supertrucks F650’s 17. Bentley Tampa/ Rolls Royce Tampa 18. Pier 57 Hospitality Trailer 19. Cigarette Racing 38 Top Gun 20. Offleaseonly/Newboatsdirect.com 21. Private Member Motorsports Display 22. Liberty Motor Coach

Miss Key West Lauren stops by ILMOR

Chad Braver (rt) with Willy and the Cigarette apparel crew!

Fantastic motorsports display sponsored

by Derek Wachob, who trailered these collector cars from Oklahoma!

NewBoatsDirect.com had a nice collector boat on display, the Jeff Gordon signature Eliminator, #24.

See page 17 for buying info on this boat.

q Corey Bakken with the Girls of FPC...

Sponsorship has its privileges!

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

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E

ven for most performance boat owners, there comes a time when your offshore powerboat just doesn’t provide the right platform for dinner cruising in South Florida along the Intracoastal waterways or entertaining your friends and family when the crew grows to eight or ten guests. That’s one of the reasons that Florida Powerboat Club created a unique, specialized charter business designed exclusively for our FPC members. Starting with an entry level forty foot express cruiser to the incredible Nortech 80 Performance Yacht, Florida Powerboat Adventures can provide anything from a short four hour dinner or sight-seeing cruise, to a weeklong excursion to paradise in the Florida Keys or Bahamas. The FPC staff works closely with boat and yacht owners who, in some cases, have been longtime Florida Powerboat Club members as well. We can promise the best rates, fantastic service and a fabulous experience for you and your guests!

GOOD KNIGHTS Nor-Tech Super 80 Performance Yacht 80’ Foot – Twin Caterpillar Diesel Cruise Speed 35-40 mph. Top Speed 60 mph.

Three cabins, spacious cockpit and aft deck.

12’ Tender & watertoys.

Rates from: $ 3000 half day to $ 6000/full day.

New Homeport: Now in Nassau Bahamas.

48 FOUNTAIN EXPRESS Triple Cummins Diesel Cruise speed- 40-50 mph. Top Speed 60 mph Two Cabins, large open cockpit.

Ideal for dinner cruises and will do Bahamas in no time!

Rates from: $ 2500/half day to $ 4,000 full day.

Homeport: Fort Lauderdale

CLUBHOUSE 40 Cruisers Yachts 43’ Overall- Wide 13’9 Beam. Twin Yanmar Diesel Cruise Speed: 32 mph Top Speed: 39 mph.

Two Cabins, large salon and comfortable cockpit.

Walk through windshield for to forward deck cushions.

Rates from: $1250/half day to $ 2,500 full day.

MORE AVAILABLE BOATS & YACHTS COMING SOON! CALL STU: 954-545-1414 OR CELL 954-684-9333 Florida Powerboat Adventures, Inc. 1214 SW 6th St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069

FOR SALE 2008 Outerlimits 46 Limited Twin Mercury Racing HP1075SCI

• • • • • • • • • • •

Twin Mercury Racing HP1075SCI #6 Dry sumps, Mercury Racing Props.

45 hours since factory rebuild.

CMI Headers with mufflers Rear seat speedometer, rear bolser Large flat sun pad w/built-in bimini top.

Blue engine room LED lights.

Pop-up cleats built into deck.

Custom Myco Trailer.

Runs like a dream..Mostly freshwater hours.

•

Aditional option list

AC & Generator Custom TAOD Paint Smartcraft, GPS, TV/DVD, Porcelain head & shower.

Widened electric bolsters for comfort Full Cabin with Upgraded Interior with rare woods V-Berth, microwave, refrig, galley with sink Upgraded Alpine, Ipod/mp3 player, Sirius, and Amps.

....$917K Factory Invoice!

Now $375,000

call Andy 678-938-4053

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ompared to the other ten months of the year, winter cruising means really just one thing for South Florida boaters....you might want to bring a jacket. That is exactly what sixty participants were prepared to do, as they arrived from all over the United States and Canada, to attend Florida Powerboat Club’s annual season opener, the Winter Poker Run. For over ten years, this three-day romp once again visited luxurious Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, a resort known for its spacious

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waterside villas, first class marina, and friendly dolphin attraction. A small but colorful fleet which was dominated by vee-bottoms and one solo MTI catamaran, got underway from Miami on the last weekend of January, with enough nip in the air that the heavy jackets came out. In fact, it was one of those rare times that buckling up the Lifeline jacket gave not only the sense of safety, but also that extra layer of warm that no chill would penetrate, even as speeds approached 80 MPH.

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Winter Weekend Warriors!

Jumping aboard King of Clubs with Sean Gallivan reminded me that it had been one year exactly, since we celebrated with the Gallivan crew, on their inaugural family poker run aboard the 39 Nor-Tech Supervee, which they had purchased from me a few months earlier. After a cockpit facelift at Nor-tech and some engine refreshing on the Mercury Racing 700’s, the 250-hour 2008 Nortech was as pristine as it was when it rolled out of the Nor-Tech factory in January ‘08. Turning the page three years later, it was exciting to be leading the pack across Biscayne Bay, with the Bravo Helicopter R44 in pursuit.

More than exciting...it was truly a rush!

After stopping at Gilberts for lunch, we weaved our way through the scenic waters of the Upper Keys, arriving at Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, less than ten miles from Marathon. By Saturday, temperatures shot back up to mid-seventies, and we were back to tee shirt weather, as two boats headed off to Key West for lunch, and the remaining group took a shorter jaunt to Boot Key Channel, settling in for lunch at Burdines Waterfront, a rustic hangout in Marathon that is popular with boaters. With sub-zero temperatures and five foot snow banks throughout more than half of the continent, it was an enjoyable escape to paradise.. Even at just three days in length, it was a pleasant break from the mid-winter blues. SJ

Jack & Jennifer Sullivan from Oklahoma made this their first adventure with the Florida Powerboat Club, in their 38’ Cigarette Top Gun. While the pictures certainly made it clear there might be helicopters flying nearby, getting pics and video of the pack, we’re not sure if the Sullivans were ready for the R44 to buzz by low and fast...much less stay alongside for a Powerboating in Paradise Magazine cover. Well Jack, let’s just say you were just in the right place at the right time! (Sure we saved you extra copies for all your friends back home! After all, they would never believe you!)

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Jim Wiley from St.Petersburg is full of surprises, as we often wonder which boat from his small fleet will appear on any give poker run. But this time, Outerlimits made the cut, as Jim was joined by friends on his 39 GT, a rare model built by the Rhode Island builder, and powered by ILMOR 725 Horse V-10’s.

Allan & Annie DenBesten have a tremendous track record for attending the Winter Poker Run, dating back more than ten years. While they have log most of those previous trips in a 40 foot Baja Outlaw, their latest ride is this 45 foot SeaRay express, which was no slouch when the helicopter joined in, and Allan pushed the big diesel sticks forward.

Sean Gallivan from New York continued to cash in his two year Free-PokerRun-Pass, a perk that he received with the purchase of the King of Clubs in Fall 2009. But with wife Lisa pregnant, looks like Sean had to recruit his buddy Craig to ride along...as powerboats and pregnant women are not a good mix!

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

George & Shannon Argyros- CA Team DONZILLA 43’ Donzi Mercury Racing 700SCi

Life with Team Donzilla: California to Miami to Marathon to Key West back to Miami then home to Newport Beach...inside five days!

Anton Holstrum-SC Team COUNTRY GIRL 42’ Cigarette Mercury Racing 700SCi

This 42X transfered ownership from form member Ron Harrison, when he stepped up to Cigarette 46 with Mercury Racing 1350’s. Dealer of record, Pier 57 of course!

Marc & Michelene Gendron-CANADA Team XCLUSIVE 42’ MTI Joe Griffin Custom 900HP

Transplanted Canadians from the nations capital Ottawa, who started with FPC over five years ago, in a Nor-Tech 3600 Supercat.

GOPRO HD Hero digital cameras are fast becoming a household item around Florida Powerboat Club.

Meet the staff! Pilot Alex Arias from Miami, in the Bravo Helicopters Robinson R44, joined by Christian Meighan (stills) and Bruno Koplin (HD Video).

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Florida Powerboat Club staged a larger, more vibrant display in the C lobby of the Convention Center, with three 50 inch Hi Def TV’s playing poker run videos for five continous days. Of course there’s always a smiling face to greet our show visitors, and hand out the latest free copy of Powerboating in Paradise Magazine.

After fifteen years of occupying this prime location, NMMA show management recently announced this space has been taken over by the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, so for 2012, we’ll be in a new spot.. Where exactly, we don’t know.

MTI and PIER 57 proudly debuted a collection of top-shelf toys, including the new 48’s WINDSHIP and the Corvette themed, ZR-48, which came complete with matching ZR1 Corvette.

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Nor-Tech featured an all-new 52’ Roadster, with seating for ten and powered by the all-new Mercury Racing 1350’s

Statement Marine displayed their new center console, and enjoyed tremendous traffic with the return of their race simulator and the MIAMI 2-STEP Poker Run.

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Dave Hemingson, and Team DCB were a long way from home in California, making their debut appearance at the Miami Show with two beautiful DCB Cats

The Stealth looking, all black ZR-48 MTI was a showstopper as expected.

Cigarette Racing Team was packed every day, and featured an array of models, including a Ducati themed 42X.

The ZR-48 was one of the first offshore powerboats to receive a pair of the new Mercury Racing twin-turbo 1350’s.

Cigarette reinforced its relationship with AMG, displaying the latest from the German supercar builder.

The Cigarette 39 Top Fish ...was a big hit as aways.

The winning never stopped at Statement, as Stu and FPC model Alexis

Club member Mike Thornton from KY won $1000 Cash at the Statement booth, playing the Miami 2 Step Poker Run.

Big turbines continue to make a big splash in the performance world. This monster was on display at the Skater booth.

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Andrea 36

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Texas Best Ranch girls www.texasbestranchgirls.com

After a Friday night monsoon that washed out the FPC boat show party in 2010, the 19th Annual Miami Boat Show Bash was long overdue for a dry, mild evening. That’s exactly what Mother Nature served up, as over three hundred guests joined members of the Florida Powerboat Club at the Raleigh in South Beach, for an evening of

Michelle

music, entertainment, video premieres and of course, the lovely ladies of FPC modeling their latest swimwear fashions. Special thanks to party co-sponsor PETERS & MAY, who joined in to make this a wonderful evening for everyone. There’s something about that South Beach vibe, that just can’t be imitated!

Jessica Renee

Emely

Editorial by: Stu Jones Photos by: Christian Meighan & Stu Jones

Winding through the scenic mangroves in Key Largo...after a high speed sprint across Biscayne Bay, gives captains a chance to check their gauges, and the girls a chance to check their bikinis. That’s if they’re still on.

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2 8 Minu t es To Paradis e!

Over sixty poker run teams throttled up for this annual salute to the performance boat industry!

Almost twenty years ago when Florida Powerboat Club began staging poker runs and boating cruises to the Florida Keys, I don’t think that any of us, writer especially, would have imagined cruising in boats at triple digit speeds, and getting from Miami to Key Largo in less than a half hour.

But that’s all behind us now, and while the measurable distance between the Rickenbacker Causeway in Miami and the new US1 Jewfish Creek Skyway in Key Largo will never change, the times to get there are shrinking beyond belief. Notably, if any unofficial records have been set, those responsible are certainly unaware, and there is a strong probability these were set during the Miami Boat Show Poker Run. Indeed, this event is known for the fast company it attracts, and the first leg from Miami to Key Largo..is quite simply, FAST! You don’t even have to be a performance expert to come to that conclusion. If you visited any of the high-performance boat displays at the Miami International Boat Show just a few days earlier, this would be a logical conclusion for most. With the latest hull technology being used by most offshore powerboat builders, both vee bottoms and catamarans are just getting faster all the time. Combine that with newer, more reliable super-power options, (a term I have stolen and applied to our sport, referencing any single powerplant producing over 1000 horsepower) and you will get boats that run all day long at 125+mph, and well over 150 mph when there is sudden need for speed. You know, Miami Vice kinda-stuff, like chasing down drug runners, or delivering vital organs to hospitals in the Keys for life-saving surgeries. OK, too much TV..I know. The reality is, that speed in our sport, yields nothing more than bragging rights, a good dock spot, your choice of table at Gilberts, and that muchneeded pressure release after a long week at the office. And that’s perfectly fine.... we get it!

Not to overstate the presence of raw horsepower, neck-jerk-

ing speed and heart pumping adrenaline that this sport most often portrays, there is a much more calming, relaxing, unwinding side to the Miami Boat Show Poker Run that many people sometimes fail to recognize. After all, visiting the Florida Keys in the dead of winter, with 80 degree temps, sunny skies, scenic winding mangrove waterways, the rustic atmosphere of Holiday Isle’s famous Tiki Bar....all this is quite the opposite of what was described in the opening words of this editorial. In fact, it’s the flip side of the equation, the calming vibe of the Florida Keys, that truly is what makes any visit here simply sublime. Let’s just say that attending the Miami Boat Show Poker Run, accomplishes different outcomes for different people. In a matter of minutes, it can take you up to heart-racing eye popping sensory overload of a high speed romp across Biscayne Bay, to a “comfortably numb” chillout on the sunpad as you idle the boat through the mangroves and wave at a smiling old couple out fishing in their 12 foot Whaler.

For those of you joined us on the Miami Boat Show Poker Run....”you know exactly what I’m talking about!” But just in case my words haven’t described it, I’m certain that the pictures will! We hope you enjoy this coverage of what has become one of Florida Powerboat Club’s signature events, which visits Islamorada, located in what the tourism folks call...The Upper Middle Keys.

Stu Jones

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Mark & Eileen Fischer- FL Team EILEEN’S FIFTY 50’ Nor-Tech Supervee Triple Nor-Tech 1000HP Sponsored by: OFFLEASEONLY.COM

Mathew Smith-MO Team PERFORMANCE BOAT BROKERAGE 42’ MTI Twin Sterling 1200’s

Jeff Campbell-TX Team RIDIN’ DIRTY 37’ Active Thunder Mercury Racing 600SCi

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Rusty Luce-NY Team TOTALLY LUCE 39’ Velocity Mercury Racing 525efi

Sean & Lisa Gallivan-NY Team KING OF CLUBS 39’ Nor-Tech Supervee Mercury Racing 700SCi

Ron Harrison-IN Team INSTIGATOR 46’ Cigarette Mercury Racing 1350HP

J.C. Williams-KY Team GOLD RUSH 42’ Outerlimits Mercury Racing 700SCi

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Harald Bertsch-GERMANY Team DONZI 38’ Donzi ZR - Mercury Racing 525 EFI

Sharon Henley-FL Team LIQUID ASSET 38’ Cigarette Top Gun Mercury Racing 525EFI (yes guys thats a woman and she is enjoying the day with no dudes on board!)

Jason and Carrie Tolliver-OH Team MAXIMUM EXXPOSURE 43’ Sunsation F4 Mercury Racing 700SCi

George & Shannon Argyros-CA Team DONZILLA 43’ Donzi ZR Mercury Racing 700SCi

Grant Freeman-MO Team ULTIMATE DISTRACTION 38’ Donzi ZR Mercury Racing 700SCi

Alex Fruth-IL Team GLADIATOR 36’ Cigarette Mercury Racing 525EFI

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

43

Doug Falcone-NJ Team SUR CHARGE 42’ Outerlimits Legacy Mercury Racing 850SCi

Randy Sweers-FL Team LORIBLU/FASTBOATS 40’ MTI Race Mercury Racing

Gilberts Key Largo Poker Run lunch Checkpoint.

Bob Blandford-FL Team Fountain 32’Fountain Sportfish Mercury Verado O/B

44

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Andy Groeber-GERMANY Team GO-FASTER.DE 50’ Nor-Tech Supervee Turbine Marine 1500HP (Came straight from Nor-Tech booth in show to the poker run!)

Andrew Gundersen-NORWAY Team Nor-Tech Nor-Tech 39 CC Trip Yamaha 350HP (Editor’s Note: Salute to crew for compliance with safety program, while making simultaneous fashion statement!)

Ben Lehman-OK Team SEX DRIVE 44’ Nor-Tech Roadster Custom Lehman Power Terry Sobo/Steve Marini-NY Team Nor-Tech 39’ Nor-Tech CC Trip Mercury Verado 300HP

46

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Bill Pyburn Jr. -FL Team PURE PLATINUM 388 Skater Chief Engines 1350SC Ray Aquit-FL Team BLUE PRINT 36 Nor-Tech Supercat Mercury Racing 1075SCi

Richard Antonucci-CT Team INCOGNITO 37 Outerlimits Mercury Racing HP500

John & Mari Lombardi-FL Team CAN’T TOUCH THIS 38’ Powerplay Cobrapower 1200SC

48

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Gabe Jasper-NJ Team SOLLIEVO 42’ Outerlimits Mercury Racing 1075SCi

Key West Poker Run Festival 2011 Nov 8 - 15 2011 Key West Poker Run is coming soon!

Are you registered yet?

This year’s event is expected to top 150 boats and we’ve got all sorts of great parties planned, along with a fantastic poker run village!

Don’t delay...Go to the fpc website at www.flpowerboat.com and download the event registration form. We’ve got plenty of great accommodations at all the major resorts, from mild to wild..

Once again, there are four departure dates starting Tues, through Friday and plenty of options for dockage in Key West! See you then!

Call the club office at: 954-545-1414

If you want to see a lot of power in one place, Gilberts is certainly the best place to be, as the poker run packs stops for lunch.

u

Patrick Dolan-MD Team FAMILY JEWELS 36’ Nor-Tech Supercat Nor-Tech 1185HP

Patrick Dolan-MD Team FAMILY JEWELS 36’ Nor-Tech Supercat Nor-Tech 1185HP

Benny D’Angelo-Canada Team HOUDINI 38’ Cigarette Mercury Racing 525efi

Marc & Micheline Gendron-CANADA Team XCLUSIVE 42’ MTI Joe Griffin 1000HP

50

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

A

fter leaving Key Largo en route to Islamorada, there are a series of mangrove waterways that require critical navigation and slow speeds.

Rafting up In Paradise...A snapshot through the palm trees at Gilberts, Key Largo

Michael Nunez-FL Team POKER FACE 36 Spectre Cat

The Good News? Weaving through the mangroves takes the adrenaline down a notch, and gives everyone a little taste of the scenic Florida Keys.

Jim Lee- KS Team CIG PLAYBOY 35’ Cigarette Mercury Racing 525efi

Anthony Sauta-NJ Team PURE ADRENALINE 39 Outerlimits Mercury Racing 700SCi John Arruda-FL Team TURBINE MARINE 50’ Nor-Tech Turbine Marine 1500HP

Kelly & Brandi Sills-LA Team PAPER CHASER 40’ Nor-Tech Roadster Mercury Racing 1075SCi

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

51

Sean Vinson-MO Team BAT BOAT 44’ MTI Mercury Racing 1075 SCi

The Batboat needs a Batgirl as first mate and Amanda fills the role quite well...

I’m sure we all agree!

John Woodruff-GA Team WINDSHIP 48’ MTI Mercury Racing 1350HP Red Reynolds-WI Team LADY LISA 80’ Nor-Tech Roadster Caterpillar 2000HP Turbos

Leon Ortemond-LA Team THUNDER 80’ Baia Twin Turbo Diesels Editors Note; Check out the 125 foot rooster tail off the Arnesons!

p

Gilberts raft up for lunch...

Just another one of the hundred angles we shoot this scene and it still looks cool as hell!

Charlie & Lois Amorosi-NJ Team TSUNAMI 2 39’ Velocity Proroc 750HP

Mark Shackleford-VA Team OVER ACTIVE 37’ Active Thunder Mercury Racing 525efi

Jim & Chris Hopgood-NJ Team SOPHIE 38’ Powerplay Mercury Racing 525efi Editors note: Father & son team...what a great way to keep the family connected!

Brothers Michael & Keith Merritt-0H Team MERRITTORIOUS 45’ Cigarette - Mercury Racing 1075SCi Special thanks to the brothers for offering to be an Official Paceboat.

Great ride guys!!

54

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

PARTY TIME IN PARADISE...

After a great day of boating, there’s no better way to continue the fun, than head for the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar. With poker run displays scattered throughout the resort grounds, musical entertainment and the Pier 57 Hospitality trailer, there was plenty to do and see. Of course with a frozen rumrunner or margarita in hand, the boats look so much nicer! Hmmmm wonder how much Pier 57 wants for that shiny MTI on a tilt trailer??

Brad Schoenwald and Carry from Pier 57 with Craig and Nancy Hall.

The Pier 57 Poker Run trailer has made an excellent addition to Florida Powerboat Clubs poker run village parties.

The FPC girls were ready for action at the FPC event trailer, where teams lined up to play out their poker cards.

Poker Run teams wait patiently as the cards are played out, wondering who will take home the grand prize!

Guests from Team ONCE YOU GO BLACK, enjoyed their first poker run with FPC.

Pier 57 Poker Run trailer... a big hit with FPC Members, and Pier 57 customers.

Steve and Lisa Marini from New York, rarely miss the Miami Boat Show Poker Run.

THANKS TO O UR SPONsORS...

CONGRATS TO O UR W INNERS!

Crewmembers aboard Andy Groeber’s Team GO-FAST.DE

Jackie presents Doug Falcone with Sponsor Appreciation Award, for New Jersey Performance Powerboat Club.

Mark & Eileen Fischer- Official Sponsors.

NewBoatsDirect and Offleaseonly.com

Captain John Teague accepts award for Derek Wachob’s Most Outrageous BoatBlack Corvette themed MTI ZR-48

Model Mirell Victoria presents a peoples choice award to poker run guest.

Albert Haynesworth and fiance Cassie, accept award for Best Paint and Graphics on the 48 MTI, Terminator

John Woodruff & Nancy Hancock, receive Best Catamaran award for the 48 MTI, WINDSHIP.

Amanda from Bat Boat accepts Sexiest Crew awards for all the good looking freinds she brought along on their two boat team.

Skip Braver accepts CigaretteSponsor appreciation award.

Stu and Jackie with David Woods, owner of Pier 57.

Terry Sobo accepts Nor-Tech sponsor appreciation award.

Rusty Luce (center) accepts GRAND PRIZE Trophy from Mirell Victoria winning the poker run in his 39 Velocity, TOTALLY LUCE.

Tampa Bay Poker Run April 1-3 2011

Full coverage in our next issue!

Naples Poker Run April 29-May 1, 2011

Full coverage in our next issue!

FPC IS BAck On TV!

AUGUST 2011 SCHEDULE TUE

AUG 9

6:00PM

SPRING TOUR 2011 (PREMIERE)

THU AUG 11 10:30AM

SPRING TOUR 2011

SAT AUG 13

5:00PM

SPRING TOUR 2011

WED AUG 17 6:30PM

SEPTEMBER 2011 SCHEDULE THU SEP 1 10:30AM

JACKSONVILLE POKER RUN 2011

SAT SEP 3

JACKSONVILLE POKER RUN 2011

1:30PM

WED SEP 7 6:30PM

BAHAMAS POKER RUN 2011 (PREMIERE)

SPRING TOUR 2011

THU SEP 8

10:30AM

BAHAMAS POKER RUN 2011

THU AUG 18 10:30AM

SPRING TOUR 2011

THU SEP 8

1:00PM

THU AUG 18

1:00AM

SPRING TOUR 2011 (LATE NIGHT)

BAHAMAS POKER RUN 2011 (LATE NIGHT)

SAT SEP 10

1:30PM

BAHAMAS POKER RUN 2011

SAT AUG 20

5:30PM

PRE-EMPTED PRO TENNIS

WED SEP 14

6:30PM

BAHAMAS POKER RUN 2011

TUE AUG 23 6:00PM

JACKSONVILLE POKER RUN 2011 (PREMIERE)

THU AUG 25 10:30AM

JACKSONVILLE POKER RUN 2011

THU AUG 25

1:00AM

JACKSONVILLE POKER RUN 2011 (LATE NIGHT)

SAT SEP 17

5:30PM

SAT AUG 27

5:30PM

JACKSONVILLE POKER RUN 2011

WED SEP 21

WED AUG 31 6:30PM

JACKSONVILLE POKER RUN 2011

6:30PM PERFORMANCE BOAT SHOWCASE (PREMIERE)

THU SEP 22

10:30AM PERFORMANCE BOAT SHOWCASE

THU SEP22

1:00AM PERFORMANCE BOAT SHOWCASE

SAT SEP 24

1:30PM PERFORMANCE BOAT SHOWCASE

SUNSPORTS IS A FOX CABLE NETWORK This channel is available throughout USA on: - Most basic cable networks (Florida) -DIRECT TV - Chan 653HD -DISH Network- Chan 422 -ATT U-Verse Nationwide ASK YOUR SERVICE PROVIDER FOR SUN SPORTS!

THU SEP 15 10:30AM BAHAMAS POKER RUN 2011 THU SEP 15

1:00AM

BAHAMAS POKER RUN 2011 (LATE NIGHT) BAHAMAS POKER RUN 2011 (END)

(OCTOBER BROADCASTS TBA - VISIT www.ямВpowerboat.com for additional dates and times)

For Advertising info contact Stu Jones 954-684-9333

2011 CALENDAR Emerald Coast Poker Run

August 11-14

Destin / Ft Walton Beach The Big One!

September 29 Oct -1

October 7-9

Fall Fun Run-New event!

49

To Coral Lagoon Resort, Marathon Luxurious cottages, excellent marina!

BAM MARINE

47

BROWARD IMPACT

15

Columbus Day Regatta-Miami

BOOSTPOWER

53

CIGARETTE RACING TEAM

21

COBRAPOWER ENGINE

55

COCH HARBOR

49

EMERALD COAST POKER RUN

07

EMERALD COAST LETTER

06

FL POWERBOAT ADVENTURES

26

FOUNTAIN POWERBOATS

64

GROVE HARBOUR MARINA

33

HERING PROPELLERS

13

HIDEAWAY MARINA

41

ILMOR HIGH PERFORMANCE

37

LEGENDARY MARINE

08

MERCURY RACING

19

OCEAN LED

23

Ft Lauderdale Boat Show Bash Shooter’s/Bootlegger on the water.

Key West Poker Run Kickoff!

November 8-15

Ad Index ALL MARINE INSURANCE

South Florida’s biggest party on the water. Accommodations available.

October 29

Vol 11 #2

19th Key West Poker Run Four departure days - Big fun!

2012 CALENDAR Feb 16-20. 2012

Miami Int’l Boat Show

Feb 17, 2012

FPC Miami Boat Show Bash

Feb 23-26, 2012

Miami Boat Show Poker Run

Mar 30- Apr 1, 2012

Tampa Bay Poker Run With Festivals of Speed.

OFFLEASEONLY/REPOBOATS

17

OUTERLIMITS 46 FOR SALE

27

May 18-20,2012

Jacksonville Poker Run (new date)

PIER 57 MARINE

05

Jun 21-24,2012

Bahamas Poker Run- Bimini

AUG TBA

Emerald Coast Poker Run

Nov 6-12, 2012

Key West Poker Run Festival

Note: ALL DATES TENTATIVE. DO NOT MAKE PLANS WITHOUT CONSULTING FPC OFFICE Other events may be added to schedule along the way. Always check FPC Website at www.flpowerboat.com

SHOGREN PERFORMANCE MARINE 59 SKYNET AVIATION

02

TEAGUE PERFORMANCE MARINE

63

TOTAL DOLLAR INSURANCE

45

Next Issue Fall 2011 Key West Special Edition; Advertising cutoff Oct 1, 2011