Powerboating in Paradise vol 18#4

VOL 18#4 WINTER 2019/MIAMI BOAT SHOW EDITION

A MAGAZINE SHOWCASING THE FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB LIFESTYLE

KEY WEST 2018 An entire issue dedicated to feature Coverage of Florida Powerboat Club’s Signature poker run event!

HIGHLIGHTS

• WEDNESDAY DEPARTURE • THURSDAY DEPARTURE • POKER RUN VILLAGE PARTIES • SATURDAY FUN RUN • PROJECT 1080 HP UPDATE

PLUS... The Charming FPC Girls WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM

NATURAL PROGRESSION QC4 860 STERNDRIVE The naturally aspirated QC4 860 shares all of the high performance running qualities of its turbocharged siblings. Designed, developed and manufactured inhouse, the 9.0-liter V-8 engine pumps out 860 horsepower on 89 octane (Rec 90) pump fuel. Mercury Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) technology provides luxury-carlike drivability. All of this with an unprecedented 2-year limited factory warranty.

MercuryRacing.com/860

A Magazine Showcasing The Florida Powerboat Club Lifestyle CONTENTS WINTER 2019

Vol. 18#4

EDITOR/PUBLISHER Stu Jones stu@flpowerboat.com

OFFICE MANAGER

Tracey Gutierrez tracey@flpowerboat.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Lina Montes fpclina@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Jerry Wyszatycki Stu Jones

EVENT MANAGEMENT Jackie Jones jackie@flpowerboat.com

VIDEO PRODUCTION Stu Jones Ryan McCoy Joe Kotrady

DIRECT ALL INQUIRIES TO Florida Powerboat Club 1214 SW 6th St. Pompano Beach, FL 33069 Tel: 954.545-1414 Fax: 954.782-2452 www.FLPOWERBOAT.com

POMPANO OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 10 AM - 5 PM

4 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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6 KEY WEST POKER RUN WEDNESDAY

6

36 KEY WEST THURSDAY

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76 FRIDAY NIGHT SPONSOR APPRECIATION

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78 KEY WEST POKER RUN: SATURDAY AGENDA

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FPC President Stu Jones reflects on a safe 2018 year of poker runs and outlines some of the highlights of new and exciting events on the 2019 calendar.

A pack of about 50 early-bird teams took the 180 mile romp from North Miami to Key West in picture-perfect boating conditions and warmed up the course for the 2nd wave!

A record number of nearly 150 poker run teams took over the waterways from Miami to Key West, making stops in Key Largo and Marathon along the scenic course.

As always Key West participants gathered at the landmark Conch Republic Seafood Company, to pay tribute to the leading industry sponsors that make this event such a great success every year.

It all began with a manufacturer aerial photo shoot in the morning hours, and by mid-afternoon the Key West Harbor and surrounding waters came alive as hundreds of powerboats headed for Woman Key.

86 SATURDAY NIGHT PARTY

The grand finale to four-day boating bonanza wrapped up at the Conch Republic Seafood Co., as the teams played their hands and competed for great prizes!

88 SAFETY MANAGEMENT RECAP

The FPC Safety Management Program set a new record with the largest fleet of on-water FWC patrols and fire-rescue professionals, giving participants a little extra comfort on the poker run course.

96 PROJECT 1080 HP UPDATE

The Mercury Racing-sponsored 38 Cigarette made its second Poker Run appearance at Key West, with its new Mercury Racing 540's and all-new interior in place....and taking center stage in the Cigarette Racing display in Key West!

86 88 96

On the Cover: Key West Poker Run teams get into position for Poker Card #1 at Grove Harbour Marina.

We had so many FPC GIRLS in Key West we couldn't fit them all on the cover...

But there's plenty more in the pages of this issue which features extensive Key West Poker Run coverage.

FPC Pompano Beach Headquarters Traveling? Need to lighten the load? Enjoy the digital version of this issue of Powerboating in Paradise Magazine on...

https://www.facebook.com/flpowerboat https://www.youtube.com/user/FLpowerboatClub

All copyright laws apply. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed written permission of the publisher

SEE THE COMPLETE DIGITAL EDITION OF POWERBOATING IN PARADISE MAGAZINE AT WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT C

oming off the heels of an epic November Key West Poker Run 2018, we were happy to report a perfect safety result for the entire 2018, with no reported incidents, collisions or personal injury. This statistic is punctuated by the sheer numbers of the accomplishment, when you add up all (high speed) miles that are involved. I took some time to run participant reports of our (8) major events in 2018, then factored in the number of boats attending, and the total mileage for the event…adding in the Friday fun runs on events like Tampa and Emerald Coast, where turnout is usually about 90% of the field. It’s not an exact science but leaving the party crashers and safety support fleets out of the equation, rough estimates bring in a tally of more than 150,000 individual boat/miles that were traveled by registered participants on FPC poker runs in 2018. That’s a staggering number when you think about it, which emphasizes the enormity of our organization, with so many events on the agenda, especially when considering that so many miles were navigated in a group setting, often at speeds well over 100mph! The conclusion from where I sit, would be first, that the safety format we have adopted at FPC has proven its credibility, but the 2nd observation is an equally measurable factor that needs a giant SHOUT OUT! The performance boating community, (i.e.) the powerboat owners and captains out there driving these amazing speed machines, are making a conscious effort to be more aware of their speed, their surroundings, and their situation on a poker run, as it relates to the safety of their craft and crew. This is the take-home that to me is the most profound message we can share across the nation. Something is suddenly working right…and we can take this right on through 2019 and years to come!

That’s an appropriate segue to my next topic…as we kick off our 2019 FPC event calendar with some new events in Florida and an exciting Summer 2019 Poker Run Tour. For starters, while the Lower Florida Keys are still in disarray, many of the key hotspots from Key Largo to Marathon have recovered from the Fall 2017 Hurricane Irma. We

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return to the popular Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key for the January Winter Poker Run, and in February we’ll be the first boating group to visit the all-new Bakers Cay Resort in Key Largo. This Miami Boat Show Poker Run will offer a two-venue format, with participants being able to choose between Playa Largo Resort, or the new Bakers Cay Resort, which is branded as Curio Collection property, one of Hilton's premium luxury hotel brands.

The spring season continues with little change to event formats in Tampa (March) and in Fort Myers Beach (April), but then in May goes turbocharged as we commence a marathon tour! The 5th Europe Poker Run goes TransAtlantic where a dozen FPC couples will hit 150mph on the Autobahn and weave through mountain-tops in the Alps to Tuscany. Upon returning, May 29th we stage our first-ever, Florida-Alabama Poker Run, as part of a 5-day Orange Beach Powerboat Week. Early June kicks off with our 28th Bahamas Poker Run…and for the first time in years, we’ll do a Miami, Bimini, Nassau format, with a daytrip to the breathtaking Exuma islands…to feed those cute beach piggies.

After Bahamas, the Project 1080HP Cigarette will be in-tow to the Performance Boat Center’s Annual Cigarette Reunion, the first event on the FPC Summer Poker Run Tour, which visits major national events from the Midwest to Canada.

The summer culminates in the Florida Panhandle, with the 5-day Emerald Coast Powerboat Week, headquartered in Destin. A couple of fall events to Bimini and the Keys will fill the gaps as we ramp up for the 27th Annual Key West Poker Run in November. Whoooooo …..I’m out of breath just talking about it! This is gonna be one epic year for FPC, and I can only hope that I will personally see all of you on the water, whether it’s in your back yard, or ours.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

Stu Jones Comments: stu@flpowerboat.com

HORSEPOWER In Paradise!

AS THE COLD WINTER CHILL BEGAN TO SETTLE IN ACROSS THE NATION, THESE SNOWBIRDS MIGRATED SOUTH AND FIRED UP THEIR BIG-POWERED MACHINES FOR AN ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO THE SOUTHERNMOST POINT IN THE USA.

Haulover Inlet was the official "Throttle Up" zone as poker run teams made their way into the coastal waters for an offshore romp southbound to Govt Cut. STORY BY STU JONES

T

he 26th edition of Florida Powerboat Club’s signature poker run event was measurably the largest ever, staged by the Pompano Beach-based organization, with 213 registered poker run teams and over 900 participants. The roster featured a long list of returning Key West veterans, some who have attended for nearly twenty consecutive years, along with a big wave of newly recruited members who make Key West a top priority on their boating bucket list, finally checking off the “Done-It” box after several years of planning.

As organizers, it was truly impressive to see the geographic representation of teams, which was typically populated with spirited adventurers from a wide variety of boating hotbeds throughout the United States and Canada. Illustrating the event’s global appeal, there was a noticeable spike in boat entries from European countries, including Germany,

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Finland and Norway, and for their very first time a poker run team from Bermuda registered their 38 Fountain center-console to attend.

As always, the two-departure format has served this event well, both on the participant and on the organizer side of the equation. Enthusiasts who travel far to attend, typically want to get as much bang for their buck by adding an extra day to the agenda, so the earlier departure format provides them with six-day agenda that is a comfortable mix of on-water and off water events. With the roundtrip poker run from Miami and return, plus Saturday fun run, the total driving distance for the average team would tally up to 400 miles of boating through the scenic Florida Keys, complemented with two days of offshore powerboat racing in Key West harbor, and a three-day vibrant poker run headquarters at the Conch Republic Seafood Company.

Haulover Marine Center returned as a poker run sponsor and provided the ideal staging platform for dozens of poker run teams.

PHOTOS BY JERRY WYSZATYCKI & STU JONES

The entire bundle of events and activities provides a strong rationale for many participants to enjoy the earlier Wednesday departure. On the organizer-side, the benefits of the earlier run include a more manageable flow of boats, less congestion at poker run functions such as staging in the morning, poker card checkpoints, along with lunch stops and fueling stations. With about fifty boats on the Wednesday departure roster, the group got its' start from its North starting point at Haulover Marine Center, making their way offshore for short, but bumpy first leg of the run. Of course, that made for some great aerial video and photography from the Florida Powerboat Club helicopter crew, which took chase soon after 10:30am, from Haulover Inlet.

The November weather was fantastic, with warm summerlike temperatures, blue skies and no sign of rain, making for a great day on the water with a fun group of spirited teams,

some of whom had travelled thousands of miles to attend.

The FPC team had the pleasure of riding on board a 39’ Midnight Express with Andrew “Rocco” Rocco, who had decided to leave his 52’ Skater back at home, due mostly to a refresh project of his Mercury Racing 1350’s. The Mercury Verado powered center console seemed to fit his needs just fine, as he entertained a sizeable crew of friends, mostly from New Hampshire.

As the event’s organizer, I suppose your writer could have a thousand things to say about how exciting this first glorious day of the poker run was, but we’ve got hundreds of pictures that capture the essence and the spirit of the Key West Poker Run, so I will bow out, and let you enjoy the visuals we captured, as our Florida Powerboat Club members wrote another chapter for the FPC archives!

SJ

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 7

The rough conditions in Haulover Inlet would be the only challange of the day, as calm seas prevailed all the way to Key West

TIME CONSCIOUS-Official Pace boat Wednesday departure

Andrew (Rocco) Rocco | NH | Team TIME CONSCIOUS | 39'Midnight Express / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 300

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Al & Christy Newell | KY | Team BLOWN ASSETS | 38' Donzi / 3 Mercury Verado 350

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4TH ANNUAL

FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB EUROPE POKER RUN TO TUSCANY Thursday, May 2nd – Monday, May 12th, 2019

Join the excitement of a Poker Run in Europe while driving a NEW PORSCHE!

$14,668 per person New pricing $13,600 per person, based on double occupancy (airfare not included) Join the fun and drive a new model 2019 PORSCHE for nine days across the Alps to Tuscany. We are renting a private estate in Tuscany close to Siena, Florence and Montepulciano. Not only will we have a fun drive through the Alps to get there, but also we will enjoy a cooking class, wine tasting, relaxing by the pool, play tennis, or do some optional horseback riding at our estate. In addition, we have planned an excursion to historic Siena. We will also drive part of the legendary Mille Miglia road. You will love shopping in the medieval village of Buonconvento with its little local leather, knitting, chocolate, Italian shoes and dress shops. We will also visit the beautiful Abbey Beneditta Olivetana.

On the way home from Tuscany, we will also stop in Modena, enjoy lunch at the legendary F-1 La Montana Restaurant and visit the Ferrari Museum.

•All-inclusive – accommodations, meals, drinks, PORSCHE rental, gasoline, tolls, taxes and gratuities •Airport transfer services in Stuttgart, Germany •Nine days of driving new 2019 model PORSCHE of choice •Fun Tuscan Countryside Rally drive (it’s not a race) plus Poker Run Dinner with valuable prizes

•Special dinners and wine tastings at Private Estate in Tuscany •Accompanying truck to transport your large luggage •Driving on the Autobahn, winding country roads and Alpine passes •Escorted by bi-lingual drive guides connected by walkie-talkies •Membership in Fast Lane Travel’s prestigious 150mph Club •Special shirts, caps, flight bags plus drivers training and navigation road books

Sponsored by: This event is a Florida Powerboat Club invitation only event, that is an exclusive privilege for FPC members, and active membership is required to register.

FOR INFORMATION AND TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE: Go To: www.fastlanetravel.com Call: 813-343-3001 or Email: info@fastlanetravel.com

Chris & Jennifer Grant | ON | Team PAIN RELIEF | 42' Fountain / Mercury Racing 600 SCI

KEEPIN' IT REAL Crew

Jim & Lynne Archambault | GA | Team KEEPIN' IT REAL | 43' Outerlimits

George Takkula | Finland | Team PREDATOR 447 | 44' Predator / Mercury Racing 1350

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David & Marianne Kramer | NJ | Team NAUTI LIST | 38' Fountain / Mercury Racing 525 EFI

LAUNDERED MONEY Crew

Matt & Marisue Migliazzo | KS | Team LAUNDERED MONEY | 38' Donzi / Mercury 500 EFI

THE ANIMALS Crew

Josh & Terri Anne Pierce | KS |Team THE ANIMALS | 42' Fountain / Mercury 500 EFI

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David Branton | LA | Team MUFFUKKA | 40' INVINCIBLE

Fred & Judy Reavis | SC | Team BLEW BY YOU | 48' MTI

David & Leann Branton | LA | Team MAFFUKA | 40' INVINCIBLE

Paddy Sullivan | MD | Team CODE BLUE | 38' Donzi / 3 Mercury Verado 300

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Thomas Freund | NY | Team DEAL BRAKER | 34' MTI / 2 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Sponsor

Jim Schultz | IL | Team FACTORY BILLET | 51' Outerlimits

Derek Wachob | OK | Team BLACK DIAMOND EXPRESS | 34' MTI / 2 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Derek Wachob | OK | Team BLACK DIAMOND | 52' MTI | / Mercury Racing 1350

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 17

GROVE HARBOUR MARINA/ BONUS CARD STOP

Returning as a feature sponsor for the Key West Poker Run, Grove Harbour Marina also staged several poker run teams and provided a great rally point for teams to gather up their first Bonus poker card.

Jeff Campbell-TX-Team NOR-TECH

Matt Migliazzo-Team LAUNDERED MONEY

Frank Sr & Jr Jannucci-Team FUNDSALOW

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Fran Marfyak-Team YEAH BABY

Gretchen & Noel Speranza-Team RETAINAGE

Kayla & Marissa handled the poker cards and showed off their new FPC bikinis

Carston Bohlebke-Team GERMANY

Mike & Lori Smith-Team PROBLEM CHILD

The Girls Of -Team WIDE OPEN

Grove Harbour Marina, Coconut Grove

Kelly & Anna Kraiss -Team TOP CAT

Chad Havens-Team SAVAGE

Cindy Campbell & The Girls of -Team BODACIOUS, TOO POWERBOATING IN PARADISE |

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OUTA-MY-MIND Crew

Tom & Stacy Derner | MA | Team OUTA-MY-MIND | 39' Outerlimits TOP CAT Crew

Kelly & Anna Kraiss | AZ | Team TOP CAT | 36' Skater GERMANY Crew

Carston Bohlebke | GER | Team GERMANY | 36' Nor-Tech

Michael Maggio | IL | Team DRIVEN | 46' Cigarette / Mercury 700

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John O'Loughlin | NY | Team VENGEFUL | 48' MTI / Mercury Racing 1550

VENGEFUL Crew

TOM CAT Crew

ANDIAMO Crew

Marcus & Danielle Sangiuliano | NJ | Team ANDIAMO | 42' Fountain

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Todd Fountain | MI | Team TOMCAT | 46' Skater / Mercury Racing 1350

Beau and Tiffiney Renfroe | GA | Team DIRTY MONEY | 36' Skater / Mercury 700SCI FPC Girls

Jim Bradley | TX | Team ROAD WARRIOR | 39' Nor-Tech / 4 Mercury Verado 300

Dan Desantis | MA | Team MCLAREN BOSTON | 38' Skater / Mercury Racing 1100

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 23

Marissa & Kayla

Ryan & Julie Scharnowske | IN | Team DOUBLE SCHARNY | 37' Midnight Express / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Roger & Pam Anderson | TX | Team EASY MONEY II | 39' Nor-Tech / 3 Mercury Verado 350

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Sponsor

David Tievy | MD | Team SPEC OPS | 48' Fountain | Mercury 700

John Wittenberger Jr | NJ | Team BAD DECISION | 30' Spectre / Mercury 300x

Kianna

MAVERICK Crew

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Dr. Jason Parker | MS | Team MAVERICK | 39' Deep Impact / 4 Mercury Racing Verados 400R

LUNCH at Gilbert's

The Wednesday run clocked in at just under 50 poker run teams, making Gilberts Key Largo the ideal stopover for our poker lunch. As always, the food and service was fantastic and members enjoyed the new docks, which were completed just days before the event.

Chris & Angela Bradley | TX | Team RAINMAKER | 38' Skater

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John Chrysler | FL | Team DIXIE NORMOUS | 47'Fountain / Mercury 525 EFI

Dr Ino Halegua | FL | Team GREECE LIGHTNING | 38' Cigarette / Mercury 525

Joe Balistreri | FL | 33' Everglades-Safety Boat

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 29

John & Tracy Wittenberger | NJ | ON THE ROCKS | 36' Sonic / 2 Mercury Verado 350 Olivia, Kayla & Marissa

Shawn & Sieglinde Moe | NV | Team MOE POWER | 34' MTI / 2 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

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Rick Riggle | OH | Team ROOSTER TAIL | 42' Cigarette / 5 Mercury Verado 350

The scenic mangroves which begin with the arrival to Key Largo and continue through the upper Keys, provide a scenic backdrop to this event and harbor abundant wildlife, making it important for teams to "slow down" and just enjoy this one-of-a-kind eco-tour in paradise.

KEKOA Crew

Greg Dutka | MD | Team KEKOA | 32' Sunsation / Mercruiser 496HO

Don & Alice Lightfoot | TX | FOOTLOOSE TOO | 52' Nor-Tech / Mercury Racing 1350

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Frank Sr & Frank Jr Jannucci | NJ | Team FUNDSALOW | 39' Cigarette / Mercury Racing 700

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 33

Bryan Martin | MD | Team COSMIC OASIS | 34' Nor-Tech / 3 Mercury 350 GONE AGAIN Crew

Kenny & Myna Mungle | TX | Team GONE AGAIN | 35' Statement! / 2 Mercury 350

Dustin Zumo | OK | Team NAUTI ASSESSMENT | 38' Cigarette / Mercury 525

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THUNDER and ROOSTER TAILS

THE THURSDAY DEPARTURE GROUP TOPPED NEARLY 150 POWERBOATS, AS TEAMS FROM ALL OVER THE GLOBE POWERED THEIR WAY THROUGH THE PORT OF MIAMI WITH THE ROAR OF THOUSANDS OF HORSEPOWER, LEAVING ONLY ECHOS AND THE MIST OF THEIR ROOSTER TAILS, BEFORE VANISHING OFF IN THE DISTANCE. STORY BY STU JONES

W

ith 150 poker run teams on the Thursday departure of the Key West Poker Run, the FPC staff knew there would be challenges on all fronts…from a dual-venue format for poker run check-ins and captain’s meetings which were scheduled in Coconut Grove and in North Miami, to the sheer mass of high-performance hardware weaving through the 185-mile poker run course at various rates of speed. But somehow, it worked!

Of course, there were some levels of stress and the usual anxiety that might be associated with the logistics of organizing a record-setting poker run event, but the FPC Safety Management Program’s practice of separating boats into three separate speed groups, has played a big role in reduction of overtaking hazards, which has translated to a much better 2018 safety record. Not to be underestimated, the elevated presence of on-water Florida FWC patrol boats and Miami Dade Fire Rescue support boats, surely put a

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fewer of our over-jealous weekend warriors into a calmer state of mind, which was illustrated by a sustained level of good spacing among the boats at the starts, and more moderate speeds even among the triple-digit front runners.

After departing Haulover Marine Center and taking the offshore ride to Miami’s Government Cut, it was a continuous flow of high-performance hardware through the Port of Miami, Virginia Key and through the spans of the Rickenbacker Skyway, as teams set their sights on Grove Harbour Marina for bonus card #1. This would remain as one of only two locations on the course where poker cards are handed out, as FPC opted years ago to better manage the time and logistics of this 170-180-mile poker run course by reducing the number of time-consuming card checkpoints to two. As we docked at Grove Harbour to manage the card handoff…it was soon apparent that this would be the longest card exchange ever recorded on a Florida Powerboat Club

PHOTOS BY JERRY WYSZATYCKI & STU JONES

poker run. Starting at 10:15 am sharp, and with a steady flow of boats and spirited poker run teams, the final boat pulled up to the dock at just minutes before the top of the hour.

The 45- minute dockside parade showcased the finest highperformance hardware and bikini styles imaginable! For anyone with the privilege of standing dockside at Grove Harbour Marina, this was an overload of the senses that went to a whole new level.

all participants, with Gilberts in Key Largo and Lighthouse Grill at Faro Blanco Marathon taking the bulk of the teams for lunch and fuel. A third location was provided at Playa Largo Resort in Key Largo, as Nor-Tech’s management team hosted a Nor-Tech owners lunch…taking more than one half of the 32 registered Nor-Tech teams to this upscale resort destination, which is slated as a headquarter hotel for the upcoming 2019 edition of the Miami Boat Show Poker Run.

For the staggered starts in Biscayne Bay, a handful of highspeed Cats typically took the front-running positions soon after departing Grove Harbour Marina, but the continuous reminders from organizers that the helicopter aerial team were maxed out at 100 mph, might have played some part in keeping the throttles at 85% for much of the poker run course.

The day continued with beautiful summer-like temperatures, ideal boating conditions, and a responsible vibe across the entire fleet, that being safe, was the key to having fun and memorable day on the water. We hope you are enjoying this feature coverage from Florida Powerboat Club’s signature poker run event, and once again…. we’ll replace words with more pictures, and you’ll be able to make your own conclusions about just how incredible this event continues to be. SJ

With almost seven hundred mouths to feed for the lunch stopovers, a total of three lunch locations were designated for

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 37

RELENTLESS Crew

Bud & Binna Porter | IL | Team RELENTLESS | 39' Cigarette / Mercury 700 SCI

ALMOST ILLEGAL Crew

Michael & Lori Smith | FL | Team PROBLEM CHILD | 41' Cigarette / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Paul Bertucci | MC | Team BEER MONEY TOO! | 39' Deep Impact / 4 Mercury Verado 300

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Justin Bultsma | MI | Team ALMOST ILLEGAL | 38' Powerquest / Mercruiser 502

Sponsor

Eric & Maggie Glaser | FL | Team MIDNIGHT EXPRESS | 43' Midnight Express / 5 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Curtis Francois | MO | Team GATEWAY MSP | 43' Midnight Express / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

MIDNIGHT EXPRESS Crew

David Burg | TX | Team MIDNIGHT EXPRESS | 43' Midnight Express / 4 Mercury Verado 350

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HEAVY DUTY PICKUPS

Address: 719 S 75 E Warren, Indiana 46792 www.wallstrailersales.com Phone: (866) 356-9255 Visit T.D. Wall at major FPC Poker Run events in 2019! Better yet, make a deal on their display truck and drive it home! Trades considered! Call 260-358-6517

Danny Merrell | GA | Team IT'S A PIRATES LIFE FOR ME | 50' Hann / 4 Mercury Verado 350

IT'S A PIRATES LIFE FOR ME Crew Jeff & Brenda Jacobs | MD | Team WE'RE BACK | 36' Cigarette / Mercury 525 Olivia

Sal Olivia | NY | Team X-SCAPE FROM NY | 39' Cigarette / Mercury Racing 700

Matt Borcina | NY | Team LOW SEA | 36' Wright Performance / 2 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

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Be A Part Of The Action!

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BODACIOUS, TOO Crew

H. Neil & Cindy Campbell | FL | Team BODACIOUS, TOO | 42' Mystic / 3 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Christopher Sadow | CT | Team NICHALSA | 34' Nor-Tech / 3 Mercury Verado 350

Jimmie Harrison | FL | Team FJ PROPELLER | 39' Nor-Tech / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

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Jesse & Stephanie Neumann | MN | Team NO AGENDA | 39' Nor-Tech / 3 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

SCHOOL'S IN SESSION Crew

Don Verkuylen | FL | Team SUPER VELOCE | 52' MTI / Mercury Racing 1550

John & Darlene Diakoulas | MD | Team SCHOOL'S IN SESSION | 42' Outerlimits

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 45

Sponsor

Jeff Campbell | TX | Team NOR-TECH | 45' Nor-Tech / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R KLINE Crew

Ed & Surey Garcia | FL | Team APACHE | 41' Apache

Tom Klocker | OH | Team NO ETA | 42' Cigarette / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

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Kevin & Oksana Kline | CO | Team KLINE | 43' Donzi

OU T B A K S A W OUR NE T E R POS L UCI T E T S P RIN

IT’S TIME TO HANG THAT...

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GROVE HARBOUR

Bonus Card Stop

FPC Girls and Team GATEWAY MSP

Allen Chase -Team CHASE-IN-RAYS

Kevin & Melissa Welch | MA | Team HEAT HER UP | 35' Cigarette

Gary & Nancy Robertson -Team MY DIAMOND

Jack Villars | SW | Team JACK | 44' MTI

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Don Doty-Team-1YR SKATER

Don Kleitz | RI | Team OUTERLIMITS | 52' Outerlimits

Laurant Besnier | FL | Team GROSS COCHONS | 32' Doug Wright / 2 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Ron Roman Ricucci | NJ | Team PURE EVIL | 47' Outerlimits

Mike & Connie Dillon | TX | Team NAUTI HABIT | 38' Statement! / 3 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Rick & Charolene Milstead | AL | Team CAT GOTCHA TONGUE | 36' Nor-Tech

Jake & Gina Nossaman | OK | Team WIRED UP | 42' MTI / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Mark & Eileen Fischer | FL | Team DEEP IMPACT | 39' Deep Impact / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 49

Shawn & Christin Lather | SC | Team BLEW BY YOU | 42'MTI

Elliot & Erica Wiczer | IL | Team LOONEY TUNE | 41' Cigarette / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Chris Ryder | NY | Team CRISIS MANAGEMENT | 36' Skater

Tony Dewaal | MI | Team DOUBLE D | 40' Skater

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Tom Beagle | MI | Team BAR-NONE | 36' Sunsation / Mercruiser 575SC

PIPE DREAMS Crew

Eric & Ashley Matzen | NY | Team PIPE DREAMS | 28' Skater / 2 Mercury Racing 300XS

Kayla & Kelly

Lorne Leibel | CAN | Team MERCURY RACING | 46' Skater

Slug Hefner/ John Cosker | Team DIRTY DUCK | 38' MYSTIC / 2 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 51

Chris Mastronardi | ONT | Team RIGHT MEOW | 48' MTI

1YR SKATER Crew

Don Doty | MI | Team 1YR SKATER | 42' Skater / Mercury 1350

David & Jenny Landsman | MD | Team BREAKIN' BALLS | 44' Mystic / Mercury Racing 700 SCI

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Sponsor

PERFORMANCE BOAT CENTER Crew

Brett Manire | MO | Team PERFORMANCE BOAT CENTER | 36' Wright Performance /2 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Michael Alexander | NY | Team TJA MOTORSPORTS | 32' Skater / 3 Mercury 300

Mark Stoddart | ON | Team MTI 48' MTI / Mercury Racing 1350

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 53

James Lee | KS | Team DOUBLE TAKE | 46' Skater

Luis Sotero | FL | Team PARTY OF 3'S | 38' Donzi / 3 Mercury Verado 300

Chad Havens | TX | Team SAVAGE | 40' Skater

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John & Suzanne Stella | NY | Team SEND IT | 38' Statement! / 3 Mercury Racing 300

Scott Polio | NJ | Team TROUBLE MAKER | 35' Cigarette

Matt & Ann Marie Raymond | NC | Team MISS GRACE | 48' Fountain / 5 Mercury Verado 350

Mike Carravetta | CAN | Team BIG BRUISER | 39' Nor-Tech / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Bennett & Jimena Loftin | FL | Team MEAN MACHINE | 42' NORDIC / Mercury Racing 700

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 55

ELEANOR Crew Tom & Rachel Regan | TX | Team ELEANOR | 36' Nor-Tech / Mercury Racing 1400

Frank Lovato | NJ | Team NO XCUSES | 38' Cigarette / Mercury Racing 1400

PHANTOM Crew

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Ken Armstrong | TX | Team PHANTOM | 48' MTI / Mercury Racing 1350

Jewfish Creek-Key Largo, Fl

RIVA 52 MTI SUPERCAT Crew

Ramon & Katia Vera | FL | Team BULLETPROFF CUSTOMDECKING 33' Scarab / 2 Mercury Verado 275

Asbjorn Abrahamsen | FL | Team RIVA | 52' MTI / Mercury Racing 1350

DANGER ZONE Crew

Jukka Murto Sebastian Mefsamaki | FINLAND | Team DANGER ZONE | 43' Nor-Tech

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Darryl Cuttell | TN | Team DARANA | 42' Mystic / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Keith & Karen Rockman | FL | Team SUNSATION | 34' Sunsation / 3 Mercury Verado 350

Deris Ceresa | FL | Team DONZI | 38' Donzi

Billy Moore | FL | Team FOUNTAIN POWERBOATS | 38' Fountain / 3 Mercury Verado 350

Garry & Nancy Robertson | ME | Team MY DIAMOND | 52' Nor-Tech / Mercury Racing 1350

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 59

Sponsor

Doug & Sheri Falcone | NJ | Team MARINE UNLIMITED | 42' Mystic / Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Kenny Ray Schomp & Matt Garland | KY | Team DOWNTOWN | 42' MYSTIC / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Ray & Kristine Gremaux | NY | Team BIG SHOT! | 42' Mystic / 4 Mercury Racing 350

Jimmy & Gina Smith | CA | Team TT CRESCENDO | 42' Mystic / 3 Mercury Verado 350

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Kelly, Olivia & Kianna enjoying the "High-life" aboard Greg Bent's Nor-Tech 452 with custom tuna tower.

Sponsor

Brett Manire | Team PERFORMANCE BOAT CENTER | 42 MTI / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Michael Brancato | MI | Team RECOVERY ROOM | 38'Statement! / 3 Mercury Racing Verado 400 COLD ONE CONFESSIONS Crew

Barry Henson | TN | Team NOR-TECH | 43' Nor-Tech

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Michael & Neveda McClallen | IL | COLD ONE CONFESSIONS | 37' Active Thunder / Mercury Racing 525

Matt & Robin Wilson | GA | Team DOMESTICATED…NOT REALLY | 32' Seafox

Robert Smulski | DE | Team CASSIDY GRAPHICS | 38' Nor-Tech / Mercury Racing 500 EFI

Bob & Charlene Ladas | MA | Team MTI-V | 42' MTI / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400

Allen Chase | NY | Team CHASE-IN-RAYS | 40' Hustler

Anthony Bertozzi | VA | Team SMOKING HOTT | 38' Cigarette / Mercury Racing 525 EFI

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 63

YEAH BABY Crew

Anton Holstrom | FL | Team SEAPHORIA | 33' Powerplay

Francis Marfyak | CT | Team YEAH BABY | 35' Formula / Mercury Racing 500

Jeremy Parker | NC | Team PARKERS DISTRIBUTION | 32' Spectre

Bruno & Rebecca Perree | FL | Team MEGAWATTS | 39' Outerlimits / Mercury 520

Richard Szesnat | NY | Team POOR DIRT FARMER | 50' Outerlimits / Mercury 1350

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Three racing Go-Karts great family starter kit -Arrow Chassis with Rotax 125cc DD2 disc brakes, XL seat for Dad...(up to 250 lb) -Brand new TonyKart Junior Class Rotax 125cc ( 3 hours total run time- never raced) -Ideal for 10-16yr old.

-Birel Cadet Rotax 125cc Mini Max with parts for MicroMax de-tune. (8-12 yrs ideal) Go racing or just do track days with the kids!

3 Stands included: Brand new Streeter electric self-loading stand/ folding Streeter and double stacker for transport! Race suits/helmets/Parts galore and assorted kart tools included!

Approx $25K invested will sell the lot or individual Karts ! Great family bonding sport!

954-684-9333 Pompano Beach FL

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 65

Thursday lunch at

After more than a year of permitting delays and construction hurdles, the new docks at Gilberts in Key Largo were completed just days before the Key West Poker Run. Upwards of 80-90 teams gathered for the Thursday lunch.

Patrick & Lamya Clarke | NY |Team NY LOOK OUT | 35' Donzi / 2 Mercury 350

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Greg & Stephanie Del Monte | NJ | Team HARD TO HANDLE | 44' Outerlimits / Mercury 700 SCI

RAINDANCE Crew

Brian Metcalf | CA | Team RAINDANCE | 36' Apache

Alberto & Jennifer Diaz de Villegas | FL | MIDNIGHT DREAMIN' | 39' Midnight Express / 3 Mercury Verado 350

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 67

Sponsor

NOR-TECH OWNERS LUNCH Playa Largo Resort- Key Largo With close to 150 teams scheduled on the Thursday departure group, utilizing optional lunch stopovers played a key role in managing over-crowded venues and docking logistics. With Nor-Tech planning some type of owner-appreciation event over the course of the poker run, it seemed apparent that this lunch diversion was the perfect option, and about one half of the 32 registered Nor-Tech boats were able to join in. Playa Largo docks are relatively small, but with careful rafting and use of the limited number of slips, the facility will accommodate about thirty powerboats. This Marriott Autograph Collection property is marketed as one of Marriott’s premium hotel brands, and designated as one of two headquarter hotels for the 2019 edition of the February Miami Boat Show Poker Run in February. Nor-tech’s fleet was dominated by their most popular model the 39 Center Console, but a few of those classic high-performance Supercats joined in the mix, and the FPC staff had the pleasure of riding along with Eskil Hansen in his very stylish, 42’ Monte Carlo, powered by Mercury Racing 565’s, and piloted by Nor-Tech’s co-founder Trond Schou. Special thanks to Nor-Tech for their continued support as a Series Sponsor with Florida Powerboat Club, and a feature sponsor for the Key West Poker Run.

Greg Bent | LA | Team HELL BENT | 45' Nor-Tech / 5 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Andre Flottman | FL | Team NOR-TECH | 39'Nor-Tech / 3 Mercury Racing Verado 400

Jerry & Chamaine Bennish | MI | Team ROCK N ROLL | 34' Nor-Tech / 3 Mercury Verado 350

WIDE OPEN Crew

Ed & Jacquie Rachel | FL | Team WIDE OPEN | 39' Nor-Tech / 3 Mercury Verado 350

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Your Nor-Tech Experience Begins Here...

7941 Mercantile Street North Fort Myers, FL 33917 nor-techboats.com 239-567-5030

Noel & Gretchen Speranza | FL | Team RETAINAGE | 44' Concept / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R Jake Nossaman | OK | Team WIRED UP | 42'MTI / Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Ladd Spring | LA | Team MY 3 BOYS | 39' Nor-Tech / 3 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Joseph & Karen Bresnahan Jr | NH | Team TIME'S MONEY | 42' Cigarette / Mercury 700

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David Rudiger | OH | Team TEAM OHIO | 42' Mystic / 3 Mercury Verado 350

Join the club.

Join the fun.

Five levels of membership to suit your boating lifestyle.

PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP

• 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.

$479.00/year*

GOLD MEMBERSHIP

COMMERCIAL MEMBERSHIP

Membership Includes all of the Standard Membership benefits, PLUS:

Membership Includes:

• 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.) $369.00/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. $259.00/year*

• Discounted rates on FPC Magazine ads • Discounted rates on all web advertising/banner programs.

• 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. $349.00/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. $79.00/year*

*Overseas and international memberships will have a slightly higher rate to compensate for mailing/shipping costs.

Sponsor

Mark Palanchian | FL | Team NEXTERAPOWERMARKETING | 105' Leopard Yacht

Scott & Stacy Rosenbach | IL | Team SUM BEACH | 41' Cigarette / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400

Ray Aquit | FL | Team HAMMERTIME | 39' Deep Impact / Mercury Racing Veardo 400R

72 POWERBOATING IN PARADISE |

Sponsor

Eskil Hansen | Norway | Team MONTE CARLO | 42' Nor-Tech

David Gordon | FL | Team MISS TREATED | 39' Nor-Tech / 3 Mercury Verado 350

Curt Watkins | FL | Team EVIL WOMAN | 45' Nor-Tech / 5 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

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Forrest Riddle | VA | Team LIKE GUMP | 43' Nor-Tech

Thu r sday Night Poke r Ru n V il lage: Body Painting E xpo The Key West Poker Run Village comes to life at about 2pm on Thursday, while the Thursday run is still in progress.

Somehow, the venue fills up quickly, as Wednesday poker runners and offshore racing fans who are in town for the boat races funnel into the Greene Street location to have first dibs on the FPC souvenir merchandise, while enjoying lunch and a mojito at the Conch Republic Seafood Company. But as the Thursday poker runners begin to arrive late in the afternoon, and as the daylight sun drops off on the scenic horizon to the west, a whole new vibe erupts, the crowds thicken, and the Key West Poker Run Village takes on a vibrant, festive personality. That’s about the exact moment, for three years running, that the body painting duo of Hector and his wife Meike, arrive with a team of four artists who are ready to tackle naked flesh with their air brushes, colorful paint and unique designs. The FPC Body Painting expo hosted for three years, once again kicked off the Thursday night festivities at the Conch Republic Seafood Co., and we were happy to see that along with some of the local Key West ladies, a handful of ladies on FPC poker run teams were willing to take part. To these fine ladies we say..” You Go Girls!! We love your Spirit!”

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The Sponsor Appreciation Awards moved to a new venue in the Poker Run Village, as Cigarette Racing hosted the awards at their nostalgic display, which featured the all-new FPC Project 1080 38' Cigarette, alongside one of the very first Cigarette's ever built.

FRIDAY NIGHT –

Sponsor Appreciation Party Florida Powerboat Club was proud to announce a stellar lineup of the leading corporate sponsors for the Key West Poker Run, with special thanks to our presenting sponsor Mercury Racing and our Grand Prize Sponsor OffleaseOnly. com. With so many of the leading members of our performance marine industry on the Sponsor lineup to recognize and thank, it has been a Key West tradition for almost two decades, to designate Friday night, as Sponsor Appreciation Night, and offer a program where all of the feature sponsors are invited to appear on stage, to receive their much-deserved recognition and a souvenir award plaque to display back at their company headquarters. To carry out this program with style, naturally we recruited all of the FPC Girls and a number of local models, to assist with presentations and promotional photos. Adding a little spin on the 2018 Sponsor Appreciation Awards, we re-located to the Cigarette Racing display, where the Mercury Racing-sponsored Project 1080HP 38 Top Gun was proudly displayed.

Later, it was time to make the rounds in the Poker Run Village, as we visited each and every sponsor display, for some great souvenir photos. Thanks again to all of our Key West Sponsors. To see the complete list visit page 94 of this issue.

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The Friday Night Sponsor Appreciation Party at Conch Republic Seafood Co., gave the FPC Girls a chance to show off their new FPC Bikinis...and pay special tribute to all the Feature Sponsors that help to make this such a successful poker run event, year after year.

Stu Jones and Fpc Girls Presenting Award to Mercury Racing

Iconic Marine Group MFR for Fountain & Donzi

Mark Wilson & family - Wilson Custom Marine

Mark & Eileen Fischer - Deep Impact, Blackwater & Offleaseonly

Bernie Newhaus & Doug Falcone - Marine Unlimited

David Tievy - Superior Communications

Skip Braver - Cigarette Racing Team

Dean Albanese accepting for Nor-Tech Hi Performance

John Louis - Haulover Marine Center

Kayla dropped by McLaren of Boston

Stu Jones & Scott Greager - Conch Republic Seafood Co.

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SATURDAY Fun Run

STORY & PHOTOS BY STU JONES

S

aturday provided a great opportunity for poker run teams and sponsors to get out and enjoy the local waters around Key West. For some of the manufacturing sponsors, it was an ideal time to gather their owners for some special photo sessions with the FPC aerial team, then rendezvous for a sponsored lunch. FPC assisted Deep Impact Boats and sister company Blackwater to do just that, as this group of owners rallied together for a photo shoot, then settled in at the all-new Oceans Edge Resort & Marina for lunch.

Other manufacturers including Nor-tech Hi-Performance

78 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

and Mystic Powerboats provided similar opportunities for their owners, which clearly illustrates that these boat builders place a high priority on extending their appreciation to their loyal buyers. Florida Powerboat Club understands the value of these owner-themed events and is happy to assist all manufacturing sponsors with location scouting, catering plans and aerial photo & video support on all FPC events.

Email Stu Jones to discuss options for your owners at : stu@flpowerboat.com

Sponsor

Robert & Jackie Rauch | FL | Team DEEP IMPACT | 43' Deep Impact / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Simon Williams | FL | Team SUNCOAST MARINE | 39' Deep Impact / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Mark & Eileen Fischer | FL | Team DEEP IMPACT | 39' Deep Impact / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 79

Sponsor

Kyle Fowler | GA | Team BAD A$$ET | 35' Fountain / Mercury Racing 500 EFI

Don Patterson | FL | Team LETS HOOK UP | 38' Fountain / 3 Mercury Verado 350 Ron Mclean | FL | Team BLACKWATER | 43' Blackwater / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Pierre & Meghan Brousseau | ON | Team THE STOOGES | 39' Nor-Teach / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Howard & Amie Beindit IV | MI | Team TATONKA | 41' Apache James E. Lee | KS | Team CHRISTINA | 72' Hatteras

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Sponsor

Elias Delatorre III | FL | Team HCB CENTER CONSOLE YACHTS | 53' Suenos

Mike & Maggie Sanz | FL | Team QUICKSANZ | 29' DCB / 2 MERCURY RACING VRADO 400R

SUPER BAD Crew

David Branton | LA | Team VOODOO | 38' Skater

Max Zeldich | FL | Team SUPER BAD | 36' Cigarette

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PAR A DISE

FOUN D:

THE IRONY OF WOMAN KEY

STORY BY STU JONES

T

he Saturday fun run and raft-up party at Woman Key provided a scenic backdrop for hundreds of poker runners that anchored just off the Keys sandy shoreline.

Although Woman Key is within National Marine Sanctuary, regular dialogue between FPC and Refuge officials deems the current arrangement to be within the Sanctuary guidelines, (minus the drones flying around). But this arrangement finally consummates a long history of volatile relations, as FPC sought out the best location for the rendezvous.

Historically, the Saturday raft-up party has become a fixture on the Key West Poker Run agenda for over two decades.

What started in the early years at The Marqueses Keys, eventually settled in along a stretch of sandy beach at Boca Grande in the Mule Keys, which are within the boundaries and under close watch by the National Marine Sanctuary.

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FPC had regular dialogue with Federal officials about the “Do’s & Dont's” for boaters visiting Boca Grande, and the event continued with the blessings of the Park Rangers for almost fifteen years. However, as the Key West Poker Run grew, so did the party at Boca Grande, and soon the party crashers were increasing in numbers, year by year. While FPC members were content to follow the guidelines from park officials…the crashers appeared to violate every guideline that had been clearly articulated and followed by FPC participants.

Sadly, a female National Refuge manager in 2014 took issue with the party and centered out FPC in local media frenzy, wrongfully blaming FPC for the apparent infractions. The reality was, FPC was in fact being pro-active with enforcing the guidelines for several years, but the truth was lost on the general public, and the repercussions trickled into local politics.

PHOTOS BY JERRY WYSZATYCKI & STU JONES

County commissioners together with the Monroe County Tourist Development Council rejected qualified funding proposals from Florida Powerboat Club for tourism grants, and it was the beginning of a long, unjustified outcome for FPC. Since then FPC has been snubbed by the tourism officials from Key Largo to Key West. Tens of thousands of dollars in tourism applications that would otherwise qualify for funding, have been rejected by committee members who wrongfully blame performance boats for causing damage to the natural environment. As Monroe County Mayor Silvia Murphy stated in phone conversation with the writer, “Your powerboats are causing all sorts of damage in the Florida Keys and you’re wasting your time with the TDC because you’re not getting any tourism grants approved. We don’t even want you here!” Well Mayor Murphy, it’s clear that you are getting your TDC colleagues to follow your lead, because at a recent 2018 Key Largo TDC

commission meeting (where you were present), the dialogue was pretty much consistent with the opinions you expressed to me in 2014. Go figure. I am happy to inform you, and your TDC colleagues, that the powerboats FPC hosts on our events, are the cleanest operating, most environmentally friendly vessels on the water …especially in the Keys. We don’t fish. We don’t pollute. We have the smallest propellers and shallowest draft than any recreational cruiser, yacht or commercial fishing boat. So how exactly can you justify your ridiculous claims? You may all be haters, and you can abuse your influence, but we’re coming the Keys anyway and supporting the local economy with millions of dollars annually. Don’t call back. The cell phone doesn’t work at Woman Key, where we’ll be celebrating the irony of your intolerance. SJ

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 83

KING BENJI Crew

Josh Golder | FL | Team KING BENJI | 45' Nor-tech / 5 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

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Richard Bennett | CA | Team INCOGNITO | 57'MTI / 4 Mercury Racing Verado 400R

Phil & Danielle Piccinin | CA | 368 | 36' Skater/ Mercury Racing 700 SCI

Shane & Amiee Mulkey | LA | Team FAST MONEY | 44' Skater / Mercury Racing 675

Daryl Turner | TX | Team RUMRUNNER | 43' Cigarette / Mercury Racing 1075 POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 85

Saturday Night Awards Party

S

aturday evening once again took center stage at the Conch Republic Seafood Co, as the Key West Poker Run shifted into the final stage of its three-day Poker Run Village agenda. The Saturday awards party brings all the registered poker run teams and sponsors together for a festive evening that celebrates the Florida powerboating lifestyle. To accommodate the 900-person guest list, it begins with a complete buyout and closing of the restaurant to the general public, giving the entire dinner agenda exclusively to FPC members, who attended any one of the three designated seating times. With poker run videos playing on the big screen, and with six lovely FPC Girls dealing the cards at the all-new poker card tent, the President’s Choice Awards began, as more than two dozen categories were presented.

In the distant backdrop, the sponsor docks provided an impressive boat show, as gleaming fiberglass and shiny Mercury Verado engine cowlings reflected the vibrant colors of cockpit and underwater LED lighting.

Even the land-based Poker Run Village displays remained well-lit, with a steady flow of show visitors until the late hours. By 10 PM, as most of the awards were completed, it was time to announce and present our top three winners for best poker hands.

1st Place: Bill Melchione - NY - 33 Renegade - Team RENEGADE - Took the Grand Prize: 2018 Chevy Silverado Pick-up truck from OffleaseOnly 2nd Place: Jukka Murto & Sebastian Mefsamaki- Finland - 44 Nor-Tech- Team DANGER ZONE -Prize: Harley Davidson 750 Street 3rd Place: John & Suzanne Stella - NY - 38 Statement: won Two GreenLife Lithium Ion Batteries Manufacturers' Cup Award Nor-Tech Hi Performance Boats for top representation on the Poker Run entry roster with 32 Nor-Techs in attendance 86 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Manufacturers' Cup Award

2

3

1

5

4 6 8

7

9

12

10

11

13

14

1. Mark Fischer-Team DEEP IMPACT-Best Paint & Graphics | 2. Carston Bohlebke-Team GERMANY-Farthest Traveled | 3. FPC GIRLS | 4.Team-HCB CENTER CONSOLE YACHTS-Best Center Console | 5. Jeff & Carrie Babineaux-Team-EZ MONEY - Best Sound System | 6. Francis Marfyak-Team YEAH BABY-Best Dressed Team | 7. Chad Havens-Team SAVAGE-Best Catamaran | 8. Ron Levy-Good Samaritan Award | 9 Cintia accepted Sponsor Award for Concept Boats | 10. Jimmie Harrison-Team FJ Propeller-Most Enthusiastic Team | 11. Chris & Jen Owens (CA)-Team RELENTLESS-Farthest Towed | 12. Justin Bultsma-Team ALMOST ILLEGAL-Broken Propeller | 13. Jim Lee-Team DOUBLE TAKE Sexiest Crew Award(one of the three awarded) | 14. Joel Begin-Team CANADIAN GIRL- Best Poker Run Boat-39'Sunsation CCX

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 87

Key West

SAFETY MANAGEMENT

It was February of 2013 at the Miami International Boat Show, when Florida Powerboat Club staged a meeting format to invite poker runners, performance marine trade professionals, and insurance specialists to have an open forum discussion with law enforcement agencies and fire-rescue personnel to discuss the key issues and challenges facing large poker run events. Soon afterwards, the official launch of the new FPC Safety Management Program took place at the Miami Boat Show Poker Run, and the program was then adapted to all major FPC events over the five following years. Last November, the tragic incident during the Key West Poker Run in 2017 which resulted in the fatality of a respected powerboat racer and industry professional, may have had a profound impact on poker run captains and organizers around the nation, as illustrated by dozens of poker runs taking place with no major injury incidents and certainly no fatalities. Whether there was a little luck involved or not, it is apparent that performance boaters have a stronger “awareness” of the importance of safe driving, maintaining moderate speeds, and wearing PFD’s more often.

The Florida Powerboat Club’s position on this has never wavered, and the “Safety Dialogue” is key to having safe results on these performance boating events that clearly have many safety challenges.

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The Key West Poker Run 2018 engaged the largest ever fleet of Florida Fish & Wildlife vessels, along with Miami Dade Fire Rescue boats and volunteer boats from Florida Powerboat Club members. The key changes for 2018….was the practice of taking firerescue medics off the smaller FWC boats, and having the rescue medics on larger center console boats, running in a team with FWC paid-duty-patrols. This put more (boat) assets on the water, running with the poker run, and for the first year…coverage of all legs of the poker run extended all the way from Miami, to Key West Harbor. Thanks to all the Safety Management Program personnel, for their support, and to the FPC members who were engaged in the program. FPC now seeks CENTER CONSOLE volunteers for most major events, so if you’d like to participate in the program, (or if you know someone who might) please contact Stu at the FPC office anytime. Stu@flpowerboat.com

Mark & Eileen Fischer................. FL ................................... OffLease Only

Joseph & Karen Bresnahan Jr...... NH 39’ Cigarette..................... TIME’S MONEY

Mike Smith................................. IA 46’ ................................................EXCEL

Dr Ino Halegua........................... FL 38’ Cigarette.............. GREECE LIGHTNING

Max Zeldich................................ FL 35'Cigarette........................... SUPER BAD

Tom Gourzis................................ PA 42’ Cigarette....................................OPA!

Michael & Neveda McClallen........ IL 37’ Active Thunder.COLD ONE CONFESSIONS

Skip Braver................................. FL 41’ Cigarette...... CIGARETTE RACING TEAM

Ed & Surey Garcia....................... FL 41’ Apache..................................APACHE

Frank Sr & Frank Jr Jannucci....... NJ 39’ Cigarette........................ FUNDSALOW

Joe Kinser................................... GA 47’ Apache............... NEGATIVE REACTION

Dustin Zumo............................... OK 38’ Cigarette..............NAUTI ASSESSMENT

Howard & Amie Beindit IV........... MI 41’ Apache................................TATONKA

Scott Pollio.................................. NJ 35’ Cigarette.................. TROUBLE MAKER

Brian Metcalf.............................. CA 36 Apache............................RAINDANCE

Michael Friedman....................... FL 39’ Cigarette............................CIGARETTE

David Postill................................ MI 66’ Azimut....................................OHANA

Bobbie & Lynn Kieber.................. FL 35’ Cigarette...................BIG BAD N BLUE

Mark and Eileen Fischer.............. FL 43’ Blackwater.....................BLACKWATER

Noel & Gretchen Speranza.......... FL 44’ Concept............................RETAINAGE

Rick Riggle.................................. OH 42’ Cigarette...................... ROOSTER TAIL

Mike & Maggie Sanz................... FL 29’ DCB.................................QUICKSANZ

Tom Klocker................................ OH 42’ Cigarette.................................NO ETA

Mark & Eileen Fischer................. FL 39’ Deep Impact..................DEEP IMPACT

Don House.................................. KY 36’ Cigarette...................... HOUSE PARTY

Robert & Jackie Rauch................. FL 43’ Deep Impact..................DEEP IMPACT

Elliot & Erica Wiczer.................... IL 41’ Cigarette..................... LOONEY TUNE

Paul Bertucci............................... MS 39’ Deep Impact......... BEER MONEY TOO!

Scott & Stacy Rosenbach.............. IL 41’ Cigarette..........................SUM BEACH

Ray Aquit.................................... FL 39’ Deep Impact.................HAMMERTIME

Daryl Turner............................... TX 46’ Cigarette........................RUMRUNNER

Simon Williams........................... FL 39’ Deep Impact.........SUNCOAST MARINE

Michael & Lori Smith................... FL 41’ Cigarette................... PROBLEM CHILD

Dr. Jason Parker.......................... MS 39’ Deep Impact...................... MAVERICK

Michael Maggio........................... IL 46’ Cigarette................................ DRIVEN

David Sacher............................... IL 36’ Deep Impact............................LEO IV

Alan Lima................................... FL 38’ Cigarette......... Grove Harbour Marina

Paddy Sullivan............................ MD 38’ Donzi................................CODE BLUE

Anthony Bertozzi......................... VA 38’ Cigarette.................... SMOKING HOTT

Luis Sotero.................................. FL 38’ Donzi............................PARTY OF 3’S

Sal Olivia.................................... NY 42’/39’Cigarette.............X-SCAPE from NY

Al & Christy Newell...................... KY 38’ Donzi..........................BLOWN ASSETS

Frank Lovato............................... NJ 38’ Cigarette...........................NO XCUSES

Matt & Marisue Migliazzo............ KS 38’ Donzi.................. LAUNDERED MONEY

Jeff & Brenda Jacobs................... MD 36’ Cigarette......................... WE’RE BACK

Martin Rusin............................... NC 41’ Donzi............................ Donzi Marine

Andy Imhof................................. MD 38’ Cigarette..............................TOP GUN

Kevin & Oksana Kline.................. CO 43’ Donzi........................................KLINE

Kevin & Melissa Welch................. MA 35’ Cigarette........................HEAT HER UP

Deris Ceresa................................ FL 38’ Donzi.......................................DONZI

Bud & Binna Porter..................... IL 39’ Cigarette......................... RELENTLESS

Patrick & Lamya Clarke............... NY 35’ Donzi.................................LOOK OUT

Carlos Garcia............................... FL 42’ Cigarette......................................C42

William Craig.............................. 45’ Donzi.........................NEVER ENOUGH

90 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

BY MAN U FACTU R E R Jukka Murto............................... SW 43’ Donzi...........................DANGER ZONE

Mark Palanchian......................... FL 105’ Leopard Yacht. NEXTERAPOWERMARKETING

Laurant Besnier........................... FL 32’ Doug Wright............. GROS COCHONS

Eric & Maggie Glaser................... FL 43’ Midnight Express.MIDNIGHT EXPRESS

Francis Marfyak.......................... CT 35’ Formula............................YEAH BABY

Ryan & Julie Scharnowske........... IN 37’ Midnight Express... DOUBLE SCHARNY

David Tievy................................. MD 48’ Fountain............................. SPEC OPS

Curtis Francois............................ MO 43’ Midnight Express.........GATEWAY MSP

Kyle Fowler................................. GA 35 Fountain...........................BAD A$$ET

Andrew (Rocco) Rocco................. NH 39’ Midnight Express.....TIME CONSCIOUS

Josh & Terri Anne Pierce.............. KS 42’ Fountain....................... THE ANIMALS

David Burg.................................. TX 43’ Midnight Express....MIDNIGHT EXPRESS

David Kramer.............................. NJ 38’ Fountain........................... NAUTI LIST

Alberto & Jennifer Diaz de Villegas FL 3 9’ Midnight Express....MIDNIGHT DREAMIN’

Mark & Nancy Tuck..................... VA 39’ Fountain.......................PROVOCATIVE

Manny & Christina Roman........... FL 42’ Motion............... MOTION 42 OPENFISH

Mat & Ann Marie Raymond......... NC 48’ Fountain......................... MISS GRACE

Jack Villars.................................. SW 43’ MTI............................................ JACK

John Chrysler.............................. FL 47’ Fountain...................DIXIE NORMOUS

Derek Wachob............................. OK 34’ MTI............ BLACK DIAMOND EXPRESS

Ron & Deonee Paul..................... IL 42’ Fountain........................ STROKE THIS

Bob & Charlene Ladas................. MA 42’ MTI........................................... MTI-V

Donald Patterson........................ FL 38’ Fountain..................... LETS HOOK UP

Mark Stoddart............................. ON 48’ MTI..............................................MTI

Billy Moore................................. NC 32’ Fountain............Fountain Powerboats

Derek Wachob............................. OK 52’ MTI..........................BLACK DIAMOND

Chet & Cindy Huffman................ CA 43’ Fountain...........................STILL NUTZ

Asbjorn & Abe Abrahamsen......... FL 52’ MTI................... Riva 52 MTI Supercat

Marcus & Danielle Sangiuliano.... NJ 42’ Fountain.............................ANDIAMO

Chris Mastronardi........................ ON 48’ MTI................................RIGHT MEOW

Brian & Danni Forehand.............. NC 48’ Fountain............................BE FORE U

Ken Armstrong............................ TX 48’ MTI.................................... PHANTOM

Kyle Weese................................. OK 42’ Fountain.......................SPLITTIN 10’$

Joe & Nikole Gilstorf................... MI 42’ MTI............................. BEST OF TIMES

Chris & Jennifer Grant................. ON 42’ Fountain......................... PAIN RELIEF

Loren Peters................................ MO 40’ MTI.................................. WIDE OPEN

Mark Headley............................. OH 42’ Fountain.................MAIDEN AMERICA

Shawn & Sieglinde Moe............... NV 34’ MTI.................................MOE POWER

Tonka Simpson............................ BM 38’ Fountain.............. DRINKIN FOUNTAIN

Don Verkuylen............................ FL 52’ MTI..............................SUPER VELOCE

Anthony Augello.......................... 38’ Fountain............................ FOUNTAIN

Mark & Jennifer Schouten........... AZ 43’ MTI.......................... EL GATO PATRON

Jonathan Rooks MI...................... 51’ Galeon................................WANDERLUST

John O’Loughlin.......................... NY 34’ MTI..............................................MTI

Danny Merrell............................. GA 50’ Hann.............It’s a Pirates Life ForMe

Justin Lamm............................... MO 40’ MTI..............................................MTI

James E. Lee............................... KS 72’ Hatteras........................... CHRISTINA

John O’Loughlin.......................... NY 48’ MTI.................................... VENGEFUL

Elias & Tara Delatorre III............. FL 65’ HCB..................HCB CENTER CONSOLE YACHTS

Shawn & Christin Lather.............. SC 42’ MTI..............................................MTI

Allen Chase NY............................ 40’ Hustler.............................. CHASE-IN-RAYS

Richard Bennett.......................... SC 57’ MTI.................................. INCOGNITO

David Branton............................. LA 40’ INVINCIBLE........................MUFFUKKA

Jake and Gina Nossaman............ OK 48’ MTI.................................... WIRED UP

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 91

Fred & Judy Reavis...................... SC 48’ MTI..............................................MTI

Christopher Sadow...................... CT 34’ Nor-Tech.............................NICHALSA

Danielle Bloom.......................... NJ 40’ MTI........................... SHOOTING STAR

Tom & Rachel Regan................... TX 36’ Nor-Tech..............................ELEANOR

Thomas Freund........................... 34’ MTI...................................................

Bryan Martin............................. MD 34’ Nor-Tech......................COSMIC OASIS

John Woodruff............................ GA 48’ MTI....................................WINDSHIP

Michael Carravetta...................... ON 39’ Nor-Tech........................ BIG BRUISER

Doug & Sheri Falcone.................. NJ 42’ Mystic..................MARINE UNLIMITED

Jeff Campbell.............................. TX 45’ Nor-Tech....................Nor-Tech 450CC

David & Jenny Landsman............ MD 44’ Mystic....................... BREAKIN’ BALLS

David Gordon.............................. FL 39 Nor-Tech...................... MISS TREATED

H. Neil & Cindy Campbell............ FL 42’ Mystic..................... BODACIOUS, TOO

Barry Henson.............................. TN 43’ Nor-Tech...............................Nor-Tech

Darryl Cuttell.............................. TN 42’ Mystic...................................DARANA

Forrest Riddle............................. VA 43’ Nor-Tech...........................LIKE GUMP

Chris & Jen Owens....................... CA 38 Mystic............................. RELENTLESS

Stephen Barker........................... NY 43’ Nor-Tech...................FOR MY GIRLS II

Kenny Ray/Matt Schomp/Garland KY 42’ MYSTIC...........................DOWNTOWN

Josh Golder................................. FL 45’ Nor-Tech.......................... KING BENJI

Jimmy & Gina Smith................... CA 42’ Mystic......................... TT CRESCENDO

Don & Alice Lightfoot.................. TX 52’ Nor-Tech................. FOOTLOOSE TOO

David Rudiger............................. OH 42’ Mystic.............................. TEAM OHIO

Cody & Veronica Lovins............... TX 45’ Nor-Tech................ SPECIAL PURPOSE

Chris Cox..................................... NY 50’ Mystic.................................... MYSTIC

Robert Smulski............................ DE 38’ Nor-Tech...............CASSIDY GRAPHICS

Ray & Kristine Gremaux.............. NY 42’ Mystic................................BIG SHOT!

Ed & Jacquie Rachel.................... FL 39’ Nor-Tech.......................... WIDE OPEN

Slug Hefner................................. 38’ MYSTIC...........................DIRTY DUCK

Eskil Hansen............................... 46’ Nor-Tech......................MONTE CARLO

Bennett & Jimena Loftin.............. FL 42 NORDIC.....................MEAN MACHINE

Carston Bohlebke........................ GE 36’ Nor-Tech............................. Germany

Andre Flottman........................... FL 39’ Nor-Tech............................ NOR-TECH

Jim Schultz................................. IL 51’ Outerlimits................FACTORY BILLET

Pierre & Meghan -Brousseau....... ON 39’ Nor-Tech.......................THE STOOGES

Dan Kleitz................................... RI 52’ Outerlimits....................OUTERLIMITS

Ladd Spring................................ LA 39’ Nor-Tech...........................MY 3 BOYS

Richard Szesnat........................... NY 50’ Outerlimits..........POOR DIRT FARMER

Roger & Pam Anderson............... TX 39’ Nor-Tech.....................EASY MONEY II

Bruno & Rebecca Perree.............. FL 39’ Outerlimits.....................MEGAWATTS

Jerry & Chamaine Bennish.......... MI 34’ Nor-Tech....................... ROCK N ROLL

Jim & Lynne Archambault............ GA 43’ Outerlimits............... KEEPIN’ IT REAL

Jim Bradley................................. TX 39’ Nor-Tech....................ROAD WARRIOR

Ron Roman Ricucci...................... NJ 47’ Outerlimits........................ PURE EVIL

Garry & Nancy Robertson............ ME 52’ Nor-Tech.......................MY DIAMOND

Tom & Stacy Derner..................... MA 39’ Outerlimits.................OUTA-MY-MIND

Henrik Margard.......................... FL 39’ Nor-Tech............................ NOR-TECH

Greg & Stephanie DelMonte........ NJ 44 Outerlimits.............HARD TO HANDLE

Greg Bent LA............................... 45’ Nor-Tech...................................HELL BENT

David & Nicole Weschler.............. PA 52’ Outerlimits........................DIGGIN’ IT

Curtis Watkins............................. FL 45’ Nor-Tech........................EVIL WOMAN

John & Darlene Diakoulas........... MD 42’ Outerlimits.......SCHOOL’S IN SESSION

Jimmie Harrison.......................... FL 39’ Nor-Tech.......................FJ PROPELLER

Donnie Snyder............................ CT 46’ Outerlimits.......................BLUEPRINT

Rick & Charolene Milstead........... AL 36’ Nor-Tech........... CAT GOTCHA TONGUE

Anton Holstrom........................... FL 33’ Powerplay....................... SEAPHORIA

Jesse & Stephanie Neumann....... MN 39’ Nor-Tech......................... NO AGENDA

Justin Bultsma............................ MI 38’ Powerquest.............. ALMOST ILLEGAL

92 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

George & Martha Takkula........... SW 44’ Predator.......................PREDATOR 46

CJohn Wittenberger Jr................. NJ 30’ Spectre........................BAD DECISION

Jeff & Rebecca Walters................ IA 33’ Renegade....................... CHASIN TAIL

Jeremy Parker............................. NC 32’ Spectre..........PARKERS DISTRIBUTION

Bill Melchione............................. NJ 33’ Renegade......................... RENEGADE

Mike & Connie Dillon.................. TX 38’ Statement!.................... NAUTI HABIT

Ramon & Katia Vera.................... FL 30’ Scarab......Bulletproff CustomDecking

J.W. Davis................................... VA 42’ Statement!.........................ULTIMATE

Matt & Robin Wilson................... GA 32’ Seafox.. DOMESTICATED…NOT REALLY

John & Suzanne Stella................ NY 38’ Statement!............................SEND IT

Joseph Castellana....................... NY 38’ Skater.........AWESOME MOTORSPORTS

Michael Brancato........................ MI 38’ Statement!..............RECOVERY ROOM

Tony / Don Dewaal / Doty.......... MI 40’ Skater................................DOUBLE D

David Lavie................................. LA 38’ Statement!.................... REEL ESCAPE

Gary & Jen Nelson...................... FL 30’ Skater....................................STREGA

Kenny & Myna Mungle................ TX 35’ Statement!......................Gone Again

Beau and Tiffiney Renfroe........... GA 36’ Skater.......................... DIRTY MONEY

Nick Buis..................................... FL 38’ Statement!..................... STATEMENT!

Matt/Kenny Garland/Scho.......... KY 40’ Skater...........................DOWNTOWN1

Joe Schaldenbrand...................... MI 34’ Sunsation............. SUNSATION BOATS

Elias Delatorre III........................ FL 46’ Skater......................................Skater

Keith & Karen Rockman.............. FL 34’ Sunsation........................ SUNSATION

Todd Fountain............................. MI 46’ Skater................................... TOMCAT

Jorge & Ann Arellano.................. FL 36’ Sunsation................... SUNSATION 36

Robert Lockyer............................ FL 32’ Skater.................................... SKATER

Joel Begin................................... QU 40’ Sunsation..................CANADIAN GIRL

Chris & Angela Bradley............... TX 38’ Skater..............................RAINMAKER

Brett Manire................................ MO 40’ Sunsation... Performance Boat Center

hris Ryder................................... NY 36’ Skater............... CRISIS MANAGEMENT

Greg Dutka................................. MD 32’ Sunsation............................... KEKOA

James Lee................................... KS 46’ Skater......................DOUBLE TAKE 46

Tom Beagle................................. MI 36’ Sunsation..........................BAR-NONE

Travis Reed................................. MO 36 Skater.............................. GET LICKED

Wraith & Lisa Drake.................... FL 34’ Sunsation.....................SUNSATION II

Chad Havens............................... TX 40’ Skater....................................SAVAGE

Matt Borcina............................... NY 36’ Wright Performance............. LOW SEA

Eric & Ashley Matzen................... NY 28’ Skater........................... PIPE DREAMS

Daren Kittredge.......................... MA 36’ Wright Performance........LITTLE WING

Don Doty.................................... MI 42’ Skater............................. 1YR SKATER

Brett Manire................................ MO 36’ Wright Performance.PERFORMANCE BOAT CENTER

Phil & Danielle Piccinin............... CA 36’ Skater......................................... 368 David Branton............................. LA 38’ Skater................................. VOO DOO Steve Gordon.............................. MI 46’ Skater........................... DEAL WITH IT Kelly and Anna Kraiss................. AZ 36’ Skater................................... TOP CAT Dan Desantis............................... MA 38’ Skater....................MCLAREN BOSTON Shane & Amiee Mulkey............... LA 44’ Skater............................ FAST MONEY Michael & Debra Alexander......... NY 32’ Skater...................TJA MOTORSPORTS John & Tracy Wittenberger SR..... NJ 36’ Sonic.......................... ON THE ROCKS

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 93

Special Thanks to our

BLACKWATER BOATS Opa-Locka, FL 855-476-1405 blackwaterboats.com

BROWARD TRAILER Hialeah, FL 800-517-5502 browardtrailer.net

B OAT S

CIGARETTE RACING Miami,FL 305-931-4564 cigaretteracing.com

CONCH REP SEAFOOD CO Key West, FL 305-294-4403 conchrepublicseafood.com

DONZI MARINE Washington, NC 352-529-7643 donzimarine.com

GROVE HARBOUR MARINA Coconut Grove, FL 305-854-6444 groveharbourmarina.com

FAST LANE TRAVEL Clearwater, FL 813-343-3001 fastlanetravel.com

HCB CENTER CONSOLE YACHTS Islamorada, FL 800-635-3186 hcbyachts.com

HAULOVER MARINE CENTER Miami, FL 305-945-3934 haulovermarinecenter.net

94 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

OPA LOCKA,FL Miami,Fl 305-635-8712 conceptboats.com

DEEPIMPACT BOATS Opa-Locka, FL 855-491-9904 deepimpactboats.com

GREENLIFE LITHIUM BATTERY Tampa, FL 888-522-2883 greenlifebattery.com

FACTORY BILLET Lake Zurich, IL 847-847-3770 factorybillet.com

FOUNTAIN BOATS Washington, NC 252-975-2000 fountainpowerboats.com

HARDIN MARINE Palm Coast, FL 386-445-2500 hardin-marine.com

MARINE UNLIMITED Toms River, NJ 732-255-6154 teammarineunlimited.com

MERCURY RACING Fond-du-Lac, WI 920-929-5040 mercuryracing.com

MIDNIGHT EXPRESS Miami, FL 954-745-8284 midnightboats.com

NEXTERA ENERGY POWER MARKETING N Palm Beach, FL

NOR-TECH HI PERFORMANCE BOATS North Fort Myers, FL

561-691-7171 nexteraenergyresources.com

239-567-5030 nor-techboats.com

OFFLEASEONLY.COM Miami-Fort LauderdaleWest Palm Beach-Orlando

OUTERLIMITS POWERBOATS Bristol, RL

855-975-7950 offleaseonly.com

461-253-7300 outerlimitspowerboats.com

PERFORMANCE BOAT CENTER Osage Beach, MO

REEF RELIEF Key West, FL

573-873-2300 performanceboatcenter.com

305-294-3100 reefrelief.org

SUNSATION POWERBOATS Algonac, MI

SCI-SUPERIOR COMMUNICATIONS INC. Rockville, MD

810-794-4888 sunsationboats.com

301 -762-7878 scicommo.com

VISIT FLORIDA Tallahassee,FL

WILSON CUSTOM MARINE Stuart, FL

877-435-2872 www.visitflorida.org

772-287-8755 wilsoncustommarine.com

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 95

T H E U LT I M AT E

RESTO-MOD

T

he new FPC paceboat Project 1080 Cigarette made a big splash at the 26th Key West Poker Run, but there were no salt water stains and no need to flush the Mercury Racing 540 Stern drive engines. The 38 Top Gun was in its final stages of rigging, when Cigarette owner Skip Braver invited Florida Powerboat Club to display the 2000 model year resto-mod at Cigarette Racing's factory display at the Key West Poker Run, alongside a vintage 20' Cigarette, one of the first ever built by the legendary builder Don Aronow.

Rather than attempt an 11th hour shake-down run on the

2000 Cigarette 38'Top Gun straight-bottom

2000/2018 Cigarette 38'Top Gun straight-bottom Resto-Mod

96 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Wedesday depature, it seemed prudent to have the boat detailed and delivered to the poker run village shiny, and in "boat show mode" for all to see. This proved to be the right decision, as the representatives from Mercury Racing, the primary sponsor on the Project 1080 Cigarette, were on hand to see the boat for the first time, along with hundreds of Poker Run village visitors, most of whom were amazed at the transformation of this eighteen year old Cigarette, one of the few that were built post-2000, with a straight, nonstepped bottom.

Finishing touches on the cockpit had just been completed

by Fineline Interiors, along with rigging of the new Mercury and Livorsi instruments, and Garmin chartplotters at helm.

The new carbon-fiber look helm stations were customfabricated by Tecnografic in Fort Lauderdale, and mounted to fiberglass cockpit helm pods that had been earlier modified by Dark Force Marine. To finish off the custom look and keep the boat in tune with modern-day trends, a healthy dose of MarineMat was installed bow to stern,

by Bullet Proof Marine Decking, with a diamond pattern theme that has become very popular with the performance marine manufacturers. A few other custom treatments gave the Project 1080HP that extra wow factor....including (4)

underwater lights from APEX LED Lighting in Pompano Beach, and a custom-fabricated swim platform by Custom Pipe Design in Hallandale.

The Project 1080HP was in "boat show trim" and received rave reviews by powerboat enthusiasts and by our marine trade peers, making a big splash at the Key West Poker Run. Stay tuned on final rigging and completion of this exciting Mercury Racing sponsored resto-mod project, as FPC prepares for the 2019 poker run calendar, kicking off Jan 18, with the Winter Poker Run to Hawks Cay.

SJ

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE | 97

FPC EVENT CALENDAR JAN 18-20

| WINTER POKER RUN TO HAWKS CAY RESORT Luxurious villas and guest rooms. Departs: Haulover Marine Center with exciting weekend agenda to kick-off 2019

FEB 21-24

| 24TH ANNUAL MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN TO KEY LARGO Two departures-two resorts! Playa Key Largo Resort & Bakers Cay Resort.

Saturday raft-up BBQ planned!

MAR 21-24

| 9TH ANNUAL TAMPA BAY POKER RUN DOWNTOWN TAMPA Marriott Tampa Waterside & Westin Tampa Waterside - Docking at Tampa Marriott & Convention Center

APR 25-28

| FO RT M Y E R S P O K E R RU N - P I N K S H E LL R E S O RT & M A R I N A Luxury beachfront accommodations and abundant protected bay waters for poker run!

MAY 2-13

| 2019 FPC EUROPE POKER RUN Germany to Tuscany Italy. Eight adventurous days of touring in Porsches across the European countryside & mountain passes through the Alps!

MAY 29JUNE 2

| O R A N G E B E AC H P OW E R B OAT W E E K Presented by The Wharf. 5 day event! Featuring the Florida-Alabama Poker Run

JUNE 7-12

| 28TH BAHAMAS POKER RUN-BIMINI -NASSAU-EXUMA 5 day format-FPC's longest running event...since 1992

JUNEAUG

| FPC SUMMER POKER RUN TOUR TO NATIONAL POKER RUN EVENTS Touring with Project 1080 Cigarette to major out-of-state events. Send us your event details (stu@flpowerboat.com)

AUG 14-18

| FP C E M E R A LD COA S T P OW E R B OAT W E E K Emerald Grande, Destin. Featuring the Emerald Coast Powerboat Poker Run 5 day event featuring the Emerald Coast Powerboat Poker Run

ACTIVE THUNDER......................................................... 39 AMERICAN CUSTOM MARINE........................................ 73 AO COOLERS................................................................. 89 BLACK WATER.............................................................. 15 BRAND X...................................................................... 65 CIGARETE..................................................................... 31 CUSTOM MARINE......................................................... 13 DEEP IMPACT................................................................. 9 FAST LANE TRAVEL.......................................................11 FPC MEMBERS MARKET PLACE ................................... 65 FPC MEMBERSHIP........................................................ 71 FPC PICTURE ORDER.................................................... 47 LIVORSI........................................................................ 21 MERCURY RACING........................................................IFC MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW........................... IBC MIDNIGHT EXPRESS..................................................... 35 NOR-TECH.................................................................... 69 OFFLEASE ONLY............................................................. 5 PIRATES OF LANIER CHARITY POKER RUN.................... 57 PERFORMANCE BOAT CENTER...................................... 61 PMT.............................................................................. 27 SCI SUPERIOR COMMUNICATIONS................................ 25 T.D. WALL......................................................................41 TEAGUE CUSTOM MARINE............................................ BC WESTREC MARINAS..................................................... 43

SEPT 27-29 | FA LL B I M I N I B L A S T - R E S O RTS WO R LD BIMINI

Enjoy the quaint Bimini vibe without sacrificing luxury!

OCT 11-13

| FLORIDA KEYS FALL FUN RUN-UPPER KEYS & MARATHON

NOV 6-12

| 27 T H A N N UA L K E Y W E S T P O K E R RU N

ADVERTISING DEADLINE: NEXT ISSUE VOL 19#1

MARCH 10, 2019

FPC's signature Run! Multiple Departures & variety of lodging options!

DEC 14

| THE WINTERFEST BOAT PARADE FORT LAUDERDALE FPC members invited to join PROJECT 1080 Cigarette

SUBSCRIBE TO POWERBOATING IN PARADISE MAGAZINE DELIVERED 4 TIMES A YEAR

Disclaimer: Please note the 2018 event planning is a constantly ongoing process, that will most certainly see changes to dates and events along the way. The following calendar includes some (tentative dates) along with new events that are currently in the planning stages with venue hosts and sponsoring organizations. It’s important that you do NOT purchase airplane tickets, book hotels, or make plans to attend, without first confirming with the Florida Powerboat Club office. Visit WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM for updated information.

CONTACT US: 954-545-1414 | FLPOWERBOAT.COM | STU@FLPOWERBOAT.COM FOLLOW US: @florida powerboat club @florida powerboat club @stufpc 98 | POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

1,400 boats in water and on land.

More than 1,100 exhibitors.

1,000,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space.

MiamiBoatShow.com

February

14–18

MIAMI MARINE STADIUM