Powerboating In Paradise Vol12#2

VOL 12 #2

A MAGAZINE SHOWCASING THE FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB LIFESTYLE

2012 KICKOFF IN THE KEYS

17th Miami Boat Show Poker Run ignites an explosive display of Power!

MIAMI BOAT SHOW CULTURE! Over 100,000 visitors paid worship to those fiberglass creations we all adore!

TAMPA BAY POKER RUN

ROCKIN’ THE RALEIGH FPC celebrates twenty years of the Miami Boat Show Bash!

Returns to St Petersburg With The Festivals of Speed

Hangin’ out with the FPC Girls!

Spotlight on

KENNY ARMSTRONG & DAVID BRANTON

Plus...

A TRIBUTE TO LEON & DAVID

WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM

See the complete digital edition of this publication online at www.flpowerboat.com

Spring 2012 Vol. 12#2 EDITOR/PUBLISHER Stu Jones stu@flpowerboat.com

CONTENTS

A Magazine Showcasing the Florida Powerboat Club Lifestyle

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Juan C Grisales fpcmag@gmail.com David Vaccaro fpcart@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Stu Jones Jim Wenger

CONTRIBUTING WRITER Jason Johnson jajo2327@gmail.com

PHOTO DEPARTMENT Juan C Grisales fpcphoto@gmail.com

WEB DESIGNER David Vaccaro

EVENT COORDINATORS Jackie Jones fpcevents@gmail.com Laura Schrader fpcservices@gmail.com Darin Gleichmann Drew Kravitz

MEMBER SERVICES

Laura Schrader fpcservices@gmail.com

MEDIA SALES

Cindy Broome fpc.advertising@gmail.com

TV & VIDEO PRODUCTION Stu Jones David Steele

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

Spring

2012

10,0

Copi es0!0

4 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 6 MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 2012

FPC takes on a new location in the Convention Center for the big show that adds the magic to the Magic City.

10 MIAMI BOAT SHOW BASH 2012

The Raleigh in South Beach provided the perfect vibe for this annual bash!

Postcard Inn, Islamorada,

16 MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN 2012

Fair weather and following seas made this FPC season opener the perfect escape to paradise for eighty poker run teams.

48 | 78 GIRLS OF FPC

Keeping our members smilin’ all weekend is a tough job, but someone’s gotta do it! And the Girls of FPC are up for it!

50 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: KENNY ARMSTRONG

Renaissance Vinoy Resort Marina, St. Petersburg

From Galveston Bay to Key West Florida, there’s no telling where you’ll spot this Texas native...but there will be a boat involved!

54 TAMPA BAY POKER RUN 2012

The Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Marina was the perfect home for the FPC return to Florida’s west coast.

80 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: DAVID BRANTON This Louisiana boater continues his love affair with Cigarette, taking delivery of a new 50 Marauder.

84 SPOTLIGHT ON STATEMENT

Todd Werner and Nick Buis combine their talents to build a first-class line of custom boats.

94 ORTEMOND TRIBUTE

Leon Ortemond and son David will be sadly missed by the powerboating community.

96 SNEAK PEAK

Biloxi Mississippi was the sight of this unique poker run event and FPC was there!

48 ON THE COVER: Raft-up in paradise at White Marlin Beach in the Keys. MODELS: Sarah, Katelin & Mandy on the Miami Boat Show Poker Run. PHANTOM: Ken Armstrong’s new 48 MTI featured pg. 50 FPC Pompano Beach Headquarters

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

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letter from the

PRESIDENT

May 2012

W

Jackie & Stu Jones

GOT A COMMENT FOR ME? E-MAIL me at: STU@FLPOWERBOAT.COM

e are just four months into 2012 and it’s been a roller coaster ride for many of us in the Florida Powerboat Club family. We got the year off to a great start in February with a strong showing for FPC at the Miami Boat Show, followed by two great poker run events in the Florida Keys and the Tampa Bay area, which are featured at great length in the pages of this issue of Powerboating in Paradise Magazine.

the hopes that the larger poker run events will gain strength and become staples on our annual poker run calendar. Secondly, we have become more open to entertaining non-traditional sponsor programs from individuals and companies that are connected in some way to FPC. Historically, our business model has relied on substantial support from the marine trade to help us promote and grow the sport of recreational powerboating. However, in recent years, it’s just been hard for Th en in April the tragic news shocked the many of those remaining companies to boating world, as father and son Leon continue with levels of support we once & David Ortemond, lost their lives in a enjoyed, so let me make it very, clear… powerboating accident, while out test- Florida Powerboat Club is open for busiing in David’s boat to get ready for the ness…to all takers! summer poker run season. After being members and active participants on FPC With Powerboat Magazine now gone poker runs for fi fteen years, this family from the world of marine publishing, we touched the lives of so many in the boat- felt the need to improve our editorial foring community, and they will be missed mat for Powerboating in Paradise Magasadly. (See tribute, page 94) zine, by welcoming Jason Johnson onboard as our feature-writer, lending his Just two weeks later, the Smokin’ the style of colorful event coverage, personal Sound Poker Run in Biloxi was the fi rst profi les, and manufacturer spotlights to event that gathered the format. Additionally, our circulation so many of the Or- is being bumped to 10,000 copies, and temond’s longtime we plan to add a subscription-based profriends. With half of gram soon! So jump on board, advertise the attendees from the your business, your professional services, Louisiana & Missis- your home for sale, or purchase a full sippi gulf coast area, it page at a member discount to show off was certainly the ideal your prized powerboat! It all helps FPC time and place to pay to keep promoting the sport that we are our respects one more so passionate about, and attract newcomtime. I am certain ers to he club, which is the lifeblood of our there will be many great organization. more such tributes along the way.

We’ve got some exciting events just around the corner, including the Jacksonville Moving on with FPC business, there have River Rally Poker Run, and we’re planbeen some signifi cant changes to our day- ning a great new format for the Bahamas to-day operations and our FPC business Poker Run, which will return to the beaumodel in order that we may adapt to to- tiful Bimini Bay Resort & Marina in late day’s economic environment and con- June! See you on the water! tinue to promote and grow our sport. As planned, we have cut back substantially on the number of poker run events, in

Stu Jones

President & Founder Florida Powerboat Club 4

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MIAMI BOAT SHOW T

he 71st running of the Miami International Boat Show provided the best of everything marine, with a strong showing from the performance marine trade!

After more than fifteen years in the C-Lobby of the Miami Convention center, FPC moved inside to the “Red Carpet” and we’d like to thank all of the visitors who stopped by to say HI. Show officials recorded over 100,000 visitors during the five day show, and overall sales reports from vendors were very positive!

Florida Powerboat Club’s Boat Show Babes—Elsy, Amy, Laura, Jackie, Fran and Francheska in front of FPC’s fully assembled mobile head quarters

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Ed, John and Ian hanging out at the Ilmor display

Cpt. Don, Jorge and Ed with Deep Impact

Pier 57’s David Woods with Cigarette Racing owner Skip Braver, at the well attended Cigarette display.

Statement hosted an unveiling of their new 368 SUV and perched a new 42 Ultimate high on a Deco boat lift winning them Best Boat Display by Miami show officials.

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Staggered Mercury Racing HP700SCi in Saddle Up, 42 Statement.

MIAMI BOAT SHOW

Nor-Tech Hi Performance illustrated their transition from performance to practical...with 34 and 39 center console models on display

MTI had an impressive display of four new models including the 48’ show-stopper “Phantom,” owned by Ken Armstrong

The all-new Skater 482SS debuted at the Key West Poker Run and wowed visitors with the tilt trailer display at Skater Nation Girls of Skater Nation were all smiles in Bikinis and tank tops!

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All hands were on deck at the Mercury Marine Booth

Monique and Eileen from BoatsDirectUSA practicing for their next poker run weekend on the Statement 368 SUV

MIAMI

INTERNATIONAL

BOAT SHOW

BASH!

DJ Patrick spun the tunes and hosted the entertainment, keeping the vibe chic and sexy

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he 20th Annual FPC Miami Boat Show Bash returned to the landmark Raleigh Hotel, a popular location for many high-society fund-raisers and gala occasions. Although this event wasn’t attended by Hollywood headliners, it certainly attracted the key players in the performance marine industry!

Special thanks to our party sponsors and to the lovely ladies who provided a sizzling swimwear showcase for the festive crowd!

Monique, Eileen & Mark, Mike & Maggie with Family

Amanda

Stu & Jackie, Amanda and Laura

Chad from Statement with Reece of Team Geico.

Stu with NFL’r Albert Haynesworth

Party Co-Host Francheska, Amanda and Sarah

Supporting Sponsors

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MIAMI

BASH!

BOAT SHOW This handsome couple was at the BASH! Where were you? Look for us next year at www.flpowerboat.com

Tunaskin shirts were the hot door prize of the evening!

Marc of Bam Marine, Celeste & Jason, Brand X & party guests

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Heather POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Special thanks to PETERS & MAY for returning for their 2nd year to co-host the Miami Boat Show Bash with FPC

MIAMI

BASH!

BOAT SHOW New Jersey boaters congregated with party sponsors Bob & Madelaine Christie, owners of the Speed Racer 44 MTI

The FPC entourage taking a cabana break!

Stephanie

Can you spot the Fisker? Special thanks to Warren Henry Auto group for displaying two exotic cars, including the all-new electric Fisker

Fast forward

to Paradise!

Above: Jack & Jennifer Sullivan (OK) Team RADICAL DECISION 38’ Cigarette Top Gun Power: Mercury Racing 600SCI Below: Geoff & Sue Wanamaker (MD) Team ARMED & DANGEROUS 38’ Cigarette Top Gun Power: Mercury Racing 525EFI 16

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Eighty poker run teams put the mid-winter blues on hold, as they throttled up for an escape to paradise on Florida Powerboat Club’s annual retreat to Islamorada in the Florida Keys.

STORY: STU JONES l PHOTOS: JIM WENGER

T

he excitement and fanfare that surrounds the annual Miami International Boat Show every February, is global in scope and powerful in terms of its ability to deliver positive results for both buyers and sellers of everything marine. And if the “show alone” wasn’t enough for top-billing on the agenda of a would-be visitor, it would certainly be the cultural flavor and pure energy of the Magic City and its coveted South Beach that sealed the deal for many…to make that trans-Atlantic flight or drive long hours on I-95.

But could there be something absent from this seemingly perfect equation? After working the Miami show for about five consecutive years starting in 1991, the writer discovered that there was indeed, a piece of the puzzle missing. Show visitors asked repeatedly…

“When’s the next poker run? I have my boat here!” Another queried, “Is there a way to

see these new boats running?

I really like that (brand) but it would be nice to see how it performs!” But perhaps

the most influential words may have gone something like this...“ I made a deal on

that new boat at the (Brand booth), but I really want to take it to the Keys when the show is over... Whatdaya say Stu…can you put a little run together for my crew and a few other boats?” Well in all

honesty, after speaking with tens of thousands of people at the Miami Show over the

years, not all the names of the players are easily remembered for reasons some other fiftysomethings may understand.

The point of the story is, that’s how the Miami Boat Show Poker Run came to be, and it was really focused on giving manufacturers a chance to show off their latest creations.

And of course the obvious hook…it gave mid-winter visitors to South Florida the chance for a weekend escape to paradise!

Turning the page seventeen years forward to present day 2012, it was just thirty-six hours since the doors of the Miami Beach Convention center closed, that colorful powerboats began to rumble into SeaIsle Marina in Miami, as poker runs eagerly prepared for the Thursday start of the four day event. Technically SeaIsle Marina was still under contract to the National Marine Manufacturers, owners of the Miami show, but a longstanding relationship between Florida Powerboat Club and the NMMA that dates back to the mid-nineties, gives the poker run event the show’s blessings, thereby making the slips available at a perfect venue, where ample accommodations at the Miami Biscayne Marriott and the Doubletree Grand Hotel are literally just steps away.

Like many FPC events that grew in number and popularity over the years, early departure days were added along the continued on next page

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way, and the Miami Boat Show Poker Run now sees a large number of poker run teams departing on Thursday, giving participants a four-day format where they can enjoy longer periods of vacation R&R, or have the freedom to take boating excursions with smaller groups to places like Marathon or Key West.

With close to forty boats scheduled for the early bird departure, the docks came to life Thursday morning as hundreds of participants trickled in from hotel lobbies, sunglasses carefully positioned and eyes focused on dockside jugs of early morning Einstein’s coffee and fresh bagels. Confessions of late nights on Ocean Drive or dancing til the wee hours in South Beach clubs often follow the first few sips of java… but the consensus often comes back to raving testimonials like, “This is just the best poker run…ever!” The only comical twist of irony is that the poker run had not technically begun yet.

As always, the formalities of safety meetings, last minute registration, waiver signing and distribution of captains wristbands had been conducted on the evening prior, and continued dockside this beautiful Thursday morning.

By 10:30am most of the boats were underway for the Rickenbacker Causeway, parading gracefully with the Magic City skyline as a backdrop. After the first card at Grove Harbour Marina in Coconut Grove, staggered starts launched separate speed groups of sleek colorful machines and soon Biscayne Bay was decorated in an elaborate pattern of white vapor trails. Destination, Key Largo, where the group soon rafted up for a lavish lunch at Gilberts, the FPC’s unofficial Key Largo headquarters.

The day continued with excitement, and sheer energy, as poker run teams from all over the U.S., Canada and Europe enjoyed a horsepower-charged day of fun, in what may have been the nicest place to be in America, on that warm February day in the middle of winter.

SJ For those planning to attend the 2013 edition of the Miami Boat Show Poker Run the dates are: February 21-24, 2013 18

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Gilberts Key Largo provided the customary lunch stopover, a tradition on all FPC poker run events for over fifteen years. The poker run captains did a fine job of keeping bows facing into the strong current,making for safe and easy tie-up.

MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN

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1. John & Mari Lombardi (FL) Team CANT’ TOUCH THIS Sponsored by VIBE Nightclub 38’ Powerplay Power: Cobrapower 1500’s Inset: The boys of Team CAN’T TOUCH THIS!

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2. Aldo Waters (OK) Team ALPHA TANGO 39’ Cigarette Topfish Sport Power: Mercury Verados 3. Joe Sabo (NJ) Team MORNIN’ SMOKE 38’ Cigarette Top Gun Power: Cobrapower 1000’s Inset: Team Mornin’ Smoke chillin out!

4. Sean & Lisa Gallivan (NY) Team KING OF CLUBS 39’ Nor-Tech Supervee Power: Mercury Racing HP700SCi Inset: Three teams ready to roll!

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5. Alan Lima (FL) Team GROVE HARBOUR MARINA 38’ Cigarette Top Gun Power: Mercury Racing 525’s Inset: Alan accepts a Sponsor Award

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MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN

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1. Steve McEachern (NC) Team ROOSTER TAILS & COCKTAILS 36’ Skater Power: Sterling 700’s

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2. TWO FOUNTAIN BOATS: Twin Fountain 38’ Sportfish Team BoatsDirectUSA.com Power: Mercury Verados 3. Walter Molosh (NJ) Team MADNESS 40’ Skater Power: Custom 1000HP Inset: Donna & Walter.

4. Brad Benson (NJ) Team PASS BLOCKER 48’ MTI Power: Mercury Racing 1350’s Inset: Brad & sons with Tom Healy

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5. Randy & Tiffany Wild (MO) Team LITTLE SPEED RACER 40’ MTI Power: Mercury Racing 502’s Inset: Randy (red shirt) with crew at Post Card Inn party.

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MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN

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1. Grant Freeman (MO) Team ULTIMATE DISTRACTION 38’ Donzi Power: Mercury Racing 700 SCI 2. Anton Holstrom (SC) Team COUNTRY GIRL 42’ Cigarette Power: Mercury Racing HP700sci

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3. Michael Lattomus (DE) Team OUT OF DENARO 42’ Outerlimits Power: Mercury Racing 1075 4. David & Leann Branton (LA) Team VOODOO 50’ Cigarette Marauder Power: Mercury Racing 1350’s 5. Derek Wachob (OK) Team HUNTRESS 42’ Cigarette Huntress Power: (5) Mercury Verado 350’s Inset: Mercury Racing pres.Fred Kiefhaefer enjoyed the day on the Huntress 42 with Team Wachob.

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MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN

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1. Jeff & Tracy Henry (NE) Team HENRY MOTORS 44’ Outerlimits Power: Mercury Racing 700SCI 2. Gilberts Key Largo Popular stop, lots of props!

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3. Raymond & Pamela Therrien (MA) Team BONDO BUCKS 42’ Fountain Lightning Power: Mercury Racing 525’s Inset: Therrien’s made this a family weekend,with sons Ray Jr & Patrick.

4. Andy Groeber (NO) Team GO-FASTER.DE 50’ Nor-Tech Supervee Power: Turbine Marine Lycoming 1550HP

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MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN

hT rusday

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1. George & Shannon Argyros (CA) Team DONZILLA 43’ Donzi Power: Mercury Racing 700SCi Inset: George & Shannon accept Peoples Choice Award 2. Todd & Kari Larson (IA) Team BURNIN’ GREEN 48’ Outerlimits Power: Mercury Racing 1075 Inset: The Larson Family accept their first place prizes.

3. Katelin -Sarah - Mandi takin’ a quick pic on Speed Racer 4. Robert Christie (NJ)

Team SPEED RACER Sponsor: POTTER PERFORMANCE 44 MTI Power: Potter Performance 900SC

1 st Pnlaecre Win

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5. Matt Trulio (Speedonthewater,com) with Robert & Madelyn Christie

T.G.I... FRIDAY The Miami Boat Show Poker Run continued, as the Friday run kicked off at SeaIsle Marina in Miami, resembling a cloned replica of the Thursday group just 24 hours earlier. By late morning forty colorful powerboats soon carved vapor trails across the emerald waters of Biscayne Bay.

Jean-Louis & Ingrid Fatio (FL) Team MONKET III 40’ MTI Power: Mercury Racing 1100’s

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STORY: STU JONES I PHOTOS: JIM WENGER

For the seasoned veteran, the best news for the 17th Annual Miami Boat Show Poker Run was hearing that the new Post Card Inn was ready and waiting for the poker run mob. But it wasn’t really an entirely new destination, rather the longawaited makeover of the landmark Holiday Isle Resort & Marina, which has been event headquarters for the annual poker run since the late nineties. In more recent years, the property had changed hands, and when plans by the new owners to develop a luxurious condominium resort hotel were later shelved due to the economic downturn…the property fell on harder times. Those were the (ugly room) years, and it caused many repeat participants to look elsewhere for suitable accommodations, or quite simply, stay home and miss the event altogether. But with a recent infusion of several million dollars, focused on complete renovation of sleeping room and building upgrades, along with a chic landscaping makeover, the all new Post Card Inn pleased the once-angry mob, and guests were excited to see the conversion to the trendy boutique style look of the property.

The Friday run kicked off at SeaIsle Marina in Miami almost as a cloned replica of the Thursday group just 24 hours earlier, as about three dozen powerboats formed an impressive parade line through Downtown Miami towards Biscayne Bay. I had the pleasure of jumping board with David and Leeann Branton on Team Voodoo, the all-new Cigarette Marauder powered by Mercury Racing 1350’s, and it would be my first ride on this impressive machine. Even more significant was the

fact that this Cigarette had topped a long line of former Cigarettes, owned by the Louisiana couple, who have been members of FPC for fifteen years! (See feature on

David & Leeann Branton, page 80)

The sunny skies made for an amazing day, which was a repeat of the day earlier, and by all accounts from the local weather reports, it was going to continue for the next few days! Awwwwww…February is such a nice month in Florida!

After a safe start, the impressive fleet that included everything from agile twin outboard Skaters, to luxurious center consoles, classic vee-bottoms and colorful high-powered cats, was southbound for Key Largo. After some high-speed sprints across the calm bay waters, the early morning adrenaline would temporarily be muted by the tropical vibe of Gilberts new Tiki hut, a hearty buffet lunch, pleasant Buffet-ish tunes from a local entertainer, and that tropical vibe that murmurs a hypnotic message, “You are now in the Florida

Keys. Let your hair down, turn off the cell phone and enjoy the day with your boating buddies!”. Damn that gives me chills just thinking about it. Somebody pinch me!!

SJ

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MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN

Friday

1. Frank Cantone (NJ) Team MY WAY 38’ Cigarette Top Gun Power: Mercury Racing 500HP 2. Joe Amodio (GA) Team TILTED KILT ( Sponsor) 42’ Cigarette X Power: (3) Mercury Racing 525’s 3. Greg Webber/Vince Foglia (IL) Team Pier 57 46’ Cigarette Rough Rider Power: Mercury Racing 1350’s

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4.Ron Schwartz (PA) Team WHEELER DEALER 39’ Cigarette Top Gun Power: Mercury Racing 700SCi’s Inset: Ron Schwartz (right) with Wheeler Dealer crew.

5. Don & Patti Murphy (TX) Team HELIOS 46’ Cigarette Rough Rider Power: Mercury Racing HP1075SCi’s

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Inset: Tom Hofstetter presents Patti Murphy with Best Paint & Graphics for Helios.

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MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN

Friday

1. Ray Aquit (FL) Team BLUE PRINT 36’ Nor-Tech Power: Mercury Racing 1075 2. Matthew Gordon (CT) Team HUSTLER 37’ Hustler Talon Power: Cobra Power 750’s

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3. Marc & Micheline Gendron (FL) Team XCLUSIVE 42’ MTI Power: Joe Griffen 900HP Inset: Marc & Micheline enjoying the party at Postcard Inn. 4. Chris Ryder (NY) Team SKATER 28’ Skater Power: Mercury Outboard 300HP 5. Karsten Melcher (GE)

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Team GERMANY 1 37’ Hustler Power: Mercury Racing 525’s Inset: Karsten with the German entourrage at Friday party.

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MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN

Friday

1. Albert Haynesworth (FL) Team TERMINATOR 48’ MTI Power: Mercury Racing 1350’s Editor’s Note: Time flies! It’s been exactly two years since this incredible machine was debuted at the Miami Boat Show and ran on this poker run event. Note the detail in the paint work!

2. Mandy, Sarah & Katelin kept the heads turning all weekend!

3. The marina at Post Card Inn, was the only phase of the renovation project that was not completed in time for the poker run. However, since the event the makeover was finished!

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MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN

Friday

1. Charlie & Lois Amorosi (NJ) Team TSUNAMI 2 39’ Velocity Power: ProRoc 750HP 2. Stuart L. Finz (NY) Team LEGAL POWER 35’ Formula 353 Power: Mercury Racing 525’s

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3. Jim/Chris Hopgood (NJ) Team SOPHIE 38’ Powerplay Power: Mercury Racing 525’s 4. Poker run teams socialize at the Friday night dinner party at Post Card Inn. 5. Stu Finz’ crew and Steve Hirsch crew (both from NY) enjoyed a festive evening in Islamorada

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6. Steve Hirsch (NY)

Team SEA HORSE 38’ Cigarette Top Gun Power: Mercury Racing 525’s

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MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN

Friday

1. Greg & Brenda McCauley (MO)

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Team MTI 48’ MTI Power: Mercury Racing 1025/1200’s 2. Terry Sobo/Trond Schou (FL) Team NOR-TECH ( Sponsor) 39’ Nor-Tech Center Console Power: Triple Mercury Verados 3. David Postill (MI) Team S.P.E Special thanks to Dave and crew for assisting a distressed boat on the Saturday run.

4. Girl of FPC Katelin, Mandi, sisters Sarah and Laura

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5. Rafted up at Gilberts Key Largo

6. David Postill (MI) Team S.P.E. 35’ Everglades 355CC Power: Triple Yamaha Outboards

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7. Bob Blanford (FL) Team BOB 39’ Cigarette Topfish Sport Power: Triple Mercury Verados

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CHEESE BURGERS IN PARADISE. THE SATURDAY FUN RUN FINDS A NEW PLACE TO RAFTUP!

Saturday Raft-up Party Sponsored by:

Everyone loves a raftup party, and our friends at Powerboat Nation came up with a great new destination for the Saturday Fun Run. White Marlin Beach is located near the Channel Five Bridge (mm 72) approximately 12 miles southwest of Post Card Inn., on the protected bayside waters.

With warm surf temperatures, a soft sandy bottom and a mother ship to provide BBQ cheeseburgers, it was the perfect way to enjoy the Saturday Fun Run. Thanks to the entire Powerboat Nation crew, for all the planning and for making it a great day for all the poker runners that attended. SJ

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Ron & Amy Tomlinson (CAN) Team STAYING ALIVE 40’ MTI Power: Mercury Racing HP1100’s

Editors Note: FPC condones the use of PFD’s while boats are at speed and on plane. PFD’s are mandatory for participants on all FPC Poker Runs.

y a d r u t a S FUN RUN 1. Matthew Lucas (NY) Team SKATER 30’ Skater Power: Mercury Racing 300xs 2. Anthony Sauta (NJ) Team PURE ADRENALINE 39’ Outerlimits Power: Mercury Racing 700SCi 3. Ken Armstrong (TX) Team PHANTOM 48’ MTI Power: Mercury Racing 1350’s (See feature page 50)

1 Editors Note: FPC condones the use of PFD’s while boats are at speed and on plane. PFD’s are mandatory for participants on all FPC Poker Runs.

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AWARDS On Saturday evening the poker run teams and sponsors gathered for a festive evening at the Postcard Inn Poker Run village, while the bartenders at the Tiki Bar kept our guest well served.the Check out all the great pics and see if you recognize anyone!

Hamming it up for the Girls of FPC!

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Dave Postil and his crew won best poker run boat!

Marc Berman from Bam Marine launched his new NXT Trans.

Eric Shorten from Bimini Bay Resort & Marina

Buzz Fyhrie from Total Dollar Insurance with Jackie

Our host Steve Donahue from Postcard Inn

Skip Braver and Hector from Cigarette Racing

Terry Sobo and Trond Schou from Nor-Tech

Germans Karsten Melcher and crew

David Woods with the Pier 57 crew

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Kate & Tom Hoffstetter with the FPC Girls

Stephanie

Amy

Sarah

Mandy

Heather Francheska

Amanda

Jessica, Coralie, Amanda

Josie

Mandy, Sarah, Katelin

Double Entendre

BY JASON JOHNSON

Kenny Armstrong’s unique 48 MTI ”Phantom” brings a couple of classics to life. Meet the man behind the one-of-a-kind catamaran.

C

hances are when Kenny Armstrong is not traveling to a trade show or a foreign country, the co-owner of Houston-based DeHumidification Technologies, LP (DH Tech) is trying to figure out a way to squeeze in some time on one of his boats.

an addition we came up with since just doing a Rolls-Royce Phantom boat would have been pretty plain,” said Armstrong, who gave a lot of credit to Randy Scism and the crew at MTI for making the project as smooth as possible. “I wanted it to be like a big Rolls-Royce car, then I came up with the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ idea and MTI ran with it. They did some research, came up with a concept and we moved things around a bit before deciding on the final paint job.”

You’d do the same if your boats included a 74-foot Viking Sportfish and a 2,150-hp 44foot catamaran from Marine Technology Inc. (MTI) dubbed Hell Razor. And let’s not forget Armstrong’s latest “toy”—the stellar Phantom, a 48 MTI powered by Mercury Racing 1350 engines that was proudly displayed at the Miami International Boat Show in February.

MTI painted the boat in house and designed a handful of new features per the owner’s request.

The first was fulfilling Armstrong’s desire to have eight seats in the cockpit. MTI had completed a seven-seat edition before, but a majority of the company’s cats are built with six seats. So with some modifications to the deck, including moving the windshield forward 20 inches, MTI created the eight-seater, which Scism said has already drawn interest from some potential customers.

Inspired by Armstrong’s 2004 Rolls-Royce Phantom, the stunning boat featured a flawless silver and black paint job with a giant rose laying across the engine hatches and a white “Phantom of the Opera” mask and flowing black cape on the deck to emphasize the theme. “That was 50

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Armstrong didn’t opt for standard bucket seats. Instead, the tan seats inspired by the RollsRoyce were designed and upholstered by Jamie

Borg, the mastermind behind the light-up Hell Razor interior Armstrong had redone when he purchased the pre-owned 44-footer.

The unique cockpit configuration had four well-padded and roomy seats across the rear and two “second-row” seats flanking a wide LED-illuminated cooler—an MTI first—that was situated behind the driver and co-pilot seat, which were centered behind the tinted wraparound windshield.

“I wanted eight seats in the boat so we could show more people a good time than we can in the 44-footer,” said Armstrong, a resident of Clear Lake, Texas. “Between the shifters and grab handles in the back that matched the ‘umbrella’ handles in the car doors to the custom dash panels, the boat is probably a little over the top, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

He didn’t stop in the cockpit though. Because he’s the type of boater who enjoys swimming and rafting up just as much as going fast, Armstrong asked MTI to create a large couch-like sun pad/ swim platform at the stern so his passengers could lay out or get in and out of the water from the back of the boat.

Other special touches on the 48-footer included the front Rolls-Royce grille accompanied by the automobile’s signature “Spirit of Ecstasy” hood ornament, which retracts via remote control just like the one on the car.

PHOTO COURTESY: PAUL ROBINSON.

KEN HOSTED A PARTY FOR THE 2011 TEXAS OUTLAW CHALLENGE AT HIS TEXAS HOME ON GALVESTON BAY.

Armstrong works hard running businesses with six offices in the U.S., three in Australia and an up-and-coming business in Thailand Armstrong and Scism took the boat for its maiden voyage after the Miami show, and as you can imagine, Armstrong was extremely impressed with the 48-footer, especially the quad-cam, four-valve, turbocharged engines from Mercury.

“I’ll tell you what, this is one amazing piece of machinery,” Armstrong said after getting the hands-on rundown from Scism. “It’s amazing what that extra four feet in length does for the boat. It just seems sleeker and faster as it takes on the waves. And I swear it even turns better.

Armstrong thinks the boat has more in it, but he’s not concerned with that. He’d much rather cruise around at 120 mph with the engines spinning a tamer 4,500 rpm.

Anyone who has met Armstrong at one of the Florida Powerboat Club poker runs or the Texas

Outlaw Challenge—his house is actually a stop for the event—knows he plays hard and doesn’t shy away from being the life of the party. But he insists there is another side of him that really enjoys relaxing.

Continued on next page

“I could definitely feel the difference from driving with cables versus the new digital shifting,” he continued. “The twin turbo engines are responsive. It comes out of the hole fine. I don’t have the fastest props, but I’m after overall performance, not being the fastest guy out there.”

Still, Armstrong and Scism reached 163 mph the first time out, a number Scism expected with the 17” x 39” six-blade propellers from Mercury.

“Kenny took delivery right after the show and he and I went out and ran the boat around,” Scism said. “He had specific targets he wanted to hit. I showed him the way you should run it, the way you should load it, then we hit the big number and high-fived each other.”

STU JONES with KEN ARMSTRONG and friend TINA at Biloxi Smokin’ The Sound Poker Run 2011.

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Armstrong The 52-year-old Armstrong, whose service company rents and sells dehumidifiers (desiccant and refrigerant) for industrial, construction, water damage and temporary humidity control projects, works hard running a business that has six offices in the U.S., not to mention a company in Australia with three offices and another upand-coming business in Thailand.

So where can Armstrong be found when he’s not flying the friendly skies or soaring across Gulf of Mexico waves in his MTI catamarans?

If he has his way, cruising international waterways aboard his 74-foot Viking.

“It’s a toss up,” he said when asked if he preferred the go-fast boats or his five-stateroom 74-footer, which spends most of its time in the Caribbean or south of the Equator. “It’s definitely more relaxing and easier on the big boat, but I like living the fast life aboard my other boats.”

Above: Armstrong on his 44-foot MTI, Hell Razor, participating in the 2011 Tampa Bay Poker Run Below: Liza, Kenny and Jessica soaking up the Bimimi sun at last years Bahamas Poker Run

Currently, Phantom is back in Texas and Hell Razor, the 44-foot cat with Mercury Racing HP1075SCi engines, is ready for flight at Grove Harbour in Miami. Armstrong has owned other boats, including a couple of V-bottoms from Fountain Powerboats, but he has really taken to his catamarans.

“With the speeds we’re running, you pretty much have to have a cat,” he said. “But sometimes in rough water, there’s nothing better than plowing through the waves in a V-hull.”

Scism said Phantom took almost 11 months to complete and was a lot of fun to build.

“We love doing stuff that’s custom like that,” Scism said. “What’s really cool is how much our customers drive us. They’re the driving force, the ones coming up with the ideas.”

Armstrong couldn’t be more pleased with the 48-footer, which he ran in the Miami Boat Show Poker Run. After the run, he expressed gratitude toward Stu Jones and the Florida Powerboat Club, as well as Texas Outlaw Challenge organizer Paul Robinson, for organizing such great events.

“I’ve met a lot of friends at poker runs,” said Armstrong, whose son, Blake (a law school student at Texas Christian University), joined him for the run. “I’ve met people from Germany, Canada and all over the U.S. That’s part of the fun.

You can go boating anywhere, but it’s so much better when you can get together in a big group.”

Kenny’s 42 Fountain Lightning powered by Sterling 1200’s at the Emerald Coast Poker Run 2008

That’s one of the reasons Armstrong hosts the entire fleet of Texas Outlaw Challenge participants at his nearly 20-acre property, which includes a private beach and dock space for dozens of boats.

“There’d be no use in building a house like mine and not using it to entertain,” he added, emphasizing his honest-to-goodness, Texas-sized hospitality. “Building friendships is what it is all about.”

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TAMPA BAY Poker Run The scenic Sunshine Skyway provided a great image from high above, as the poker run pack passed under the enormous spans.

Returning to the luxurious Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Marina was a big highlight for participants, who agreed that the timeless elegance of the property made this poker run a unique event in so many ways.

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THE SECOND ANNUAL TAMPA BAY POKER RUN DELIVERED ON AND OFF WATER EXCITEMENT AND ADVENTURE FOR AN ELITE GROUP OF PERFORMANCE BOATERS. STORY: JASON JOHNSON I PHOTOS: JIM WENGER

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ith all 40 registered teams staying at the historic St. Petersburg (built in 1925) and docking their boats at the recently renovated, 74slip Vinoy Marina, the weekend vibe was very social, energetic and intimate. And when all was said and done, the overall feeling was that Stu Jones, president of the Florida Powerboat Club, made the right call by adding the event to the club’s 2011 schedule and bringing it back this year.

“I had a great time this year—this is just a great area for a poker run,” said Jim Wiley, who throttled while his son, Robert, drove his Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats 4400 Roadster with a pair of 1,200-hp Cobra Power engines.

Anyone who knows him, knows Wiley calls Tampa Bay home, so maybe he’s just biased.

Hardly. Wiley has been to poker runs large and small all over the country, so his opinion merits respect. And although he lives about five miles from the Vinoy, he opted to drive his boat over to the marina, stay at the resort for three nights and enjoy both Friday’s lunch run and Saturday’s weather-shortened poker run.

“It’s about the whole weekend for me, not just the boating, so we stayed at the hotel from Thursday night on with everybody,” said Wiley. “Obviously this event is easy and convenient for me, but it’s also nice to host our friends for an event in our backyard.

“I hope this event continues to grow each year,” he continued. “There are a lot of great places to see around here—we only hit a few of them. We managed to time it perfect after the lunch stop and made it in just before it started raining.”

Jones believes the potential is there for the poker run to grow in a hurry, citing the fantastic Vinoy location and usable docks as the main reason, and Sunday’s ninth annual Festivals of Speed event as the second one (see Festivals of Speed sidebar on page 74). Still, he believes there’s an upside to keeping the event more exclusive.

“I really enjoy some of our smaller-size events,” said Jones, who did the run with Scott Ryerson, president of Suncoast Powerboat and Yacht Brokerage, an event sponsor. “Of course, you always want to have a few more boats—our business model is tied into good attendance. But as long as we know the size of the group, we can manage our budget accordingly.

“Not every event can be Key West or Miami,” he continued. “We do so many large events that sometimes it’s nice to have a smaller, more exclusive group. Obviously it’s easier for our staff to manage, plus it creates a certain social vibe and close-knit feeling when everyone is staying at one resort that’s across the street from the marina where all the boats are docked.” That being said, Jones isn’t sure if he’ll be able to keep the event as intimate as it was this year. For example, Saturday’s party that was held at Suite Six Bar and Lounge, a modern and sophisticated club with a friendly and sexy staff in the heart of St. Petersburg, probably won’t be able to host the event if the group gets much larger. It turned out to be a perfect venue for all 125 guests, but that was approaching capacity.

Jones would most likely need to apply for permitting to add some floating docks for the weekend, but he feels like a 50- to 60-boat count is not out of the question in the near future.

Someone who is most likely to return next year, despite the long distance his family traveled, is George Argyros of Newport Beach, Calif. The owner of Donzilla, a Donzi 43 ZR with twin Mercury Racing HP700SCi engines, Argyros and his wife, Shannon, hosted a few guests from Southern California, including Jeff Johnston, sales and marketing director for Hering Propellers, and his girlfriend, Nichole Overson.

“The Florida Powerboat Club events are always well planned with great customer service and access to first-class lodging and docking, and this POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

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1. Tom Abraham (NY) Team A LITTLE SHAMELESS 36’ MTI Power: Mercury Racing 700SC’s

2. Tampa Harbour Yacht Club & Marina: Poker Run Checkpoint Also the location of Hula Beach Club, the Friday afternoon fun run destination.

3. Jacksons Bistro- Downtown Tampa Poker Run Checkpoint & Lunch Stop Plenty of dockage and a fabulous lunch! event was no different,” said Argyros, who also did last year’s poker run. “The whole atmosphere was great, from the food to the off-the-hook party venue to the high-quality people. And it doesn’t matter if you are running a center console or an 80-foot Nor-Tech, everyone is there to have a good time and socialize with people who have common interests.”

Argyros wasn’t the only one living it up in the downtown St. Petersburg.

“Oh man, I had a lot of fun at the poker run,” said John Woodruff, owner of Windship, a 48-foot catamaran with twin Mercury Racing 1350s from Marine Technology Inc. (MTI). “The Vinoy was great and so was the Tampa/St. Pete area. They had these fun horsedrawn carriages out there. So we took those around town each night, not cabs.”

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1. George & Shannon Argyros (CA) Team DONZILLA 43’ Donzi Power: Mercury Racing 700SCi

2. David & Leeann Branton (LA) Team VOODOO 50’ Cigarette Marauder Power: Mercury Racing 1350’s (See feature Page 80)

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3. FPC Gal Angela, from Fort Lauderdale 4. Dan & Kim Jape (GA) 36 Eliminator at the Friday fun run.

Broken prop took the cat out of the Saturday running.

5. Jeffrey Bognolo (FL) 38’ Donzi Team GOOD NEIGHBOR Power: Mercury Racing 525’s

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6. Bob & Madelyn Christie (NJ) Team SPEED RACER 44 MTI Power: Potter Performance 900SC A newcomer to Tampa Bay, Woodruff, who is helping promote the Pirates of Lanier Poker Run from July 19-21 on Georgia’s Lake Lanier (his hometown lake), took a day to get to know the area with his girlfriend, Nancy Hancock, and a few other friends. Afterward, he said he’d definitely return.

“The weather for the poker run wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t bad,” he said. “I think we would have all liked to go faster, but hey we had a good time and everyone was safe. I was a little cautious my first day out as I wasn’t familiar with the area, but once I got my bearings straight we really enjoyed ourselves on Friday and Saturday.” from Atlanta, Dan Jape, attended the run with his wife, Kim, in their Eliminator Boats 36 Daytona Speedster,

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1. Gary Goodell (FL) Team GEICO CAVEMAN 38’ Cigarette Top Gun Power: Mercury Racing 525’S

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2. Chris & Amy Higgins (FL) Team SOLID INVESTMENT 38’ Donzi ZX Power: Mercury Racing 500EFI 3. Albert Teramara (OH) Team NASTY HABIT 42’ Cigarette Tiger Power: Sterling 1100

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4. Stu jumped onboard with Albert Teramara & crew for a closer look at the super clean Cigarette 42X, NASTY HABIT

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Scrappy Cat. Jape, whose company Reliable Heating & Air sponsors the Pirates of Lanier Poker Run, didn’t have the best luck on Saturday.

Maybe a mile or so into the start, he nicked the port-side propeller bad enough to require a return to the docks.

With visions of rejoining the run dismissed before arriving at the marina, Jape made the best of the situation and he and Kim grabbed the keys to his F650 60

SuperTruck and drove to the lunch stop at Jackson’s Bistro to meet the fleet.

Disappointed, no doubt, Jape was thankful he at least got to spend Friday running around Tampa with his friends in his 36-footer with Mercury Racing HP700SCi engines he recently had tuned up to 850 hp.

Patrick Bedard, of Montreal, was excited that the club decided to bring the Tampa Bay Poker Run back to life. The

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Bill Pyburn JR. (FL) Team PURE PLATINUM 38’ Skater 388 Power: Chief 1350SC

Canadian dealer for the Go Fast Sports Energy Drink, Bedard brought his canopied Go Fast Outerlimits 43 GTX with twin 700-hp engines from Mercury Racing to the event in 2011 and had a great time.

“I came out to the Tampa run last year and really enjoyed it,” Bedard said. “We do a lot of boating in Montreal in the summer. Then when it gets cold up there, we follow the fun and come down to Florida in the winter to run the boat.”

While Bedard’s three-year-old boat still attracted a lot of eyeballs at the Tampa Bay Poker Run, it’s nothing like the attention the 43-footer with five seats receives in Montreal where it is surrounded primarily by fishing and hunting vessels, not many high-performance boats.

Another Outerlimits that commanded attention was Glenn Kennedy’s Holy Smoke III, a 2009 carbon-edition 43 SV with twin Mercury Racing HP1075SCi engines and a killer paint job from Dean Loucks and The Art of Design.

“I’m loving the boat—this is my first poker run in it,” said Kennedy, who owned a Donzi 38 ZR and a Nor-Tech 36 Supercat before buying the 43-footer to run on the Great Lakes in the summer near his hometown of Milwaukee. The rest of the year, the boat will remain at his Palm Harbor, Fla., residence. “We had a transmission blow on us, but other than that it was a great experience. I loved the camaraderie and the performance of the boats. Everybody here seems to have a mutual respect for each other, no matter what kind of boat you’re driving.”

Kennedy admits the open-air sensation is lost inside a canopy-style boat, but he said he’s definitely going to enjoy arriving at poker run stops in an air-conditioned boat. He also thinks canopied boats look cooler than most.

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Speaking of cool, it was cool to see the GEICO Caveman Cigarette Racing V-bottom on hand. Gary Goodell, marketing manager for the Miss GEICO Racing Team, decided to do the poker run in the bright green 38 Top Gun that matches the team’s turbine-powered Miss GEICO catamaran from Mystic Powerboats. Goodell is hoping to attend at least seven poker runs this season in the boat, which is powered by a pair of Mercury Racing HP525EFI engines.

“It’s part of our program now—Marc (Granet) and Scotty (Begovich) race and Gary does poker runs and has fun,” said Goodell with a joyful grin.

It seems like the crew at Statement Marine, another sponsor of the event, are all about the fun as well. Owners Nick Buis and Todd Werner were on hand as were three of the company’s new center consoles.

The stunning dark blue 368 SUV Crossover, which debuted at the Miami International Boat Show in February and is owned by Dave Abrams, was as spectacular as a center console can get. (For more on Statement, read the story on page XX.) Jones and company already started thinking about the third annual poker run and how they can make the event better.

“We’ll definitely maintain the high-caliber accommodations, but we’ll probably try to change the boating equation quite a bit,” Jones said. “We have plenty of other destinations that are sure to keep the event new and fresh for everybody. Just wait and see what we have in store for next year’s lunch stop. All I can say is it’ll be a complete 180 from Jackson’s and the high rises of downtown Tampa.” JJ

y a B Tam pa POKER RUN

1. Brent & Brenda Medley (MO) 38’ Cigarette Top Gun Team HOT SHOT Power: Mercury Racing 575’s Editors Note: This is a rare special edition No. 600 Top Gun.

2. Ed Rieskamp (IN) 47’ Fountain Team BLOWN INVESTMENT Power: Sterling 1350SC 3. Bill Robbins (TX) 38’ Fountain Team ACES FULL Power: Mercury Racing 525’s 4. Jim Wiley (FL) Team XXX 44’ Nor-Tech Roadster Power: Cobrapower 1200’s

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5. Elaine & Jill Poker Card Girls -Checkpoint #1

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1. Dennis Raia (NY) Team 2 CATTAGIOUS 42’ MTI Power: Mercury Racing 1075SCi 2. Red Reynolds (WI) Team LADY LISA 80’ Nor-Tech Roadster Power: Caterpillar 1875HP TT 3. Lady Lisa’s creature comforts!

4. Glenn Kennedy (WI) Team HOLY SMOKE 43’ Outerlimits SV Power: Mercury Racing 1075’s Interviewed by Stu for Powerboating in Paradise TV 5. Andrew Gast & Michael Lattomus (DE) Team OUT OF DENARO 42’ Outerlimits Power: Mercury Racing 1075’s

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1. Dave Abrams/Nick Buis Team STATEMENT! 368 Statement SUV Power: Triple Mercury 300 Verado 2. Rob & Heather Klingel Team STATEMENT 34’ Statement SUV Power: Twin Mercury 300 Verado

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3. Anton Holstrom (SC) Team COUNTRY GIRL 42’ Cigarette Power: Mercury Racing 700SCI 4. John & Nancy Woodruff (GA) Team WINDSHIP 48’ MTI Power: Mercury Racing 1350’s 5. The Windship Girls: Provided entertainment at the Vinoy patio bar with their Hula Hoop Show!

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Party at It’s not always easy to find the perfect venue for a good poker run party, but with a little direction from Todd Werner at Statement and club member James Pellizzi, we we introduced to the owners of Suite Six nightclub in St.Petersburg. The New York style club is located on Cental Ave. in St.Petersburg’s vibrant entertainment district, and with some creative planning and great catering, dinner was served to 130 guests, followed by an evening of libation and vibration, as their acclaimed DJ spun the tunes to the wee hours!

Awards

There were so many cool boats on the Tampa Bay Poker Run, and it seemed everyone deserved an award of some type! After a great dinner at Suite Six nightclub, over twenty sponsor appreciation and Peoples Choice awards were distributed to teams and participating sponsors.

With all the poker hands turned in, first place honors went to John Woodruff and Team Windship, while Ed Reiskamp took second place.

Special thanks to our prize sponsors, OceanLed, Odyssey Batteries, Fat Towels and Optix lighting.

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exiest

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Team Windship: Best Paint & Graphics

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Jackie presents Best Poker Run Boat

Statement 368 - Best Sport Boat

Stu with Todd Werner & Nick Buis from Statement

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Buzz Fyhrie - Total Dollar Insurance

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Team Windship won Best Poker Hand

V Team

STORY: JASON JOHNSON I PHOTOS: FPC STAFF

There weren’t a lot of performance boats represented at the Festivals of Speed showcase at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg on the Sunday after the poker run, but of the few that were, the on-water machines

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definitely garnered a lot of interest from the 20,000-plus attendees who came to check out the premier automotive and luxury lifestyle display in front of the Renaissance Vinoy Resort.

“BEING PART OF THE FESTIVALS OF SPEED WAS A WINWIN FOR EVERYONE,” “I CAN’T THINK OF A BETTER ALIGNMENT THAN EXOTIC VEHICLES AND PERFORMANCE BOATS.” STU JONES

With two representatives from the Florida Powerboat Club—John Woodruff’s 48 MTI on a tilt trailer and a Nor-Tech 4000 Roadster from Suncoast Powerboat and Yacht Brokerage—Stu Jones wasn’t surprised that the boats received as much attention as they did even amongst the world’s finest automobiles and motorcycles from the likes of Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Ducatti, Lamborghini and more.

“Being part of the Festivals of Speed was a win-win for everyone,” Jones said. “I can’t think of a better alignment than exotic vehicles and performance boats. We garnered a lot of attention for the Florida Powerboat Club and for the sport in general. And the event got a very nice display with our two boats.

“I mean John’s 48-footer on a tilt trailer with the stereo cranked is amazing,” he continued. “Most people have never seen anything like it.

And the best part was that John sat out there by his boat and answered everyone’s questions. He didn’t just put his boat on display and take off.”

Woodruff said he enjoyed the festivities. “We knew we were going to have car guys coming over with their tongues hanging out,” he laughed.

“We had a lot of fun, and like anywhere we go, we had to deal with all the same questions: how big, how fast, how much does it cost.”

Statement Marine co-owner Todd Werner got in on the fun, too, displaying a few of his classic racecars at the Festivals of Speed. JJ

Angela

Stephanie, Amy, Elsy, Sarah, Josie, Francheska, Heather, Amanda & Sylwia

WELCOME TO THE FPC TEAM! Please join us in welcoming two very talented individuals who will now play a big part in continuing with our tradition of professionalism in the creation of our Powerboating in Paradise Magazine.

JASON JOHNSON- Feature Writer Contact: jajo2327@gmail.com An accomplished writer and editor, former Powerboat Magazine Editor Jason Johnson has enjoyed anything to do with water since he was a youngster. From pleasure boating and ocean swimming to racing personal watercraft and fishing, if water is involved, count him in. Johnson was an integral part of Powerboat magazine’s staff from 2005 through 2011, utilizing journalistic integrity and experience in and around the latest and greatest performance boats to report on all aspects of the go-fast lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree from Pepperdine University, he co-founded Los Angeles Sports & Fitness Magazine, which won the Maggie Award for Best New Publication in 2002. Johnson resides in Moorpark, Calif., with his wife of seven years, Stephanie, and his 2-year-old daughter, Morgan.

Well with a family in SoCal, we can certainly understand why it will be difficult to transplant Jason here to South Florida, so let’s just say he’ll be racking up some air miles with American Airlines, as he travels to our poker run events and spends time with our members and sponsors, to get great editorial features for the pages of Powerboating in Paradise Magazine. Look for a total of four features in this issue of the magazine, and we’re hoping you’ll see a lot more in future issues!

CINDY BROOME - Media Sales Co-ordinator Contact: fpc.advertising@gmail.com As media sales coordinator, Cindy will work primarily at the FPC office, managing advertising placements for the magazine, website, and the Powerboating in Paradise TV Series.

We met Cindy just recently at the Palm Beach Boat Show, where she represented a marine trade company from overseas. Cindy stopped by the FPC display, took one look at a copy of Powerboating in Paradise Magazine, and said, “ I need to be involved in this powerboating industry! It looks exciting and incredibly fun!”

Well, we couldn’t agree more, and upon further review of Cindy’s professional background, she was certainly qualified for the gig. As a US Air Force brat, Cindy grew up traversing the 48 States, and spent most of her childhood years in North Florida and Southern California. After achieving an Honors degree in finance at University of Nevada, Cindy honed her skills in marketing & sales with clients that included Anthony Robbins and Karma Foundation in Los Angeles. She is fluent in English & Korean, loves country music and plans to soon be re-united with her two little buddies, a Pekingese and a Boston terrier, as she gets settled into her new South Florida lifestyle. Cindy looks forward to attending poker runs, boat shows and meeting the extended FPC family.

David & Leeann Branton debuted their 50 Cigarette “Voodoo” on the FPC Miami Boat Show Poker Run 2012

Dreams of

BLUE

Louisiana’s David Branton has the best of both worlds with matching V-bottoms from Cigarette Racing—a 39 Jason Johnson Top Fish Sport and a 50 Marauder. ByPhotos: FPC archives

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Playboy model Julie Cialini operating the 35 Playboy Cigarette on the Key West Poker Run

It takes a few seconds, but Branton can recall all of the Cigarettes he’s ever owned including his 35 Playboy TS model, which was unveiled at the Playboy Mansion.

THERE MAY BE SOME MEMBERS in the Florida Powerboat Club who have owned more performance boats than Louisiana’s David Branton, but you’d be hard pressed to find any who have owned more boats overall.

You name it—tournament boat, center console, flat-bottom fishing boat, yacht, cruiser, sport fish and even a couple of rare Riva models. Of course, powerboats, of both the catamaran and V-bottom variety, are quite possibly his favorite. And by the looks of the New Orleans native’s current rides, his boat of choice is a Cigarette.

Branton and his family—wife, Leeann, daughters, Elizabeth and Abbee, and son, Jim— enjoy every minute they can spend on the water, as well as sharing their hobby with as many people as possible.

“We’ve grown up around boats,” said Branton, who estimates he’s owned more than 40 boats in his lifetime and currently possesses 16 boats. “It’s just a part of our life. We use boats for hunting and for fun.

The whole family loves it.

“My dad bought my first boat for me when I was 5,” he continued. “I got it for Christmas, a flat-bottom with a 2-hp motor. I’ve been fascinated ever since. My mom told me there were two things that changed me in life—the smell of gasoline and the smell of perfume.”

in the Cigarette display at the Miami International Boat Show in February.

The 39 Top Fish Sport was a near perfect match to the beautiful blue boat Branton was actually at the show to take delivery of: his LipShip Performance edition 50 Marauder, which is powered by a pair of turbocharged Mercury Racing 1350 engines, that he would drive in the Florida Powerboat Club’s Miami Boat Show Poker Run. Featuring an elegant and straightforward paint job with various shades of blue and the classic World Champion Cigarette Racing Team logo in gray and white, the 50-footer, dubbed Voodoo, has proven to be one of the most fun-to-drive boats Branton has ever owned.

ran, a quad-engine 50-foot V-bottom and a 39-foot center console.

“We just love the 50—Mercury’s 1350 package is awesome,” Branton said. “It accelerates hard and when it gets a little bumpy, the boat gets up on top and settles right in. And seriously, the engines are like set of 500EFIs, they’re that tame.”

Branton’s good friend and fellow FPC member, Walter Molosh, enjoyed the club’s Tampa Bay Poker Run in March as a passenger in the new 50-footer, and couldn’t say enough good things about the boat.

“It’s a very impressive boat,” said Molosh, who hails from New Jersey and owns a 40-foot Skater. “I ran in David’s 50 Nor-Tech Happy Hour for many years and this Cigarette is different. The four-engine boat ran great, but this thing is a rocket. And it’s a beauty, no doubt about that.”

In the beginning, Branton was planning to build the boat with triple Mercury Racing HP700SCi engines, but opted not to after Lip-Ship Performance owner Phil Lipschutz finished his first 50-footer with staggered 1,350-hp engines.

“David originally ordered the boat with triple 700-hp engines, which was a very proven and reliable engine package and would have had him running 100 mph with a stock one-year warranty,” Lipschutz said. “Everyone thought we needed three engines for the 50-footer, but I knew two engines would be enough if it was the right package.

“We did a 46 for Tom Abraham with a pair Mercury’s 1200SCi engines and it was a great-running boat,” he continued. “But the new 1350 package is a different story. The boat accelerates like a dragster. We took the first one out on the first leg of the Miami Boat Show Poker Run in 2011 and Skip (Braver) was convinced we had a winner.”

Braver, owner and president of Cigarette Racing, allowed Lipschutz to take control of the original project with the 1350s and Lipschutz redesigned the deck to make it more proportionate.

“It was all hand-made,” Lipschutz said. “Then after out first run, CigaJackie Jones rode on board David & Leeann Branton’s rette made a mold for the deck and 35 Playboy Cigarette for the Emerald Coast Poker Run 2002 David got the first boat from the Some 48 years and more than a mold. After running the first one, I dozen performance boats later, Branton has told David he should go with the twin engines And that list is extensive. It takes him a few graduated to elite status. His current rides for seconds, but Branton can rattle off the 10 Ciga- instead of the triples. It cost more money, but it the poker run season include two new boats rettes he’s owned from his first one—a 28-foot- was worth it.” from Cigarette Racing—a 50 Marauder and er with a 330-hp MerCruiser engine and a TRS Braver, who has been responsible for some of the all-new 39 Top Fish Sport. drive—to his 35 Playboy TS model, which was the most luxurious and innovative models in the actual boat at the Playboy Mansion unveilPowered by triple 300-hp Mercury Verado Continued on next page ing party in March of 2000. He’s also had a few engines, the 39-footer wasn’t on his radar but he and his wife fell in love with it after seeing it Nor-Tech models, including a 36-foot catamaPOWERBOATING IN PARADISE 81

Dreams of Blue

the 40-plus-year history of the company, called the 50-footer “one of the most beautiful boats we’ve built.”

No stranger to quality, Braver said it was enjoyable to work with the Brantons throughout the build process. In fact, he credited David for some new additions to the boat, including billet step plates to make exiting the boat easier and the “idle pad,” which Branton wanted behind the three-person rear bench so that, while idling, passengers had a comfortable place to sit and see everything going on.

“David is an example of the amazing customers that are part of the Cigarette family,” said Braver, who purchased the company in 2002. “We’re proud to have him as a client, but all of our customers are important to us whether they’ve owned one boat or 10.”

Lipschutz, who ran Branton’s 50 Marauder up to 125 mph before the Miami Boat Show Poker Run, agreed whole-heartedly.

“David’s not some weekend warrior,” Lipschutz said. “He’s a real boater who understands how to boat properly and knows how to run all of his boats. He’s the ideal customer.”

is a leading full-service joiner and insulation contractor for the shipbuilding and offshore oil sectors. Even some of the casino boats in Louisiana have extraordinary interiors constructed by the company.

As expected, Branton has a strong supporting cast around him to help maintain the boats.

Leeann handles all the insurance and registration, and Louis Perez manages all the maintenance and logistics surrounding the boats, which “makes our boating life much simpler,” according to Branton.

For engine service, Branton relies on Mark Boos and the crew at Precision Marine in Kenner, La., to keep his boats on the water. He also can rely on Lip-Ship Performance for anything when he’s in Florida.

Branton, who is currently building a 40-foot Skater catamaran at Douglas Marine that will be powered by Mercury Racing turbocharged 1100 engines, said: “Some people search for the Holy Grail of boats—the one boat that can do everything, but that doesn’t exist.”

That’s why he has one of everything.

42 Tiger “Hula Girl” on Miami Boat Show Poker Run 2003 Leeann & David winning award at FPC Key West Poker Run 2001

David elected himself as team mascot for “Hula Girl” in 2003

Branton said the Cigarette quality definitely fuels his interest in the brand.

“We’ve had great success with the boats,” Branton said. “Resale is two things—demand and value—and Cigarette has both of those.

With our boats, we want things a certain way and that’s why we like the guys at Cigarette.

They listen to what my wife wants and they do everything for her. They just want us to be happy.”

Branton gives a lot of credit to his wife for being a partner in the boats.

“I absolutely love V-bottoms, and the bigger the better,” said Leeann, adding that through boating and the FPC, she’s met and made good friends from all over the country.

In his rare Top Gun 35, Key West 1998

“My wife didn’t want to join the Florida Powerboat Club—she figured it would be bunch of old guys, young broads and gold chains,” Branton said. “That wasn’t the case at all. We did our first run and she had a ball and met so many great people.”

There’s no doubt about it, boating is a huge part of the Branton family’s existence. Whether it’s fishing out of the New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club, cruising their Lazarra Yachts LSX 75 to Central America or supporting Jim in his quest to win the 2011 Amateur Wakeskate world championship (which he did in Indianapolis last August at the WWA Wakeboard World Championships), they are an adventurous family on the water.

Branton is even involved with boats from a business standpoint, although on a much larger scale. One of his companies, Marine Interior Systems—a division of Branton Enterprises— 82

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Stepping up to a 50 Nor-Tech with four engines, “Happy Hour” was King of the fleet on the Key West 2001 poker run

Spotlight on STATEMENT STATEMENT

BY JASON JOHNSON

T

WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING BOLD DECLARATIONS, STATEMENT MARINE HAS BEING DOING IT FROM THE START AND BACKING IT UP.

STATEMENT PASSION CAT AND 42 ULTIMATE PHOTOGRAPHED

BY FPC IN MAY 2010 FOR NATIONAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN.

Nick & wife Priscilla at the Tampa Bay Poker Run 2012

Stu / Todd / Nick at the Tampa Bay Poker Run 2012

he poker run scene is far from new for Nick Buis and Todd Werner, co-owners of Statement Marine. Admittedly from different sides of the equation, both Buis and Werner have been involved in the sport since the 1990s.

Werner, an accomplished entrepreneur, inventor and offshore racer, has been poker running off and on for a couple of decades. By the late ’90s, Buis, who specialized in fleet truck maintenance before turning his attention to servicing, renovating and handling high-performance boats, became the go-to problem solver at many FPC poker run events. But as of the last four years, the two have been frequent attendees of poker runs across the country, and not just for the fun of it. Along with their boat building business associate Mark Spates (Extreme Powerboats), Buis and Werner have been promoting the lineup of Statement boats that has grown from the original 42 Ultimate V-bottom and 50 Passion catamaran to include three utility-style center console boats— the 34 SUV, 37 SUV and 368 SUV Crossover.

Since making its debut at the Miami Show in 2009, the company set out to raise the bar on high-end performance boats. And judging from customer feedback and personal experience riding in their superbhandling offshore boats, there’s no doubt the St. Petersburg, Fla.-based builder has made a statement. “Although the economic downturn we faced starting this business presented challenges, I believe we started it at the right time,” Buis said.

WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM: LOG ON FOR VIDEOS, PHOTOGRAPHY & UPCOMING EVENTS \\\\\\\

STATEMENT 42 ULTIMATE, “SADDLE UP” PHOTOGRAPHED BY STU JONES, KEY WEST POKER RUN 2011

“We were able to take advantage of great marketing op- forts from the custom cuddy cabin and spacious sun pad portunities right away and we caught a lot of people off above with an automated adjustable backrest to the fully guard with truly new product at a time when many com- loaded helm station and obstruction-free swim platform. panies couldn’t afford to retool or create new models. We “Our boats reflect the lifestyle of the customer who came out with something new and fresh, and forced oth- owns them, and every boat has to be built to fit the needs ers to play catch up.” of what they’re going to do with them,” said Buis. “With “Now we have to stay ahead of the game,” he contin- our center consoles, we didn’t set out to build compeued. “Our focus will continue to be on making our boats tition, tournament-style fishing boats. We’re looking for better, and a wider range of models.” person who wants to come home, throw the fishing poles Werner agreed, adding that it’s been rewarding to see on the dock and take the family out to dinner in style.

Statement blossom into the business it has become—one “The same goes for the V-bottom and the cat,” he with more than ten boats currently in line for production, added. “Elegance and style is what we’re known for, and including the second 50’ cat that’s expected to be on the we’re going to give our customers exactly that.” water this summer.

Add innovative features to the list, including State“There have been growing pains from the start,” Wer- ment’s patented air-cushion cockpit suspension system ner said. “And we’re going through more now as we con- in its boats. Thanks to Buis’ background in the trucking centrate on refining the production process.” industry and Werner’s patent expertise, the team created Nearly all of the major components of the company’s boats are built in-house. Not only does this help accommodate customiSTATEMENT 37 SUV, WITH MERCURY zation, but it also creates an enDIESEL, PHOTOGRAPHED ON THE KEY WEST POKER RUN 2011 vironment where components and processes are improved and enhanced, resulting in the best product possible. A climate-controlled molding room to allow for post-curing of hulls and decks, as well as custom upholstery, woodworking and metal fabrication shops under one roof, help bring to life the company motto: If you dream it, Statement can build it!

Statement’s latest model—the 368 SUV Crossover—is a perfect example. The new boat, which Buis describes as an elegant and versatile performer that appeals to the whole family, is powered by triple Mercury 300 Verados and packed with creature com-

Spotlight on STATEMENT STATEMENT 368 SUV, PHOTOGRAPHED ON THE FPC TAMPA BAY POKER RUN 2012

and patented a unique suspended cockpit, which eliminates a great amount of the impact delivered to those seated in a typical offshore performance boat.

“The suspension thing made sense, but individual seats, like those in some race boats, were ridiculously expensive,” Buis said. “So we said screw the suspension seats, let’s make the whole cockpit float so everyone in the front and the back has first-class seating. I grew up in the trucking world, which is all about air bag suspension, so I knew we could do it.

High-quality materials, attention to detail and fit and finish, according to the handful of customers the company has, are major selling points. Another is the company’s outsidethe-box thinking, which leads to the one-of-a-kind boats its elite customers desire.

“There’s no doubt they build extraordinary boats,” said Stu Jones, president of the Florida Powerboat Club, which Statement proudly supports throughout the poker run season. “At the end of the day, both Nick and Todd are boaters, guys who love to be on the water. They’re real accessible, hands-on guys who work hard and do whatever needs to be done to manage their business. Plus they’re great at building relationships because they have done the circuit and understand how to deal with boaters’ concerns.”

As Jones and others pointed out, they’ve also surrounded themselves with good people, including industry veterans such as Mike Flanigan, who owned Lightning Bay Performance Marine, and Josh Stickles, the former chief marketing officer for Donzi Marine. Obviously Statement doesn’t

have a huge client list, but all of its customers share the same sentiment: It’s like being part of a family. Every owner has specific reasons why he chose to buy a Statement, but the bottom line was that it came down to being impressed.

From the personal side—“They’re just really good people,” one customer said—to the professional side, Statement always seems to over-deliver on its promise to be more than an ordinary powerboat builder.

“The time and effort they put into making things just right is unbelievable,” said one of Statement’s two New Jersey-based customers who have partnered on the 50-foot catamaran powered by Mercury Racing 1350 engines that is nearly complete. “They’re also a pleasure to do business with—they’re just good people.”

“We didn’t get into business to build boats, sell them and never see the boats again,” Buis said. “Part of the reason was that I love boating and I love the people who go boating. A lot of these people have become more like friends than customers.”

Statement will proudly debut many of its new models, at upcoming Florida Powerboat Club events throughout 2012.

JJ

STATEMENT 34 SUV, PHOTO PROVIDED BY STATEMENT MARINE.

STATEMENT MARINE, 6101 45TH ST. N., UNIT 4, ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33714, PHONE: 727-525-5235, WWW.STATEMENTMARINE.COM

WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM: LOG ON FOR VIDEOS, PHOTOGRAPHY & UPCOMING EVENTS \\\\\\\

2012

Official FPC Hotel Headquarters

EVENT DATES: MAY 18 TO 20, 2012 POKER RUN SATURDAY MAY 19TH NINE CHECKPOINTS ON THE ST. JOHNS RIVER - APPROX 120 MILES

DOCKAGE METROPOLITAN PARK MARINA & JACKSONVILLE LANDING RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED THROUGH FPC. ACCOMMODATIONS: HYATT REGENCY JACKSONVILLE RIVERFRONT

POKER RUN & ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

FRIDAY FUN RUN | FRIDAY NIGHT CHECK-IN AND REGISTRATION | SATURDAY POKER RUN (MANDATORY CAPTAINS始 MEETING FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS) | SATURDAY NIGHT POKER RUN PARTY | EVENT FEE: $595/MEMBERS, $695/NON-MEMBERS

PLEASE VISIT WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM FOR MORE DETAILS OR CALL 954-545-1414

2002 BLAST FROM THE PAST! It’s always fun to take a look back in time! Here’s a glimpse of FPC events exactly ten years ago. Look close, you may see yourself!

Since 1992, we’ve gathered over 200,000 pics in the FPC archives, with online galleries starting in 2000, at www.flpowerboat.com.

If you have fond memories of past events with FPC, call the club office and maybe we can help find that cherished photo. SJ JANUARY ‘02: Winter Rally to The Keys

David, Leeann, Larry, Stu at Little Palm Island Alan & Annie DenBesten-Annie Time Lunch Stop-Sheraton Key Largo

FEBRUARY ‘02: Miami Boat Show Poker Run

Ray Anthony didn’t mind cleaning his 46 Skater

MARCH ‘02: Spring Key West Poker Run

Remember Tom?

Cruising through the scenic Keys

Zero Cavity cruising to Key West

Tom Rick -Black Thunder paceboat Where did Wendy go?

Stephanie and Capt. Mike -60 Magnum Frank Barbarino & Larry Goldman Mark & Eileen Fischer with Joey Farrar Sights of Duval St.

APRIL ‘02 : Easter Poker Run- Key Largo

Ted Sabarese’s 63 SeaRay

Jackie hung on for the ride!

MAY ‘02: Daytona Poker Run

Will Rossmeyer ran his Donzi 38ZRC

Stu got in a ride

Mike & Maggie Sanz- “Firewater”

Who can forget Billy in his 22 Scarab

Raif on his 35 Cig

Jackie & Maria

John & Marilyn Mattaliano-NJ

Carl H. & Michael F. on Jester

21st

Annual

FEATURING:

The 1st Annual

Bimini Bay Resort

Smuggler’s Run

EVENT DATES: JUNE 21 - 24, 2012 DEPARTURE FROM HYATT REGENCY PIER 66, FORT LAUDERDALE APPROXIMATELY 57 MILES FROM FORT LAUDERDALE TO BIMINI

DESTINATION: BIMINI BAY RESORT | LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS, FIRST CLASS MARINA

POKER RUN REGISTRATION: $750/BOAT. INCLUDES CAPT. & 1ST MATE OPTIONAL EXTENDED TWO DAYS TO GRAND BAHAMA—DETAILS TBA

POKER RUN ACTIVITY SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY CAPTAINSʼ MEETING | THURSDAY DEPARTURE FOR BAHAMAS, CHECK-IN, POOL PARTY, DINNER | FRIDAY GOLF CART AMAZING RACE SCAVENGER HUNT! LOTS OF FUN! SATURDAY BIMINI BAY RESORT SMUGGLERS RUN |SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER PARTY

PLEASE VISIT WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM FOR MORE DETAILS OR CALL 954-545-1414

IN MEMORY OF

LEON & DAVID On April 14th, 2012 Leon and David Ortemond lost their lives in a tragic powerboating accident in Louisiana. The two were testing David’s boat, preparing for the summer poker run season, when a freak accident occurred and the boat collided with a steep embankment in Port of Iberia, south of their home town in Abbeville, LA. Leon, son David and the extended Ortemond family have been involved in powerboating for decades, joining the Florida Powerboat Club back in 1997, and attending dozens of poker run events over the years. Both Leon and David were very wellknown and extremely popular with many members of the boating community, and are considered to be ambassadors to the sport.

Funeral visitation and services were held in their hometown of Abbeville, LA, on April 19 & 20th, where literally thousands of friends and extended powerboating community showed up to pay their respects to the Ortemond family. This indeed was a very sad farewell to two very special people.

To Leon & David, on behalf of the Florida Powerboat Club and all the people you’ve touched over the years, we’ll miss you guys... forever!

STU JONES

his flair for owning LEON arrived in Key West 6Demonstrating POWERBOATING INclassics, PARADISE in 1999 with this outstanding, diesel powered Midnight Express.

LEON, STU and DAVID at the Miami Boat Show Bash, Feb 2000

STU presenting SANDY & DAVID with Sexiest Couple recognition, Emerald Coast 2011

Father & Son receiving D&L Salvage Sponsor award at Key West 2011

DAVID piloted this sensational CUV cat, Key West 1999

SANDY, LEON and DAVID aboard Dad’s 46 Skater, Thunder on the Key West Poker Run 2011

LEON and DAVID’S matching Skaters were affectionately known as Thunder and Lightning, the two names that carried throughPOWERBOATING the dozens of boats over the years.

IN PARADISE Photo: Emerald Coast Poker Run 2011

7

SNEAK PEAK The FPC Media team was invited to attend the 3rd Annual Smokin the Sound Poker Run co-sponsored by club member Paul Bertucci. About thirty teams participated in this exciting weekend on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. More pics and full story in our next issue of Powerboating in Paradise Magazine! SJ

2012 CALENDAR

MAY 18-20, 2012

11TH JACKSONVILLE RIVER RALLY POKER RUN Downtown Jacksonville - St Johns River JUNE 21-24, 2012

21ST BAHAMAS POKER RUN Fort Lauderdale to Bimini Featuring: Bimini Smugglers Run JULY 19-21, 2012

2nd ANNUAL PIRATES OF LANIER POKER RUN Lake Lanier, Georgia.

AUGUST 9-14, 2012

20TH ANNUAL EMERALD COAST POKER RUN Destin / Ft Walton Beach The Big One!

OCTOBER 26TH

FPC FT. LAUDERDALE BOAT SHOW BASH

Official Kickoff for the Key West Poker Run - Miss Key West Contest NOV. 6-12, 2012

20TH ANNUAL KEY WEST POKER RUN FESTIVAL Miami to Key West

Multiple departures! Wednesday - Friday s FPC’s Signature Event!

Please confirm with FPC office before making travel plans. Dates subject to change.

Visit our website www.flpowerboat.com for updated information.

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE: SUMMER 2012 - VOL 12#3 FEATURE EVENT COVERAGE: -SMOKIN’ THE SOUND POKER RUN -JACKSONVILLE POKER RUN -BAHAMAS POKER RUN..FEATURING THE BIMINI SMUGGLERS RUN. PLUS... MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS, MANUFACTURER FEATURES AND GIRLS OF FPC

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Launch Date Wed July 18

Each Episode runs over two week period with 8-10 telecasts Episode #7 Performance Boat Showcase Highlights from the Smokin the Sound Poker Run 2012 Promotional coverage of Emerald Coast Poker Run

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE TV 2012 SCHEDULE Wed Aug 1 Episode #8 BAHAMAS POKER RUN SERIES 2012 Featuring the Bimini Bay Smugglers Run Promotional coverage of Emerald Coast Poker Run Wed Aug 15 Episode #9 Jacksonville River Rally Poker Run 2012 Part 1 Wed Aug 29 Wed Sep 12 Wed Sep 26

Episode #10 Jacksonville River Rally Poker Run –Part 2 Highlights from the Pirates of Lanier Poker Run Episode #11 Powerboating 101- How to get into the Sport!

Episode #12 Emerald Coast Poker Run 2012

Reruns typically: Thurs 10:30AM; Sat 11:30PM; Wed 9AM & 6PM; Mon 9AM. All EST PIP TV can be seen nationally on SunSports, a Fox Cable Network.

Best way to watch: DIRECTV: ch653HD; DISH: ch422; AT&T U-VERSE: ch1722HD or ch722; COMCAST: varies by county.

Best TV to watch on: 1) 3D LED or 2) HD TV, Plasma or LCD End of 2012 schedule…other episodes may continue subject to advertising/sponsorship.

CONTACT US: 954-545-1414

WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM

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Ad Index ACTIVE THUNDER ..................................77 ALL MARINE INSURANCE .......................59 ALL STAR WINE .....................................33 BAM MARINE ......................................... 21 BIMINI BAY RESORT ............................... 91 BOATS DIRECT.COM............................... 45 CIGARETTE RACING TEAM..................... 83 CHIEF PERFORMANCE ........................... 67 COBRA POWER ...................................... 75 CUSTOM MARINE .................................. 47 DAVE’S CUSTOM BOATS ........................ 19 DEEP IMPACT ........................................ 27 DOLLER OFFSHORE ............................... 49 DUPONT REGISTRY ................................ 57 ELECTRONICS UNLIMITED ..................... 61 EMERALD GRANDE ................................ 93 EXTREME MARINE ................................. 35 GROVE HARBOUR MARINA..................... 37 HARBOURTOWNE MARINA ..................... 69 HARDIN MARINE .................................... 59 HERING .................................................. 79 HIDEAWAY MARINA................................ 73 ILMOR HIGH PERFORMANCE.................... 5 KEITH EICKERT ...................................... 71 LEGEND MARINE GROUP ......................... 9 LIVORSI MARINE .................................... 67 MARINE TECHNOLOGY INC .................... 53 MARES 2004 ......................................... 75 MERCURY RACING ................................... 2 MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW...... 29 MYCO .................................................... 71 OCEAN LED ........................................... 73 PERFORMANCE MARINE TRADING ......... 65 PIRATES OF LANIER POKER RUN............ 69 POSTCARD INN ...................................... 43 POWERBOATING IN PARADISE TV ............87 POWERBOAT NATION ............................. 23 STATEMENT ........................................... 39 SUNCOAST POWERBOATS ..................... 41 SUPERIOR COMMUNICATIONS INC ......... 25 THE ART OF DESIGN ( TAOD )...................13 TEAGUE CUSTOM MARINE..................BACK TEXAS OUTLAW CHALLENGE................. 63 TOTAL DOLLAR INSURANCE .................. 15

ADVERTISING DEADLINES: SUMMER 2012 ISSUE AD RESERVATIONS: JUNE 30, 2012 AD MATERIALS: JULY 13, 2012 LAUNCH DATE: AUG 1, 2012

May 18th - 20th 2012 Jacksonville, Florida. for more information www.flpowerboat.com 954-545-1414