Powerboating In Paradise Vol. 13 #3

VOL 13 #3

A MAGAZINE SHOWCASING THE FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB LIFESTYLE

2013 NATIONAL TOUR

Key W 2013est Speci al Fe ature

One Summer 3 Epic Events!

JAMMIN’

IN JAX The River City Played Host to This Early Summer Kickoff

EMERALD

COAST FUN!

A Little Bad Weather Didn’t Dampen The Fun at The Emerald Coast Poker Run

PARADISE IN

THE BAHAMAS

Bring Your Passport For Some Island Adventures!

MISS BOAT WEEK HIGHLIGHTS

Plus...

GIRLS OF FPC

WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM

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FALL 2013 Vol. 13#3 EDITOR/PUBLISHER

A Magazine Showcasing The Florida Powerboat Club Lifestyle

CONTENTS 4 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Stu Jones stu@flpowerboat.com

Stu Jones is happy to report the continued growth of FPC’s media platforms, with big plans in the future for Powerboating in Paradise Magazine.

OFFICE MANAGER

6 JACKSONVILLE POKER RUN

GRAPHIC DESIGN

28 | 86 GIRLS OF FPC

Jackie Jones jackie@flpowerboat.com Jared Braverman fpc.mag@gmail.com David Vaccaro fpc.art@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY Stu Jones Phil Hutchinson Jamie Russell Nancy Hancock

EVENT COORDINATORS Jackie Jones jackie@flpowerboat.com Robert Barry

MEDIA SALES

NOW HIRING stu@flpowerboat.com

TV & VIDEO PRODUCTION Stu Jones David Steele Ryan McCoy

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

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The River City played host to this fabulous weekend of fun which featured a Friday Fun Run and Saturday Poker Run on the St. Johns River.

From Fort Lauderdale to Key West and north to the Florida Panhandle those lovely ladies keep stealing the show everywhere we go!

32 BAHAMAS TOUR 2013

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This summer featured two exciting excursions to that 700 island playground that lies on our doorstep.

50 TEXAS OUTLAW CHALLENGE

After six years, the Texas Outlaw Challenge has matured gracefully, offering a three day format of fun on land and sea.

57 GIRLS OF TEXAS

The Miss Outlaw Challenge contest was a big hit on the entertainment agenda at Endeavor Marina on Clear Lake, Texas.

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58 BOYNE THUNDER POKER RUN

The most northern of all national poker runs, Boyne Thunder celebrated its 10th anniversary with a first class event that set record numbers.

64 PIRATES OF LANIER POKER RUN

Lake Lanier played host to this big summer splash in northern Georgia, which drew boaters from all over the country.

72 EMERALD COAST POKER RUN

Summer showers didn’t dampen the spirits of these enthusiastic poker run teams, as they enjoyed Boat Week parties all week long!

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106 SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: CHIEF PERFORMANCE OWNER TOM HOFSTETTER

For more than two decades, this hard-working performance marine specialist has earned the respect of the poker run community.

112 KEY WEST 2013 SPECIAL FEATURE

This 10 page feature provides the entry roster, a Poker Run Village map, and detailed highlights of all the featured sponsors attending.

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122 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JEFF ASBELL

In memory of Jeff Asbell, who perished with his good friend Brad Smith in a tragic boating accident.

126 FLORIDA FRACTIONAL CLUB

Florida Powerboat Club is pleased to be launching this exciting new opportunity which takes the Florida boating lifestyle to an all new level.

FPC Pompano Beach Headquarters

All copyright laws apply.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed written permission of the publisher www.facebook.com/flpowerboat

ON THE COVER: Active Thunder owners Pat and Diane Haughy take the newest 37’ Xcess through the paces along Pompano Beach. See this boat at the Key West Poker Run 2013 sponsor dock.

MODELS: The Miss Boat Week contest winners from the Emerald Coast Poker Run 2013. Congrats to Jerrica Martin for winning the crown!

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

Letter from the

Fall 2013

PRESIDENT W

ith hundreds of images contained in this 132-page issue of Powerboating in Paradise Magazine, I’d understand if your first reaction is to rifle through the book and look at all the boats and bikinis, then set the book on the coffee table for the moment you find quality time. We totally get that…because it’s basic human nature. We take a quick visual scan, make some mental notes, fold back a few page corners and place the magazine on the “important stuff ” pile.

It might be a coffee table, the corner of your desk, or the toilet tank lid in your favorite bathroom. It’s OK, we’re not offended! Some of us dudes actually do our best thinking, and page turning , while in the company of John D. Crapper.

But the important thing is, you’re seeing the latest and greatest in the world of performance boating and enjoying the visuals that come along with the Florida Powerboating lifestyle. We know how visually appealing our events are, and we understand the power of a single photo! Whoever said that A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words?

Well clearly the math was a little exaggerated, I would say a great picture is easily good for...500 words or so? But a thousand sure rolls off the tongue a little better!

poker run event.

That said, if any given issue of Powerboating in Paradise Magazine is just a glorified picture album and if the words Stu with Florida Gov. Rick Scott, at VisitFlorida’s in the book never get Governors Conference on Tourism Orlando- Sept 2013 actually read by anyone, PLEASE SEND COMMENTS TO STU@FLPOWERBOAT.COM then I have sadly missed my mark as the editor & publisher please read our stories and editorials of this periodical. In fact, logically as much as you can. Along with speaking , if people just look at my personal editorial coverage of pictures, they’re not really readers FPC events, we will continue to at all. More like picture viewers. TV receive brilliant writing in PiP from audiences just “watch TV” they Jason Johnson, and in this issue, we don’t really read anything, so they introduce you to Sherman Potvin, are called, viewers. Web- surfers do our newest writer and expert in a little bit of picture viewing, and the business of Fractional Yacht occasionally some reading , but ownership, our newest business they are called visitors. So magazine venture. Additionally, I am happy users are really not readers if they to announce that our editorial just look at the pictures? Except format will expand even further for you. If you actually got this far in coming issues, with continued into my Letter from the President, sponsor and member spotlights, that qualifies you as a bona fide boating destination features and Reader… and that makes me very quite possibly, technical writing that happy! I like you way more than focuses on new boats, propulsion the picture-looker- dude, because and accessories. Alas, we may be you’ve actually used your literary recognized as a real magazine. skills that took you years to learn, hone and develop, so you could get Meanwhile, enjoy this issue, which on with life and have a good job, or will be in abundance at the Fort read the ingredients on a food label, Lauderdale Boat Show and the 21st or accept those Terms & Conditions Annual Key West Poker Run! And on the credit card application, or if you don’t have time to read it right understand the difference between now, well, just go ahead and check handling characteristics of one out the pictures. But don’t just leave sports car vs. another, based on a it layin’ around someplace. It will written account from a professional most certainly be stolen. This is a driver who test-drove both on a race harsh reality that as publisher, I am track and summarized his findings very proud of. in a meticulously detailed report.

The point is, we just keep gathering the very best content we possibly can…rich colorful content that promotes our sport and depicts the most appealing visual impressions of That’s important stuff and Yes what it’s like to own a cool boat and indeed, Reading is King! So with President & Founder, FPC attend a Florida Powerboat Club that long drawn ramble, I ask you to

Stu Jones

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

21ST ANNUAL KEY WEST POKER RUN - NOVEMBER 5TH - 11TH 2013

FREE ENTRY TO POKER RUN VILLAGE, NOVEMBER 7TH - 10TH AT CONCH REPUBLIC SEAFOOD CO. 631 GREENE ST., KEY WEST - VISIT WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM FOR DETAILS

A River Runs Through It! (The Sequel)

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

With clear skies, warm temperatures and great boating conditions along the scenic St. Johns River, Jacksonville Poker Run participants really couldn’t have had it any better.

Editorial & Photography: Stu Jones | Contributing Photography: Nancy Hancock

R

eturning to the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront as the headquarter hotel, guests were greeted by pleasant staff and most appreciated the poker run friendly venue, which had close proximity to entertainment and dining at the Jacksonville Landing, and great docking facilities at Metro Park Marina, just two miles down-river.

The logistics of boat launching are perhaps the most challenging in the downtown area, which has a shortage of good boat ramp facilities. Local boater Kevin Brady was on hand to assist visitors with the short ride over the Matthews Bridge to University Ave., where two free boat ramps handled most of the inbound flow of poker runners. For those a little more daring, a complete crane-on-barge rig was arranged at a boat yard near metro park marina, for the mere price of $ 100 each way….not a bad deal for someone that doesn’t like splashing their trailer!

With many participants arriving on Thursday for the festivities, earlybirds got right into the boating agenda with a Friday Fun Run, which traveled through the Port of Jacksonville to Jacksonville Beach. Years ago, this trek through the Port raised the eyebrows, and the radar guns, of federal Fish and Wildlife authorities, who mysteriously appeared in town on the exact same weekend as the poker run, to write $200+ tickets to anyone exceeding 30mph. With this in mind, it made sense to appoint a paceboat for the speed-controlled manatee areas, and Mike Sanz kept the pack in check for several miles…with no incidents and no tickets! We soon arrived at Nippers, a popular waterfront restaurant in Jacksonville Beach, with a Caribbean-inspired menu and fabulous food. Special thanks to Craig and the gang at Beach Marina for arranging overflow dockage and parking for John Woodruff ’s, Windship helicopter, which provided aerial photo and video support.

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

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The patriotic crew Dee, Tristan, and Amber, stole the show on Freedom US1, winning the coveted “Sexiest Crew Award.” Note the proud boyfriends with their cameras clicking away in the background

Friday evening the group assembled at the Hyatt Jacksonville Riverfront, where participants and local volunteers got together for a safety meeting and friendly social mixer.

Special thanks once again to local safety officer, Captain Jim Suber, who is marine coordinator for the City of Jacksonville. Jim was able to recruit an army of safety boats for the event. Further enhancing the overall safety management program, was event founder Bill Pyburn Sr., a retired firefighter who enlisted a team of rescue diver/paramedics to ride aboard the safety boats. The end result was a great team of first responders on hand, to patrol the Saturday poker run.

Most of the weekend activities were focused around the Jacksonville Landing, however on Friday evening after the captains meeting, a handful of participants took advantage of the River Water Taxi service, to hop over to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse or River City Brewing company on the opposite shoreline, for a change of pace. Of course a four-wheeled taxi would have worked just fine, but there’s something about going to dinner by boat, that keeps the adventure alive!

Saturday morning our participants rose to a second day of perfect weather, with lighter winds and ideal conditions for all size boats. Indeed, the real winners were the crews on board a number of single engine boats that included a 22’ Donzi, 23’ Baja and 24’ Excalibur …some of whom had traveled across state lines to attend!

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The 2013 Jacksonville poker run course was modified only slightly, to reduce the number of less-visited checkpoints, making it generally easier for participants to get in all the stops. The first card at Jacksonville Landing along with the 10:45 start, were both executed on time and with near-military precision. Th is had been a checkpoint that was eliminated over recent years, but by bringing the boats in closer to shore, it gave curious spectators a close-up, full-framed photo from their smart-phone camera. Reese Lewis (Team Geico) assisted our local model Emina with the Ilmor– sponsorsed poker card handoff, extending the cards from a long eight foot pole that was equipped with a Gopro camera….hence the name..Poker Card Cam. Viewer response on the TV show that aired on Sunsports reported… “Hey we love the poker card-cam….really gives us a great look at the ladies getting the cards!”

The festive lunch stop at Outback Crab Shack, St. Augustine

TOP: Spectator raft-up proves that Jacksonville boaters know how to throw a party on the water. INSET LEFT: Jacksonville Fire Rescue on poker run patrol. INSET RIGHT: Jacksonville Sheriffs Department assisted with poker run safety management.

David Landsman (MD), Team INSTIGATOR, 36’ Nortech

From the poker run start zone in the open waters of the St. Johns River just south of the I-95 bridge, Bill Pyburn Jr. acted as the start-boat for the hi-performance fleet, easing the throttle slowly and taking the boats on plane with slow and careful precision, avoiding a frantic start. As intended, the boats all accelerated smoothly and uniformly up to speed, which was captured in an amazing aerial video sequence from John Woodruff ’s Jet Ranger helicopter.

Robert & Betsy MacDonald (FL), Team WHITE NOISE, 38’ Image Cat. Son Ryan, (driving) attends all the events with the family 10

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

After the 2nd checkpoint, Whitey’s Fish Camp in the Doctors Lake area upriver, the group headed further up the scenic St. Johns River, to the Outback Crab Shack along Six Mile Creek, where a large fleet of spectator boats awaited. The 1,300 foot dock presented no challenges, as the fleet was soon rafted up and participants were in the restaurant getting their orders placed. In little time, massive platters of boiled

Jorge & Ann Arellano (FL), Team OGP, 36’ Cigarette

Bob & Kari Blanford (FL), Team UNITED LANDSCAPES, 36’ MTI

seafood and southern BBQ were soon circulating and hundreds of buttery fingers ploughed through crab legs, peel-and-eats and giant succulant BBQ ribs.

The dock party at Outback crab shack was soon underway, with bikinis and big horsepower commanding most of the attention from hundreds of spectators and local boaters, who burned through their cell-phone batteries quickly, snapping photos that would soon be texted and facebooked with the simple caption…. “You’re not going to believe what I saw today!”

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

With the Windship helicopter refueled and the dock party peaking, it was time to round up the crew and get back on the river. Mike Sanz provided a third checkpoint platform from his 39’ Cigarette Top Fish GT, Back in Black, where our Bosnian model Emina handed out poker card #3 from the camera-equipped card- pole. With a video camera in the chopper, one videographer on the dock, and three Go-pros rolling, the 5-camera card exchange may have set a new record for the Poker Run 101 manual, “How to Shoot a Poker Card Checkpoint!”

Next stop....Ortega Landing along the Ortega Creek, where participants were greeted by dock-hands and poolside hospitality! Several participants cooled off in the pool and enjoyed the fi rst class facilities for well over an hour, before heading back to Metro Park Marina and their home ports.

With plenty of daylight remaining, a number of teams went to the boat ramp and got their equipment loaded for an easy departure the next day.

By late afternoon, a long row of tow rigs with boats-in-tow, lined up in front of the Jacksonville Hyatt for a cool & colorful powerboat showcase that was enjoyed by eager on-lookers.

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Cruising along the St. Johns River under the Dames Point (Napoleon Bonaparte) Bridge, the Friday Fun Run was a great warm-up event.

John Woodruff found a nice patch of grass at Bill Pyburn’s house and took Falon and Celeste for a scenic ride on the St. Johns River

Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront - Official hotel

It was obvious that this was not the first rodeo for many of our poker run teams. Finish the run, load the boat, be set to roll in the AM…Now jump in the shower and get ready for the party!!

John Woodruff and Nancy Hancock (GA) just before take-off

By 8pm Saturday, the Fionn MacCools party was up and running, with live cover band Something Distant rocking out the tunes and a first class dinner being enjoyed by all.

The brilliantly lit, bright blue Main Street Bridge overhead provided a scenic backdrop to this pleasant venue and a cool vibe prevailed. Perhaps it was a common feeling that they had just enjoyed a blissful day of near perfection, which may have motivated our participants’ spirit of giving. Fund-raising efforts lasted barely thirty minutes and yielded impressive results. Bill Pyburn Sr. kicked off the donations with a phone call, committing nearly $1,000 to the Camp Amigo Charity, a children’s camp for severe burn victims. Others followed suit, as generous donations came from attendees including George Argyros, Jim Lee, and John Woodruff.

Launching the proceeds over the top, Mark & Eileen Fischer from Offleaseonly.com agreed to match the sum of all donations, bringing the total to just under $ 22,000 for Camp Amigo. Th is was an incredible result for an event with relatively small attendance, and speaks volumes about the generosity of Florida Powerboat Club members!

Thanks to all who attended and to all of our generous charity supporters!

Nippers Beach Grille. No not the Bahamas... This one is in Jax Beach!

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Stu Jones

Barry & Jennifer Peters (FL), Team WICKED, 42’ Fountain

Lark Haskins (GA), Team BLUE BAYOU, 23’ Baja

Steve Britton (FL), Team SHAKE N’ BAKE, 30’ Cigarette

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Tim Norton (GA), Team EXCALIBUR, 24’ Excalibur

ALL TRADES WELCOME New 2013 Cigarette 42X Tw i n 7 0 0 S C I ’s

New 2014 Cigarette 39GT Tr i p p l e 3 0 0 Ve r a d o ’s

2007 Fountain 38 Express Tw i n 4 9 6 H O ’s

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2013 Hornet 17 5.0MPI

2009 Eliminator 33 Daytona Tw i n Te a g u e 9 0 0 ’s N X T ’s

2007 Fountain 35 Lightning Tw i n 5 2 5 ’s

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2007 Formula 353FT Tw i n 4 9 6 H O ’s

1993/2010 Formula 271FT 500HP

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Bill Robbins (TX), Team ALL IN AGAIN, 40’ Nor-Tech

Danielle Bloom (NJ), Team TALKIN TRASH, 38’ Cigarette

Keith Slagle (FL), Team, 38’ Cigarette 18

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Charles Kelly (FL), Team AMERICAN PLAYER, 41’ Velocity

Mike Sanz & Mark Fischer (FL), Team BACK IN BLACK, 39’ Cigarette

Gary Goodell (FL), Team MISS GEICO, 38’ Cigarette

Benny D’Angelo (Canada), Team HOUDINI, 38’ Cigarette

Gene Crowley (FL), Team DONZI, 22’ Donzi 20

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

James E. Lee (KS), Team FREEDOM US1, 46’ Skater with over 2000 horsepower!

Amber, Dee, & Tristan looking very patriotic on Jim Lee’s Freedom US1 22

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Freedom US1’s big, tall, shiny, supercharged horsepower was a crowd-pleaser at the lunch stop

Jet Pack performer put on a great show for poker runners and spectators at the Outback Crab Shack

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The 1300 foot floating dock at Outback Crab Shack provided all the dockage required for a great lunch stop-over, which soon turned into a festive dock party!

The girls of Team Pantydropper enjoyed a fun day on Keith Slagle’s 38’ Cigarette Top Gun POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

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6 5

Saturday Night Party & Fundraiser Fionn MacCool’s Jax Landing The awards party was a good time for everyone.

(1) James Lee and friends. (2) Best Team Name Award went to Frank Lindaberry and Daniel Bloom from Talkin’ Trash (3) The Best Paint & Graphics Award went to the late Jeff Asbell (4) Jim Suber with the Safety Team. (5) Jorge Arellano took the 1st Place Prize. (6) John Woodruff won the 3rd Place Prize. (7) Lark Haskins won the 2nd Place Prize. (8) Safety volunteers enjoying the party.

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GIRLS OF FPC

FOR MORE GIRLS OF FPC PLEASE LOG ONTO OUR WEBSITE WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

2013 Mystic 50

Merc. 1350’s, SSM* Drives, 35 Hours, $899,995

2006 Sea Ray 52 Sundancer MANN 700 Diesels, 175 hours, $489,995

2007 Fountain 47 Lightning

2011 MTI 48 RP

Merc. 1350’s, SSM8 Drives, 5 Hours

2011 Nortech 43 V

Twin Merc. 1025 SCI’s , Merc. SSM#6 Drive, 63 Hrs., 399,995

05 Outerlimits 42 Legacy

Triple Merc. 700SCI’s, Merc. SSM#6 Drive, 175 Hrs., $269,995

Twin Staggered Merc. 1075 SCI’s, Merc.

SSM#6 Drive, 79 Hrs., $239,995

2004 Cigarette 46 Rough Rider

2007 Fountain 42 Lightning

Twin Staggered Merc. 900SC’s Merc. SSM#6 Drives, $199,995

2008 42 Fountain

Twin Merc. 700SCI’s, Merc. SSM6 Drives, 67 Hours $219,995

2001 38 Top Gun

Twin Merc. 500EFI, Merc. XR Drives, $139,995

1989 Fountain 38 Fever

Twin Merc. 420HP’s , Merc. TRS Drives, $39,995

2014 Skater 388

Twin Merc. 1100’s, Merc. SSM6 Drives, 70 Hrs., $499,995

2005 SeaRay 50

2004 Cigarette 46 Rough Rider

Twin Cummins QSM11-M 6-Cylinder Turbo Diesels, 700 Hrs., $329,995

2007 Fountain 42 Lightning

Twin Staggered Merc. 700 SCI’s, Merc.

NXT/SSM#6 Drive, 262 Hrs., $219,995

2006 Donzi 38 ZSF

Twin Staggered Merc. 600 SCI’s Merc. Bravo XR Drives, 165 Hrs., $179,995

Triple Merc. 275 Verados, 127 Hrs., $169,995

2002 Fountain 47 Lightning

2002 Sunseeker 34 Superhawk

Triple Merc. 575 SC’s, Merc. Bravo XR Drives, 274 Hrs., $139,995

1996 Fountain 27 Fever

Merc. 502 MPI / 415HP, 259 Hours, Merc.

Bravo One Drive $24,995

1997 Baja 38 Special

Twin Merc. 502 MPI’s, Merc. Bravo One Drives, 461 Hrs., $59,995

2008 MTI 42

Twin Sterling 1350’s, 10 Hrs., $699,995 Merc. SSM#6 Drive

Twin Merc. 496 HO’s, Merc. Bravo One Drives, 175 Hrs., $139,995

1999 Fountain 42 Lightning

Twin Staggered Merc. 500 HP’s, Merc.

Bravo One Drives, $79,995

1975 Cigarette 20

383 Stroker, Less Than 5 Hours On Complete RESTO, $39,995

Twin “Fresh” Merc. 1075’s, Merc. SSM6 Drives, $269,995

2008 Nortech 44 Roadster

Merc. 1075’s, Merc. SSM6 Drives, 45 Hours, $219,995

2003 Formula 400 SS

Twin Merc. 500 EFI’s, Merc. Bravo 3 Drives, 198 Hrs., $169,995

1996 Active Thunder 32

Twin Merc. 500EFI, Merc. XR Drives, Less Than 25 Hours On Complete RESTO, $99,995

2005 Wellcraft 32 CCF

Twin Yamaha 300 HPDI Engines, 525 Hrs., $69,995

1995 Fountain 24 CS

Merc. 502MPI, XRE Drives, Less Than 25 Hours On Complete RESTO, $49,995

847-336-9037 ALL TRADES WELCOME

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

FPC’s 2013 Bahamas agenda included two exciting adventures in paradise; A three-day Bimini fling in late June and a longer 6-day event planned for Grand Bahama Island in late July, featuring an extended trip to the Abacos.

A ROOM WITH A VIEW: The villas at Bimini Sands Resort & Marina offered spectacular west-facing views of the ocean and the channel entrance between South Bimini and North Bimini. Notice the dark colored fuel hose, which is extended using a small craft from an anchored fuel freighter in the channel. This procedure is used to refuel all the main fuel tanks at Bimini Sands Marina.

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

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BIMINI SPORTBOAT POKER RUN June 2013

Honeymoon Harbour south of Bimini proved to be the hot-spot for area boaters, with a protected anchorage, sandy beach, and friendly stingrays.

T

he concept of the Bimini Sportboat Poker Run, was to provide an event format that was geared towards the ever-growing segment in the performance boating world, primarily center-console owners…i.e. sportboats.

Along with boat builders that are focused exclusively on this style of boat such as Deep Impact, Concept, Scout, Midnight Express and Blackwater to name a few, we have seen a major shift in the focus of all the major performance builders, including Cigarette, Nor-Tech, Sunsation and Statement, to create entirely new product lines. Many of these manufacturers now offer no less than two center console models with (big) outboard power, that are trimmed out with the best of everything. Hard core fishing boats? Not a chance.

These are luxurious, performance-bred machines with soft contoured custom interiors, colorful paint schemes, stainless steel accessories and bling to the max.

Th is new style of boating, often brings with it, a new mindset among those who were at one time, die-hard performance enthusiasts. And with that fresh mindset, often comes new desires and demands by this new generation of boaters. “Why don’t we just do a poker run for center consoles? There’s so many of us now…it ought to bring dozens of boats out for a run to Bimini!” And alas, the Bimini Sportboat Poker Run was conceived.

Barely a dozen entries populated the roster with boats ranging from 30 to 40 feet, but the captains meeting at the Hyatt Pier 66 revealed that most attending, were very excited about the adventure. For some, it was their very first boating adventure, while others were seasoned veterans, having made many trips before. The weather looked very promising as the pack headed out through Port Everglades, but the initial few miles brought turbulent seas, which are customary during tidal movements, soon gave way to calm blue water, as we entered the gulfstream about ten miles

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POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

offshore. The oddity of this trip? It’s usually the Other way around.

We piloted the family express cruiser Clubhouse on this event, which keeps a modest pace of about 35 mph with twin Yanmar 440 diesel engines. Of course, this is a snail’s pace compared to normal poker run events, but not so for this event. In fact the average pace of about 42 miles per hour, meant that we’d fall off the pace somewhat, but on a fifty seven mile trip, this translates to just minutes. Perhaps it was Steve and Lisa Marini, in their 39 Nor-tech center console, powered by quad Mercury 300 Verados, who were the first to dock at the Bimini Big Club, but it wasn’t long before all the boats were tied and the crews were fumbling with pages of Bahamas Customs and Immigration documents. Oh what fun it is….to arrive in the Bahamas. You’d figure for three hundred bucks, the Bahamians would at least fi ll out the forms? Not a chance.

Nonetheless, it was convenient to have Bahamas customs on property at the Big Game Club, leaving only a short walk to the immigration office up the road, to complete the process. By the time most of us had cleared through, (often can take up to an hour), many of the crews were already enjoying bloody Mary’s and Bahama Mamas at the upstairs bar in the Big Game Club.

Mark and Eileen Fischer made the trip in their Blackwater 36’ powered by triple Mercury Verados.

June 2013

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Tyler Jones, now 9, has found Bimini to be one of his favorite boating destinations, making the trip on the family cruiser, named Clubhouse.

“So…what’s next STU?” As the de facto cruise director, a profession which I immersed myself in some twenty-two years ago, the answer to that question is embedded in my brain to the point where the words just come out without a second thought. “We’re going boating…Let’s Go!” Occasionally, that answer gets a strange response, more like a deduction that some less experienced boaters might

The Formula factory was on-hand in Bimini photographing the new Formula brochure.

Stu and Jackie’s family cruiser Clubhouse provided a great platform for the Bimini run, but struggled to keep up with the faster sport boats.

Steve and Lisa Marini from New York enjoyed the run in their Nortech 39’ center console, and had lady-luck on board, winning the event with the best poker hand.

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The scenic view from Bimini Sands Resort and Marina.

mistakenly make. Well, we just boated two hours from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini.. “So WHY would be get back on the boat and go out again? The answer, quite simply is, that is WHY we came to the Bahamas in the first place! To go boating….alot!

By 12 noon we were on route to our afternoon adventures, stopping first at Bimini Sands Resort on South Bimini, to buy some frozen squid for stingray treats, and check out our new digs. More on that later…Let’s get to the adventure part of the story! Our first hot spot, the Sapona concrete shipwreck, where we anchored and geared up with masks, snorkels and fins. You don’t need scuba gear on this wreck, as it’s mostly above surface in about 15 feet of water, and it is home to thousands of fish and abundant with living corals. Aside from being a breathtaking snorkeling site, the ship carries a colorful past, which makes the adventure all-the-more inspiring.

But for the express tour, all you really need is an hour here, and we soon headed southbound to a popular anchorage called Honeymoon Harbour, located on the north shore of Gun Cay. The sandy shallow cove attracts boats and yachts of all descriptions, not to mention many of the locals gather there. We’re not talking about Bahamian locals, rather the dozens of sting rays that come in swarms, when the small chunks of chopped squid hit the water off our transoms. To be among these mysterious creatures, feeling their smooth skin rub gently across your hands and legs, and the powerful suction of their mouths, as they inhale the small chunks of squid, is really an experience to behold.

By late afternoon, we were settled in at the Bimini Sands Resort on South Bimini, where our crews rented two bedroom villas many of which offered scenic views of the sandy beach and brilliant turquoise waters. Later that evening, with rented golf carts, the group headed to the Square Grouper Restaurant at the southernmost point on South Bimini, where an incredible dinner was served, including sushi and some of the freshest seafood imaginable. It would be fair to say that most of us were very impressed with their offerings, not to mention the pleasant charm of the local folks, or Biminites as they prefer to be called.

Rough seas on Saturday kept most of the boats on the dock for the day, but that invited new adventures by land as several crews engaged in a scenic golf cart tour around the island of South Bimini.

We joined the Fischer and Sanz crew, and were soon discovering the Fountain of Youth, viewing colorful homes, and stopping for drinks-to-go at Screws & Booze. Island touring on South Bimini is just one of those fun things, you just have to do!

Sandy Estep from Tampa attended in her 32’ Fountain, with an all girl crew. FPC member Joe Donargo made a wise choice to jump on for an afternoon ride.

The concrete ship-wreck Sapona off south Bimini was one of the snorkeling stops on Friday afternoon.

A handful of Scout center console owners joined in from Seven Seas Marine in Fort Lauderdale.

Len and Melody Renne from Seven Seas Yacht Sales in Fort Lauderdale ran their Scout 350 center console.

Special thanks to Len & Melody Renne from Seven Seas Marine in Fort Lauderdale, for hosting an afternoon reception at Bimini Sands Resort. The couple attended in their Scout 350, along with a handful of Scout owners, including Scout factory Vice President Dave Wallace, accompanied by his wife Amy. Early Saturday evening, poker run teams played out the poker cards by the pool at Bimini Sands, and we’d like to congratulate Steve & Lisa Marini from New York, for drawing the lucky poker hand! Later that evening, about twenty guests climbed on board Clubhouse, making the trip to the new casino at Bimini Bay Resort on North Bimini, followed by last call at Big John’s.

We had a rough ride home on Sunday in five foot seas, but considering the adventure, it was worth the journey! SJ

Rich Antonucci (CT) was the only attendee in a high performance boat. His 37’ Outerlimits Incognito has made many appearances at FPC poker run events.

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Eileen Fischer had a little fun with the local authorities.

The BoatsDirectUSA crew got together with the Jones family for a golf-cart excursion around south Bimini.

Sandy Estep (left) with her crew at the Square Grouper in South Bimini.

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Mike and Maggie Sanz attended with their 39’ Cigarette Topfish Back In Black. Conditions leaving Fort Lauderdale were calm and sunny, although seas built as the boats crossed the Gulf Stream.

J

ust one month after the Bimini run, a new group of adventurous boaters gathered in Fort Lauderdale for a Thursday morning departure to Grand Bahama Island.

Th is time, we left the cruiser at home and Jackie and I jumped on board with Paul Bertucci on Beer Money, his 43 foot, triple-engine Nortech. Other than the organizers, only one couple claimed double-header status for both Bahamas events…Mark & Eileen Fischer, who rode on board with Mike & Maggie Sanz in their 39 Cigarette, BACK IN BLACK.

David and Jenny Landsman (MD) hosted a very spirited and color coordinated crew on their 36’ Deep Impact.

The Junkanoo Parade is a popular tradition in the Bahamas and a highlight every afternoon at the Grand Lucayan Resort.

Early departure was not critical on this beautiful morning, as light winds ensured a mostly uneventful gulf-stream crossing, with the exception of some light swells in the last twenty miles of the 77 mile crossing. Arriving in West End, we cleared customs and enjoyed our first night at Old Bahama Bay Resort & Marina. Th is property remains a favorite of many FPC members, mostly because of its quiet, laid back atmosphere, where there is little to do other than sip fruity rum-laced drinks and lounge on the beautiful sandy beach.

The accommodations are luxurious and amenities such as bicycles, kayaks and paddle boards are all free to guests. As for the drinks, that’s another story, as several guests rang up some serious drink tabs before the afternoon was over.

The next day, we continued our journey eastbound to Port Lucaya….avoiding the rough seas from the southwest winds, by traveling on the north side of Grand Bahama Island, taking the Grand Lucayan Waterway to the Port Lucaya Marina. Cruising this waterway at 50mph is an adventure, and one that we take very seriously, by spacing out the boats in timed intervals for safety reasons. Jackie Jones supervised a luggage run from West End, so all teams arrived to find their bags already checked into their rooms at the Grand Lucayan Resort (formerly Our Lucaya) We continued our well-rehearsed practice of pool–side lounging, making the Hammerheads Bar our afternoon meeting grounds, only to discover that the bar, pool, restaurants and pretty much the entire property, had taken a turn for the worse, since our last visit about two years earlier.

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2004 Sunsation 32’ Poker Run Edition, T-Mercury 500 EFI’s, XR’s, $79,995

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Paul Bertucci (MS) has become an experienced Bahamas poker run veteran, attending again in his 43’ Nortech Beer Money.

Our two day visit included a fun run to Petersons Cay, and wandering the shops, boutiques and bars in the Port Lucaya Marketplace, located right across the street from the resort.

The Beer Money crew were certain to sport their colorful team shirts for the first day of the poker run.

Maggie Sanz and Carl Hansen enjoyed the ride through Grand Lucayan waterway while Tammy enjoyed the sun.

Sunday was travel day, with the majority of boats heading back to Florida, and just two boats, Beer Money and Back in Black, making the 125 mile trip to Green Turtle Club in the Abacos. The trip was smooth, dry, and incident-free, with a stopover at Spanish Cay, and a daytrip to Great Guana Cay, home of the famous Nippers. If it’s possible to say the weather was absolutely perfect for our three day extended Bahamas trip…then let’s say it. The – Weather- Was – Absolutely- Perfect!

Renting golf carts at Green Turtle is easy and the prices are reasonable! Once again, no Bahamas adventure is complete, without a golf cart rental and some island touring. It’s truly the only way you can enhance your experience, embrace the culture, and in some cases, get a good meal! Somehow, in Green Turtle it’s only HALF the price of golf carts in Bimini, a discovery that will now be my mission in life to change.

Starting now! Attention all Bimini golf cart rental guys…GET WITH IT DUDES!! Your cars are junk and you want NINETY BUCKS a day??? Your cousins in Green Turtle are makin’ you look real bad!!

So there you go. I got it off my chest…but it will remain a mission. Meanwhile, if you are considering a Bahamas adventure with FPC for the summer of 2014… start planning now! There is only ONE trip on the agenda, and I can assure you….there will be an extended trip to somewhere that’s beautiful, and equally fun! Is it BETTER in the Bahamas?

In spite of slower dining service, high priced fuel and the 300 buck fee to cruise their waters. We think so!

Relaxing by the infiniti pool at Hammerheads Lounge located at the Grand Lucayan Resort.

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Kenny and Myna Mungle (TX) enjoyed the poker run in style aboard their 56’ Sunseeker Royal Indulgence.

Jackie arriving at the West End

Hanging a tee at Spanish Cay Yacht Club.

Eileen and Mark Fischer

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David and Jenny Landsman (MD) attended with their 36’ Deep Impact powered by Yamaha outboards.

INSET: Jenny (left) with David and crew relaxing at Old Bahama Bay West End.

Tammy and Carl Hansen

Maggie and Mike Sanz

The Landsman crew at Port Lucaya Marina. LADIES: Pam, Stella, Kara, Jenny, Kate, Tanya. MEN: Kevin, Bo, Bobby, David

Green Turtle Club, Abacos. The quaint resort offered great dining, spacious waterfront cottages, and a friendly relaxed vibe that made this a favorite among poker run attendees.

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The marina at Green Turtle Club attracts a wide variety of boats and yachts from many ports.

The colorful waters in the Sea of Abaco make every photo a postcard.

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Carl and Tammy Hansen at Nippers, Great Guana Cay.

Cruising the scenic Grand Lucayan waterway aboard the 43’ Nortech Beer Money.

Enjoying a sun drenched day at the world famous Nippers on Great Guana Cay.

Paul Bertucci and crew heading out for an island excursion at Green Turtle. Golf carts are a must on this island and rent for $50 per day.

Bob Syler and gal enjoyed their Bahamas adventure on land and sea.

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

&POKER RUNS

PLANES, TRAINS EDITORIAL & PHOTOGRAPHY: STU JONES

2013 National Poker Run Tour

Florida boating year-round is certainly the finest our country has to offer, but often we seek adventures beyond the state line! The summer of 2013 provided abundant opportunities for the PiP staff to visit poker run events in Texas, Michigan, and Georgia, where we joined our extended FPC family on poker runs that delivered great scenery, new adventures and bundles of FUN on all levels!

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JUNE 20-23, CLEAR LAKE, TX

TEXAS OUTLAW

CHALLENGE

Ken Armstrong hosted the Friday afternoon Fun Run at his home/ marina/estate/resort...

Let’s just say it’s the ultimate bachelor pad!

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY: JAMIE RUSSELL

ost Americans agree…Texas is known for all things BIG! First, it’s a big state, 2nd in size within the Union next to Alaska, with 254 counties a population over 20 million.

M It’s the land of big oil fields, big cattle ranches, big trucks and big steaks for the big-boy ap-

petites. And when it comes to their powerboating lifestyles, BIG goes to a whole new level.

If you attended the Texas Outlaw Challenge, you couldn’t help but agree!

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Texas Outlaw Challenge featured an eclectic mix of boats, from high performance vees and cats, to center consoles and express cruisers!

But there was one common denominator—fun was top priority!

The Texas Outlaw Challenge returned to Clear Lake (near Houston) and continues to be staged by Paul Robinson and a team of volunteers from the local TOPPS Club. This early summer event evolved and matured rapidly, since the event’s inception about six years ago.

Back then, Paul focused on the “Shoot Out” approach, making the speed runs the main part of the weekend agenda, along with a pseudo-poker run format, called the Black Jack Run on Friday afternoon.

In just two or three years, Paul realized the poker run format should take center stage, and while the “shoot out” formula remained as part of the agenda, the Saturday poker run format dominated the weekend. Kemah Boardwalk was homebase for the earlier years, but

a violent hurricane trashed that venue in the Fall of 2008, and the party later moved into Clear Lake.

The weekend had a variety of activities on the agenda, but perhaps one of the most memorable was the Friday pool party at (FPC member) Ken Armstrong’s house. Kenny has a major league bachelor pad- big house on several acres, hundreds of feet of dock...and no one could ever have imagined a party this BIG! But when you pack more than a hundred boats rafting up as many as 17 deep, park helicopters in the yard, have a crane for launching boats, hire a dozen pretty bartenders at the pool grotto bar, and pack three hundred people into the pool ... let’s just say, it was over the top!

Trent Fischer ran his 43 Nor-Tech, Screws Loose III

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Kelli York and friends from the crew of Center of Attention

West Galveston Bay was the location for the lunch stop where crews idled past beautiful homes to Harbortowne Marina

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John Woodruff and his first mate Nancy Hancock made the Texas Outlaw Challenge a Windship double-header, bringing ALL his toys from Georgia.

The weekend continued with fantastic weather and a scenic poker run on Galveston Bay, where you have to pay close attention to wakes from passing freighters and barges. Saturday evening, the festivities wrapped up at Endeavor Marina, where dinner was served and

Sea Ray? No problem! This event is cruiser friendly.

Hey Dad...can I borrow the MTI?

guests were treated to the Miss Texas Outlaw bikini contest. Florida Powerboat Club has a concentration of Texas boaters on the member roster, and so many of them were present, that I felt right at home! Congratulations to Paul Robinson and his team for staging a successful poker run!

Kenny Mungel took home a 171mph shoot-out title.

Ken Milstead, Category 4, 36’ Skater

!

Y T R A POOL P

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GIRLS OF TEXAS

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Poker Run 2013

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NORTHERN EXPOSURE Lake Charelvoix, MI

BOYNE THUNDER Poker Run

Editorial & Photography: Stu Jones | Aerial Photography: Phil Hutchinson

B

oyne Thunder celebrated its 10th year this summer and it was an exciting event to be at for so many reasons! Hauling to this poker run might be hard to imagine if you’re from the southern states, based on geography alone. Admittedly, the 1600 miles that we drove from Pompano Beach was quite the haul in the family motorhome, but the mid July weather in Northern Michigan is nothing short of ...glorious! The low humidity, long hours of daylight and the cool evenings, were a welcome escape from the hot Florida summer.

Burton Kirsten (MI) finds smooth waters in his 40’ Outerlimits Just Enough.

2 1

5

4

3

6

1. Bob and Elle Berg, (FL-MI) in their 50’ NorTech Artemis 2. William Vogel (WI) 39’ Cigarette Top Gun 3. Helicoptor was provided by Tom Borisch 4. Bay Harbor check point 5. Tom Borisch displayed his 50’ Mystic 6. Craig Ellis (MI) 36 Skater 7. Thousands of spectators lined-up in Charlevoix for the parade of power.

7

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But considering its central location in the heart of the Great Lakes, Boyne City, is a relatively easy daytrip from neighboring states, including Indiana, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and the province of Ontario to the east. For the tenth year in a row, the poker run was hosted by the Town of Boyne City, which stages the event from a scenic waterfront park that has enough dockage for about fifty boats. The park is a natural venue for a poker run village and participants can launch boats at nearby ramps.

There are nice marinas around the Lake Charlevoix area, although most are more geared towards cruising & yachting. The large dry-storage marina with a 50,000 forklift just doesn’t appear to exist in these parts, (at least not near the poker run venue We rolled into town Thursday afternoon and were able to park our motorhome amongst some high-dollar hardware, and the who’s who of the Michigan boating scene were all rolling in. In a strange way, we Floridians actually felt quite at home among the many attendees, mostly boaters and industry folks from within our very own boating circles for well over a decade.

Thursday evening kicked off with a welcome reception, which was staged high above the town’s prized Boyne Mountain Resort, a ski lodge by winter and recreational playground by summer. The real adventure was taking the ski slope chairlift to the top of the peaks, where a mountain-top chalet hosted the cocktail party. It made for a very pleasant social mixer, with scenic vistas of the Boyne Falls area and Lake Charlevoix off in the distance.

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Hunter Coe, 39’ Express Cat, Nas-T

Tracy Nemecek and crew in official paceboat 437 Nor-Tech

Preston Parish, 53 Airborne Cat, Iceman

The Street Party provided great displays

Receiving poker card #2 in Lake Michigan near Elk Rapids

The Saturday poker run was well orchestrated, as multiple starts separated the 80+ boat fleet into three distinct groups, each taking a parade lap close to shore, impressing thousands of land-based spectators. After cruising through Lake Charlevoix, the fleet bottle-necked and at slow speed, cruised through a scenic waterway that carves through the small town of Charlevoix. Once again, thousands of spectators lined the seawalls, showing their appreciation for the long parade of colorful powerboats and fun loving people. If there was a national award for the “Most Exciting Poker Run Parade” this event would certainly claim that coveted prize!

We spent the day with Bob & Elle Berg on Team Artemis, a 50’ Nor-Tech Supervee. The Bergs, Miami natives most of the year, have taken a fondness to the Lake Charlevoix lifestyle, spending summers there with the boat and enjoying the abundant boating destinations throughout the area.

John Frolich, 47 Apache Kemosabe

Team SUNSATION

Tom Beagle and crew

The poker run culminated with a Saturday night dinner party in the massive event tent, and while some participants headed home Sunday morning, a large number of the poker runners congregated at the area’s most popular waterfront eatery, The Landings. Restaurant co-owner, Preston Parish, also a poker run attendee in his 53’ Airborne, ICE MAN, extended a warm welcome, as we enjoyed a fabulous lunch and scenic views of this protected waterway along Lake Charlevoix’s South Arm. If you’ve never attended this event...get it on your poker run bucket list for 2014! You will not be disappointed!

The Boyne Thunder Poker Run main dock where thousands of spectators enjoyed the IN show 62 POWERBOATING PARADISE

STU JONES

Cheeseburger In Paradise Party on Friday afternoon 64

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Surrender the Booty Editorial & Photography: Stu Jones

Georgia boating enthusiasts who reside along the state’s southeastern counties enjoy a boating playground that spans just over a hundred miles of the Atlantic shoreline from Savannah to Jekyll Island. But for Georgians living inland and further to the north, there is but one major boating playground where they may find their escape from the summer heat‌ Lake Lanier, located about half an hour northeast of Atlanta.

John Woodruff and Zonda Wilson with the Pirates theme flag

The Pirates of Lanier Poker Run (formerly Castaways Poker Run) has quickly risen to the ranks of one of the nation’s leading poker run events, and all you have to do is be there once, to understand why. Hosted at Lake Lanier Islands Resort & Waterpark, the event is incredibly family-friendly, with endless recreational activities on boat land and water. Luxurious accommodations are available at the resort’s Legacy Lodge, which also offers upgraded condo villas for guests with larger groups. The nucleus of activities took place at the resort’s Sunset Cove, a multiacre waterfront playground that offers a beach, enormous floating dock marina, family waterpark and many dining options. Activities commenced as early as Thursday evening, where poker run earlybirds gathered for dinner and drinks at Gianni’s, one of two restaurants overlooking Sunset Cove.

FPC member John Woodruff , owner of the Windship MTI and Bell helicopter that appears on many FPC events, is a driving force behind this event’s success. Together with his partner Nancy Hancock, a team of coorganizers and an army of volunteers, the event has taken a very successful aim at fund-raising for a number of local charities. And while designating worthwhile beneficiaries is always a great event model for any annual poker run event, Woodruff and his committee colleagues seem to be more driven than ever, taking this mission to new heights and raising record proceeds with the generous support of hundreds of participants.

And aside from the warm fuzzy feeling we all get when we support a great cause, the Pirates of Lanier Poker Run, is just a great event for so many reasons. It begins with Lake Cheeseburger In Paradise partiers

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The event drew boaters from multiple states

Lanier itself, a man-made lake which was created in the late 50’s with the completion of the nearby Buford Dam. Th is has created a boating playground that is popular to all forms of floating recreation…from pontoons to powerboats, Hobie cats to houseboats…if it floats, it fits into the boating scene on Lake Lanier.

Friday morning, anyone who was in the water and ready to run, gathered at the Buford Dam, where Team Windship lead a short rally for about a hundred boats, to a protected cove, for the Cheeseburger in Paradise party. A fleet of volunteer boats floated BBQ grills and giant coolers onto the small island, and with hay-bail benches for seating, hundreds of poker runners enjoyed a hearty meal and friendly vibe to get the party started. Rafted boats featured everything from a 16 foot classic 70’s Glastron runabout, to Joe Calvanese’s 46 Skater. Indeed, it was the largest collection of high performance hardware found anywhere on Lake Lanier in recent years.

The event packed a fun-fi lled agenda, including a poker run village at Sunset Cove’s massive parking lot, where a Friday evening soiree provided more great food, live entertainment, silent auctions and poker run checkin.

Saturday’s poker run visited a total of five checkpoints … and with a relatively short distance to complete the course (approx 60-70 miles), most boats were back at the Sunset Cove docks by early afternoon. Naturally, once the boats were tied up for the day, our finely trained poker runners did what they do best…partied like rock stars! From Joe Amodio’s strategically positioned Chris Craft flybridge cruiser, we were all most eager to join in!

Geting ready for the poker run start

Congratulations to John Woodruff and his colleagues from the Pirates of Lanier Poker Run, for outstanding success with this event, after hitting a fund-raising milestone in excess of $250,000. FPC member Ken Armstrong from Texas, made a record solo donation towards the cause of $50,000.

Arrrrrrrrrgh- that’s some fine bounty sailor!

STU JONES

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10/17/12 9:14 PM

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POWERBOATING INrunning PARADISE Todd and Kari Larson (IA) in their 48’ Outerlimits Burnin’ Green along side John O’Loughlin (NY) in his 48’ MTI Terminator.

ON THE B r i gh t S i d e A substantial poker run fleet turned a negative into a positive after the 21st annual Emerald Coast Poker Run was called off due to poor weather.

By Jason Johnson | Photography Stu Jones

Emerald Grande Resort in Destin provided a fabulous event headquarters for the poker run. Luxurious accommodations, and a multitude of dining and entertainment options at Harborwalk Village have made this venue a number one choice of poker run teams in recent years.

N

ate Michel of St. Amant, La., could have been disappointed with Saturday’s rainout of the 21st annual Emerald Coast Poker Run in mid-August. He had every right to be. The weather meant the owner of a 36-foot Spectre Powerboats catamaran with Mercury Racing HP525EFIs wouldn’t get the chance to complete his first “out of town” poker run with his father, Johnny.

some shots of my dad and I in the boat, which was basically our intention. It was a special day and a great trip even with the poker run being canceled.”

He also said any frustration of not being able to run on Saturday went by the wayside thanks to limousine service. Michel and a handful of

poker runs participants opted to hang together and go bar-hopping via limo to a few of the locations that were expecting boats, including Helen Back Cafe, the Emerald Coast’s “Official Party Place.”

“The boat was in the water Saturday, but we knew pretty early we weren’t

Rather than focus on the negative, Michel pointed out that he managed to get some time on the beautiful Intracoastal Waterway of Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast with his dad and was able to show him some of his favorite spots along one of his favorite poker runs. So much so that his dad called it one the best days of his life.

“We ran part of the day Friday before the rain hit,” said Michel, who brought his wife and first mate, Robin, and their toddler, Grant, to the Emerald Grande, the host hotel in Destin. “We were able to run in the bay and get 74

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Spectator boats had a strong presence in Destin Harbor on Friday afternoon.

Todd Larson (IA), Team BURNIN’ GREEN, 48’ Outer Limits

Bryan and Margie Davies (LA), Team DAVIES CONSTRUCTION, 39’ Skater V

going to be doing the poker run,” said Ladd Spring, who was able to spend some time Thursday and Friday running his 2013 Cigarette Racing 42X with twin Mercury Racing 1350s. “So we got a limo and went to the closest (poker run checkpoint) and started drinking. We had a lot of fun. You have to do what you can—you can’t control the weather, right? So why not make the best of it?”

Joining the fun with Michel and Spring was Michael and Nikki Pierce, who brought their Cigarette 45 Maximus with twin Mercury Racing supercharged 900-hp engines to the event, and Kelly and Brandi Sills, who own a 36-foot Skater with a pair of Mercury Racing 850SCi engines.

“Taking the limousine turned out to be the best idea,” Michel said. “I think we had just as much fun doing that as we would have on the poker run.”

John Oloughlin (NY), Team TERMINATOR, 48’ MTI 76

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

For most who took advantage of the establishments in and around HarborWalk Village, the consensus was to not let the intense weather system stop them from having a good time and enjoying the company of like-minded boaters. This isn’t the first

Dont miss our next issue of Powerboating In Paradise magazine!

Features full coverage of the Key West Poker Run. Advertising Deadline December 1st.

Materials December 10th.

Bill Pyburn Jr. (FL), Team PURE PLATINUM, 38’ Skater alongside David Whelen (TX), Team ANEJO, 36’ Skater

Florida Powerboat Club event to be rained on—and it won’t be the last—so club members, as usual, made the best of a less-than-ideal situation.

As they’ve done many times before the crew from Legend Marine Group attended and sponsored the poker run.

On hand with a 2014 Cigarette Racing 39GT center console with triple Mercury Verado 300 engines, was Casey Freeman, general manager of the Carrolton, Texas, dealership, which specializes in new Cigarette models and a variety of pre-owned performance boats.

The Windship crew enjoyed a ride on the 42’ Huntress

“We opted to hang out at AJ’s (Seafood & Oyster Bar) with the boat parked right there in the slips,” Freeman

Amos and Deb Lisenby (FL), Team KNOTY KNOTY, 42’ Fountain Lightning 78

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Weston Bass (LA), Team CHANGE ORDER, 39’ Cigarette

Bill Robbins (TX), Team JOKERS WILD, 38’ Donzi

Pilot Mike Schaeffer with Stu Jones in the Beach Helicopter’s Robinson R44

said. “Even before the run was cancelled, we decided that there’s no reason to go out in that weather when we’ve already done it so many times. I felt bad for the people who had never done the run before—they’re the ones who missed out. Still, everyone seemed to have a great time.

Gary Goodell (FL), Team MISS GEICO, 38’ Cigarette 80

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

“It was a little disappointing we didn’t get to do the run in the new boat,” Freeman continued. “It would have been nice for people to get to see it on the water, but at the same time there were some advantages, like keeping the hours off the boat and all of the people hanging at the docks

because of the weather.”

Freeman said Legend Marine’s involvement with the event always leads to some business— that’s one of the reasons he keeps coming back, along with the fact that he can be there to run with and support current customers.

The company first sponsored the event in 2004, and has, between Freeman and Legend Marine’s Greg Connell, been represented at every event since.

Also making the trip from Texas were Houston residents Bryan and Michelle Ritchey, who did something they hardly ever do—spend the Saturday of the

Aj’s Seafood & Oyster Bar in Destin was party central for the poker run as always, hosting the Friday night Rock the Dock party. Very few fortunate poker run teams and sponsors were provided premium dockage at this popular waterfront restaurant.

David & Jan Newman (FL), Team JANSATION, 28’ Sunsation

Emerald Coast Poker Run with their four children and the grandparents.

Derek Wachob (OK), Team HUNTRESS, 42’ Cigarette 82

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

“We usually try to come out for a week, bring the family and stay at the Emerald Grande,” said Bryan Ritchey, who owns a 368 Skater Powerboats catamaran with twin 1,500hp power plants from Owens Racing Engines. “This is the only poker run we take our kids to. You can do a little of everything in the area. We

Helen Back Cafe in Fort Walton Beach, known for it’s great pizza and festive atmosphere host the Wednesday Boat Week Party, which took on a playful LUAU Party theme. A live band belted out tunes, as guests took to the casino room to test their gaming skills, while others peered into the engine rooms of the high performance boats docked at the outside patio. Thanks to Chris Sehman and the Helen Back Cafe staff for a great party!

Mark Parker (KY), Team WILD RIDE, 35’ Fountain

Ron and Joyce Paul (FL), Team JOYCE’S V, 58’ Viking

usually get in a couple days of boating with the family; the kids don’t go on the actual poker run, they stay with the grandparents.

“Because we didn’t do the run, this year was different—we actually did something fun with the whole family,” Ritchey continued. “Even more fun though was the Pardi Gras Poker Run Parade on Tuesday. We happened to be in town for it and the kids said ‘Hey we want to do that.’ So I told them they had to clean the boat if they wanted to do the parade. They did so we loaded up on the beads and the kids had a ball. There weren’t a lot of boats, maybe 10 or so, but it was a lot of fun. We even met some nice folks that we ended up hanging out with all weekend.”

Phillip Kile (TN), Team CONTROLLED AGGRESSION, 38’ Fountain

Lance Panepinto said his crew, which included his wife, Paula, son, Lance Jr., and Haley Farrell, his son’s girlfriend, had a good time running his Baja Marine 30 Outlaw with twin MerCruiser 496 Mag HO engines.

Simon Bradwell (TX), Team SIMON SEZ, 38’ Fountain 84

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

“We’ve always had fun at the run, no matter what,” said Panepinto, who lives in New Orleans and has done the Emerald Coast Poker Run several times. “Yeah I wanted to do the run, but you can’t mess with Mother Nature.

I still managed to get my fix on Sunday and be out there to get photos and video of my boat.”

Thursday evening provided a double header for the FPC crew. We started off by joining fellow Emerald Coast Poker Run sponsors at FudShucker’s in Fort Walton Beach, then crossed the Miracle Strip Parkway to the Boardwalk. It was here that the Swamp Nightclub headlined the alwayspopular Miss Boat Week contest. With over 20 lovely contestants, the competition was fierce and the stakes were high. Congratulations to Jerrica Martin for winning the coveted 2013 crown, which brought cash and great prizes.

Chris and Angela Bradley (TX), Team RAINMAKER, 40’ Nortech

Panepinto, along with hundreds of other participants at the party on Saturday evening, was able to enjoy himself and play his cards regardless of the course stops being closed earlier in the day. He commented positively about the food, the excellent entertainment and the cool items up for auction benefiting the Emerald Coast Foundation.

The final table of the night ended in excitement as a host of Texans made its way to the final round by purchasing seats for as high as $17,000. In the end, Bill Robbins squared off with O OUR WEBSITE WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM Armstrong—and Armstrong pulled a pair of aces to take home the new fully loaded Ford F-150 pickup truck.

Once again the event raised more than $100,000 for the Emerald Coast Foundation, which ultimately is what it’s all about.

“The entire event is first class,” said Spring, who lives in Baton Rouge, La., and recently got back into performance boats with his 42-foot Cigarette Spring Break II. “From the venue to the group of people to the charity, the whole thing is handled so well.”

Bob Bull and Randy Scism (MO), Team CMS, 48’ MTI

who also owns a Fountain Powerboats 38TE center console.

“You can count on us being there every year. It’s just so well done.

Even this year Stu (Jones, FPC president) and his colleagues took a real downer with the weather and turned it into a lot of fun. I don’t know of anybody who had a bad time.

“We’ve broke down, we have busted motors, we’ve blown stuff up and

now we’ve been rained out—and still we’ve never had a bad time,” Ritchey continued. “We travel all over the U.S. doing poker runs and Emerald Coast is tough to beat.”

Considering that the rainout forced a course closure for the first time in the 21-year history of the poker run, the event turned out to be a huge success thanks to the positivity showcased by everyone involved.

Ritchey, who has participated in the run for more than a decade, called the event first class, as well.

“Of all the runs we’ve done, (Emerald Coast) is our favorite,” said Ritchey, 86

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Todd Larson (IA), Team BURNIN’ GREEN, 48’ Outer Limits

Girls of the

EMERALD COAST

FOR MORE GIRLS OF FPC PLEASE LOG ONTO OUR WEBSITE WWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM

Kelly Sills (LA), Team ASPHALT BABE, 36’ Skater

Dolph Williams (LA), Team VIPERS & VIXENS, 38’ Donzi

Larry Vincent (OK), Team EL GATO, 36’ Skater

Peter Lott (TX), Team EARLY MATURITY, 36’ Cigarette 88

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Ladd Spring (LA), Team SPRING BREAK II, 39’ Cigarette

Raleigh Trotter (TX), Team FOURTH DIMENSION, 33’ Donzi

Girls of the

EMERALD COAST

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The Tuesday Pardi Gras Parade was a new addition to the Boat Week activities. In addition to the regular parade floats, about 6 powerboats on trailers were a big hit with the 5000+ spectators at the Harborwalk Village event. Poker run teams had the option of dressing in pirate attire and participated in the bead throwing fun – a tradition on this weekly parade.

Jerry Swanson (MS), Team TERRIBLE, 46’ Skater

Nate and Robin Michel (LA), Team DOGHOUSE, 36’ Spectre David Squier (FL), Team GETRUBBERMULCH.COM, 35’ Fountain

John and Tracy Saucier (LA), Team FLIRTATIOUS, 36’ Baja

Kent Streeter (AR), Team MISS MYMONEY II, 35’ Donzi

Terrell and Laura Haydock (TX), Team I SED 8U, 36’ Sunsation

Myles Holcomb (MS), Team SMOKIN THE SOUND, 35’ Cigarette

Brian Davis (GA), Team KOATIC, 29’ Fountain

John Angelle (LA), Team SHE LIKES IT ON TOP, 38’ Fountain

Mark Albert (TX), Team LICALONAPUS, 35’ Fountain

Warren Foreman (TX), Team X RATED, 47’ Fountain

David Houston (FL) Team GOD’S SPEED, 36’ Nortech

David Woods (TN), Team BULLISH, 107’ Broward

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Bryan and Michelle Ritchey (TX), Team FOUR PLAY, 36’ Skater

Michael Pierce (LA), MAXED OUT, 45’ Cigarette

Brandon Dahibo (TX), Team MR. PAPI, 35’ Fountain

Ryan Borel (LA), Team SPECTRE, 30’ Spectre

Lance Panepinto (LA), Team FLYING HIGH, 30’ Baja

FPC 2013 SERIES SPONSOR

Greg Connell (TX), Team LEGEND MARINE GROUP, 39’ Cigarette

Jorge and Ann Arellano (FL), Team OGP, 27’ Eliminator

Mark and Diana Santos (TX), Team FREQUENT FLIER, 36’ Skater alongside Ken Milstead, Team CAT 4, 36’ Skater

Keith Corder (TX), Team SIZE DOES MATTER, 38’ Scarab

98

Roger and Pam Anderson (TX), Team EASY MONEY, 42’ Fountain

Sorry, no boat decal - Cant identify this team...

Ryan Borel (LA), Team SPECTRE, 30’ Spectre

Christopher Woods (TX), Team FOUNTAIN, 38’ Fountain

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

The Saturday night poker run bash was held once again at the Emerald Coast Convention Center.

The festivities included live entertainment from local Ron “Elvis� Adams, who put on a dazzling performance, as guests enjoyed a tremendous assortment of food and an open bar. Poker dealers dealt thousands of cards as the teams played out their hands for a spot at the final table. Congratulations to Ken Armstrong for winning the 2013 Ford F-150 Pickup, sponsored by Gary Smith Ford.

Assistant Fire Chief Tony Lohrman and Tommy Mayville manned the all new Niceville Fire Rescue boat, a fully equipped Boston Whaler with state of the art technology.

US Coast Guard station Destin coordinated safety meetings on behalf of FPC and provided their stellar fleet for poker run patrols.

LT. Charlie of Okaloosa County Sheriff’s office coordinated patrol boats and rescue 100 Nix POWERBOATING IN PARADISE personnel for the event. (2012 photo taken at Crab Island)

The Florida Powerboat Club’s new safety management program called for some heightened safety patrols for the Emerald Coast Poker Run. Several weeks before the event, Stu began to work closely with USCG Startion Destin officers, who put out the bulletin to all local first responders, including Okaloosa County Sheriff’s office, Destin Fire and the Niceville Fire Deptartment. Safety patrols for the west-end of the poker run course were arranged by Kevin Rudzki from Juana’s with Navarre Beach and Midway Fire Rescue. Response was overwhelming from all agencies contacted, and soon the safety response program grew to its largest and most advanced fleet of modern rescue watercraft ever, for the 21st year of the event. More importantly, every officer involved, displayed genuine concern and pride, to be involved with this great community event! Thanks to all of you that took part, and we look forward to seeing everyone again in 2013!

Reese Swartz from Destin Fire Rescue recruited a team of rescue divers and the Destin Fire Boat. During the visit, he gave Tyler and Max Jones a first class fire engine tour.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Cass Shewbart (TX) - Liquid Prozac Cass and his crew have been taking part in the Emerald Coast Poker Run for several years. His 38’ Cigarette Top Gun is powered by Mercury Racing 525’s. A spirited poker runner, Cass made a brief run at Destin’s east-pass, only to realize that the 5 foot swells would not go over well with the ladies. Adventurous yes... But Cass is also a smart man turning the boat around towards the calm bay waters.

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

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THANKS TO ALL OUR

CHECKPOINTS

Helen Back Cafe and Adventure Marine have always been a popular check point on a very central location of the poker run course. They host the Wednesday night Boat Week party and have the best pizza in town.

Special thanks to Legendary Marine, which provided host marina facilities at its two locations in Destin and Fort Walton Beach. Pictured here is the Brooks Bridge location, which hosted over twenty poker run teams.

Florida Powerboat Club would like to thank all of the checkpoint sponsors and marine service providers, for supporting our 2013 event.

Even though many of us had a chance to go boating on Friday and Sunday, the actual poker run was canceled on Saturday due to the inclement weather. Checkpoint locations were primed and ready, with hundreds of staff and volunteers ready to serve the poker run, only to find out they will have to wait another year.

Here’s a quick showcase of the key marinas and waterfront restaurants that support this event, and we urge all of you to visit these great establishments whenever you can!

We’ll see you next year!

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Captains Choice Boats in Fort Walton Beach is one the area’s premier powerboat dealers.

They have sponsored a private home near Santa Rosa Sound, where they throw a festive pirate-themed party.

Shalimar Yacht Basin has been a longtime supporter of the Emerald Coast Poker Run. This full service marina features a large selection of wetslips in a protected cove, and is a great location for poker run staging.

Juana’s Pagodas at Navarre continues to be the most popular checkpoint on the Emerald Coast Poker Run every year. With it’s long sandy beach, volleyball courts, open air bar and a new air conditioned sports bar, Juana’s provides an exciting location that has something for everyone.

Check out their menu and activties at: www.juanaspagodas.com 102

North Light Yacht Club in Niceville is a first class, full service marina located on a Boggy bayou on the north side of Chotawhatchee Bay. More and more poker runners are making this marina their home port.

Something’s out there.

Make sure you see it.

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TH E MO NE Y $HOT Sunday got off to a good start, with overcast skies but no rain in the forecast for hours. Once the chopper was up over Crab Islands, dozens of boats showed up for the aerial photo sessions. But there was one group of four Skater owners that executed a carefully staged mission, by lining up all four boats for a group photo. Nice job guys…That’s what we call, the Money Shot!

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TOMMY HOFSTETTER, THE HARD-WORKING OWNER OF CHIEF PERFORMANCE, TAKES HIS PASSION FOR PERFORMANCE BOATING TO A HIGHER LEVEL FOR TOMMY HOFSTETTER , THE owner and founder of Chief Performance in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the job never seems to stop. From engine building and rigging to rebuilds and concierge service, the seasoned performance-boat specialist has had his hand in so many cool projects since starting the business in 1991.

Take Bill Pyburn’s Skater Powerboats catamaran Pure Platinum that, in 2010, ran a remarkable 186 mph with 93-octance fuel in a pair of Chief 1350 SCEFI engines, Dale Crighton’s 43-foot Doug Wright catamaran with twin 1,900-hp turbocharged Chief engines or Chief ’s latest project—a 2007 Cigarette Racing 42X repower with twin Mercury Racing 1350 engines—not to mention the dozens of boundary-pushing offshore race teams Hofstetter has worked with over the past couple of decades.

There’s no doubt Hofstetter’s résumé is impressive, but that’s not what keeps customers returning. You see Hofstetter, who means it when he says, “this isn’t just a job, it’s my life,” has a reputation for treating people fairly and being upfront and truthful. In fact, he’s happy to call many of his customers friends.

Continued on next page

LEFT: Pictured Left to Right: James Mitchell, Charlie Lorenzoni, Tommy Hofstetter, Scott Wilson, Doug Blouin.

TOP: Dave Postill in his 42X with 1350s POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

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CHIEF PERFORMANCE

Don Lightfoot, on the Key West Poker Run 2011 in his 43’ Nor-Tech “Footloose,” relies on the expertise and in-depth customer service of Chief Performance Continued from previous page

“In the mid-90s, a fellow boater from Clear Lake told me about Tommy and Chief Engines,” said Don Lightfoot, who lives in Texas and also owns a home in South Florida.

“The next time I had a technical question, I called Tommy and he talked to me like I was a customer of his even though he had never talked to me before that day. Eventually I started buying my high-performance parts from him, got to know him and it went on from there. We’ve become close friends now.

He’s a great family man—we’ve even been to

ABOVE: Bill Pyburn Jr. in his 38’ Skater 388 “Pure Platinum” ran a remarkable 186 mph powered by Chief 1350 SCEFI engines 108

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

ball games with him and his wife Kate to watch his kids play.”

Lightfoot’s first in-depth customer experience with Hofstetter was when he purchased a 36-foot catamaran from NorTech Hi-Performance Boats in 2006 and went to Tommy for a pair of engines.

“At that time Tommy told me ‘You don’t want these blower engines, you want twin turbo engines— that’s where the market is going to be in five years,’” said Lightfoot, who had a pair of 950-hp supercharged Chief engines in the 36-footer. “So I said we’ll do it next year and I’ll buy a different boat.

The following year I had a 43foot Nor-Tech cat built and we had twin 1,200-hp turbo engines built for it. Tommy began to not only service the engines but provided total service on my boat.”

Although Lightfoot is moving on from the high-tech 43-footer that he’s driven in

Complimenting their great knowledge of engines, Chief Performance is also certified by major engine manufacturers, including Mercury Racing many poker runs (even to the Bahamas) as he’s having Nor-Tech build him a new 52foot catamaran that will be powered by twin Mercury Racing 1350 engines, he won’t be leaving the care of Chief Performance behind.

“Since he’s Mercury certified, Tommy is going to continue to handle the service on my new 52 Nor-Tech,” Lightfoot added.

“He has such a great knowledge of engines and he is just an all-around good person.

Our relationship has been very rewarding.”

Like many of Hofstetter’s customers, Lightfoot said he knows the relationship will continue to grow.

“He’s always been there for me and

ABOVE: Dr. Robert Rosenberg at the 2010 Miami Boat Show Poker Run. BELOW: Engine building and the service side of business requires the majority of Hofstetter’s time because it’s been nonstop recently. “The rebuild and service business has really come alive, so have the full repower and re-rig projects,” Tommy said, “It helps that we’re a Mercury Platinum dealer.”

“Between building motors, rigging boats, the concierge service and getting to as many poker runs as possible, we’ve been real busy lately.”

he’s always been honest with me,” said Dr. Robert Rosenberg, better known as “Dr. Bob,” owner of a completely restored 1991 Cougar 38-foot catamaran, which was powered by a pair of 1,000hp turbocharged Chief engines before Rosenberg gave Hofstetter the go-ahead earlier this year to build an entirely new set of reliable 1,350-hp turbo motors.

Rosenberg, who met Hofstetter in the early ’90s, is expecting to run the boat with its new engines at the Key West Poker Run in November.

“I’ve known Tommy for many years dating back to the early ’90s and he’s become a good friend,” said Rosenberg, who lives in the suburbs of Chicago and also owns a 42-foot Fountain with triple 525SC engines from Mercury Racing.

“Throughout the years I’ve bought many engines from Tommy. And between going to his shop and being able to call him for advice 24/7, our relationship has blossomed. I’ve even called Tommy when I was traveling with friends and he’s helped troubleshoot even when it wasn’t his motors.”

That’s because Hofstetter really only has one goal—to keep boaters boating. That’s the main thing he and his crew at Chief always look to accomplish. They want to not only keep people on the water, their objective is to keep people happy on the water—in turn keeping more people in the sport.

Hofstetter said he always keeps that in mind whether he’s assembling new high-performance engines, rebuilding a Mercury Racing HP525EFI, modifying engine management systems or making sure a customer’s boat is set up and ready to go at the latest poker run.

While some of his attention has to be focused on his Skater Powerboats dealership Skater Nation, Hofstetter said the engine building and service side of his business requires the majority of his time because it’s been nonstop recently.

“Between building motors, rigging boats, the concierge service and getting to as many poker runs as possible, we’ve been overwhelmingly busy lately,” said Hofstetter, who was by no means complaining. “We’ve been doing a ton of Mercury rebuilds on the 525, 700, 850 and 1075 engines. The rebuild and service business has really come alive, so have the continued on page 110

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CHIEF PERFORMANCE continued from page XX

full repower and re-rig projects. It helps that we’re a Mercury Platinum dealer.”

The aforementioned Cigarette 42X could be one of the most interesting repower projects he’s done lately as all of the mechanical components were stripped from the 2007 model, which was propelled by twin Mercury Racing 850SCi engines and No. 6 drives, to make room for a new set of Mercury Racing 1350 engines and M8 drives with Digital Throttle & Shift technology.

After the 2012 boating season, owner Dave Postill, who lives in Florida with his wife, Laura, had a decision to make. His 850-hp engines were approaching 400 hours and were due for a complete rebuild. Yet after researching the cost, warranty options and value obtained from overhauling the supercharged engines earlier this year, Postill chose to spend some more money and upgrade the entire package.

“To me it made sense to start over with brand new power, especially with the advancements made in technology,” Postill said. “Don’t get me wrong, the 850s have been great—I’ve run the boat in many poker runs and we’ve had a lot of good times thanks to those engines. But with the one-year warranty and the chance to have the most advanced technology available, I couldn’t resist.

“After meeting Tommy a year before at Holiday Isle during the Miami Boat Show Poker Run, I went back to him with the project idea and we just clicked,” Postill continued.

“From all aspects, my experience with him has been great. Every challenge Tommy has been faced with he’s come through. This has not been an easy project—a 42X with 1350s isn’t something you see everyday.”

He isn’t kidding. Not only did the engines, drives, exhaust, rigging and wiring system need to be installed in a show-quality fashion, but Postill also had Chief upgrade the LED lighting throughout the boat, put in new carpet and install bow thrusters.

Postill said he couldn’t wait to run the boat, which he expects to be smoother and more efficient, not just faster.

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Like Rosenberg’s boat, the goal for the 42X is the Key West Poker Run. Because of the 1,000-hp increase in the boat (500 per side), Hofstetter recommended that Mystic Powerboats owner John Cosker examine the bottom of the boat and make sure it’s ready for the extra power.

As of early October, the Mystic crew was wrapping up some bottom modifications that included better step alignment and altering a few design elements. The engines, which were sent back to Mercury for assessment while the bottom work was being completed, were expected to arrive at Mystic by mid-October so Cosker and Hofstetter could have time to test drive heights, propellers and more to get the best possible setup for Key West.

If Key West is anything like last year, Hofstetter and company will be running hard. And not just on the water. The same race team that ran Chief engines at the 2012 world championships in the Superboat Extreme class—newlyweds Joe and Jackie

Ferrer—will be returning to Key West with who knows how many Chief-supported poker run teams. Hofstetter can’t wait.

“We’re going to have a good turnout in Key West,” Hofstetter said. “We’re really looking forward to it. We’re rewrapping our support trailer, too, and will have it on display in the poker run village. I’m excited to see Joe and Jackie race, too.”

The throttleman for Airway Aerospace, a 40-foot Fountain with twin 1,200-hp supercharged power plants with the Chief engine management system and Arneson surface drives, Joe Ferrer said he and Jackie turned to Chief in 2012 after a couple of poor experiences with other engine builders.

“We weren’t completely on Tommy’s program last year—we worked with him through someone else—but we’re 100 percent on board this year,” said Ferrer, who had Hofstetter rebuild both engines in the off-season. “Everyone says their engine builder is the best, but I don’t see Tommy as just an engine builder. He’s really worked on our boat and eliminated a lot of the bugs to make it better. I’m thankful I went to Tommy, he’s a genuine guy and he really knows his stuff.”

Whether it’s a race boat or a pleasure boat, Hofstetter’s experience is priceless as he’s been able to power and/or ride in almost every type of performance boat over the last 20-plus years in the business. Couple that with his “easy to work with” persona and it’s easy to understand why boaters keep coming back to Chief Performance. JJ

Every goal is achieved when Tommy and his Chief Performance crew get to work (Doug above and Charlie below).

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Statement Marine has created the most innovative performance boats on the market. We incorporate hydrodynamics, aerodynamics and ergonomics into topquality performance boat design. www.statementmarine.com

Grove Harbour Marina is a full-service facility run by marine experts. We will take care of all your boating needs. GHM is built on the historic Pan Am Airlines site. www.groveharbourmarina.com

Hardin Marine has been at the forefront of marine product innovation for over 30 years. We’ve developed the most complete product line in the industry used extensively around the world. www.hardin-marine.com

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Total Dollar offers exclusive “full throttle,” high-performance, offshore powerboat coverage for fast Vee hulls to 130 mph and even faster Catamaran hulls to 160 mph. www.totaldollarflorida.com

Dealer Print Solutions specializes in designing and printing advertising campaigns that reach the people who matter most to you. www.dealerprint.net

Nor-Tech has set out to build exclusive products that are not available from existing production or custom boat builders. Since inception, each passing year is marked with more improvements, refinements and increased capacity. www.nor-techboats.com

Mercury Racing enhances the image of Mercury Marine by producing high performance outboards, sterndrives, propellers, parts and accessories using leading edge technology. www.mercuryracing.com

Wilson Custom Marine is the worlds leading high performance fine tuning shop. When it comes to fine tuning your boat setup, there isn’t anyone in the world better than us. www.wilsoncustommarine.com

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Pier 57 Marine. In early 2012, the top two high-performance powerboat dealerships in the country—Pier 57 Marine and Sjogren Performance Marine, joined forces and became the new Pier 57 Marine.

Pokerrrunevents.no is a Norwegian based company that organizes motorsporting events and provides ďŹ rst class concierge service across the globe.

This group began attending Key West in 2007 riding aboard King Of Clubs.

MTI

Marine Technology Inc. is one of the MTI leading producers of performance pleasure and race boats on the market today. www.marinetechnologyinc.com

The Powerboating In Paradise TV series showcases the adventure and excitement of Florida Powerboat Club’s poker run events from around the Sunshine State. www.powerboatinginparadise.tv

lmor engineers high-performance engines for racing, marine and motorcycle. With over 25 years of history in the racing world, and a reputation for winning, our engines deliver unrivaled performance. www.ilmor.com

Legend Marine Group offers an inventory of boats to suit any lifestyle. We have runabouts, cruisers, high performance boats, and yachts. We are sure to have something to suit you. www.legendmarinegroup.com

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The 77 Lucas Oil Silverhook powerboat racing team recently made headlines by winning the National Championship in Clearwater, FL. www.lucasoil.com

Building performance boats “worth owning” is the driving force behind every custom hand built powerboat Sunsation creates. www.sunsationboats.com

Since 1969, Cigarette Racing Team has focused on building the finest highperformance boats the world has ever known. www.cigaretteracing.com

Chief Engines specializes in the fabrication, sales and service of custom performance engines and innovative marine endurance power packages. www.chiefengines.com

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Outerlimits Powerboats sets the new gold standard for building the highest quality powerboats – ever. www.outerlimitspowerboats.com

Superior Communications Incorporated has developed a national reputation for quality. SCI has engineered, programmed, installed, inspected, and maintained projects from wireless solutions and cellular services to paging systems, GPS applications, and web solutions for over 35 years. www.scicommo.com

Key West Prizes 2013 Ford Mustang Convertible

FIRST PLACE

by OffLeaseOnly.com Prize Value $18,000

$20,000 IN PRIZES

THIRD PLACE $6,000 IN PRIZES

Wilson Custom Marine Higher speeds and better handling with precision finetuning or “blue printing” of your drive’s lower unit.

Prize Value $5,000

SECOND PLACE $7,550 IN PRIZES

Garmin 5208 Chart Plotter and Icom M92D Handheld Radio.

Prize Value $3,300

Super Lights

by Ocean LED

Prize Value $1,000

Post Card Inn 3 Day, 2 Night Stay

Icom M92D

Prize Value $400

Handheld Radio

Icom M92D

Handheld Radio

FPC $300 Voucher

Super Lights

FPC $500 Voucher

by Ocean LED

Prize Value $1,000

PEOPLE CHOICE AWARDS Provided by: American Outdoor Coolers

One Big Fat Towel!

Prize Value $90

FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS Prop Covers to the top five poker hands with Mercury Racing sterndrives.

Tanteo Tequila, Miss Geico, Burger Fi, Z-Tuff, Total Dollar — Goodies Hats, Shirts, Coozies & Stickers for all of the teams!

Check your Goody Bag!

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♥♣♦♠♥♣♦♠♥♣♦♠♥♣♦♠♥♣♦♠♥♣

KEY WEST POKER RUN Tom Abraham Rich Ainsworth Michael Alexander Joe Amodio Joesph Amoroso Ray Aquit Jorge Arellano George & Shannon Argyros Ken Armstrong Craig Barrie Joel Begin Justin Beischel Brad & Lisa Benson Greg Bent Bob & Elle Berg Jeffrey Bognolo James & Audra Bohannon III George Boyd Jim Bradley Chris & Angela Bradley David & Leeann Branton Skip Braver Thomas Calabro Joe Calvanese Jeff Campbell Michael Cassidy Lawrence Coelho Jr. Gary Colledge Greg Connell Jeff & Jennifer Corbel Alberto Cruz David Delezenne Dr. Chris Deloache Joseph Donargo Bruce & Jenni Easmunt John & Connie Fahmy Mike Fiore Trent Fischer Mark & Eileen Fischer Vince Foglia Warren Foreman

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NY MI NY GA NY FL FL FL TX FL CAN OH NJ LA FL FL TX CAN TX TX LA FL RI CT TX DE CA CA TX IL TX FL OK FL NJ GA RI TX FL IL TX

42ʼ MTI MTI 36ʼ Nor-Tech CUZ I CAN 32ʼ Skater TJA MOTORSPORTS Sponsor TILTED KILT 39ʼ Outerlimits BADA BING 36ʼ Deep Impact G-SEA 39ʼ MTI OGP 43ʼ Donzi DONZILLA 48ʼ MTI PHANTOM 50ʼ Statement!

STRAY CAT 52ʼ Outerlimits NO STRESS 36ʼ Spectre SHORT CIRCUIT 48ʼ MTI PASS BLOCKER 42ʼ Fountain ES ROJO CALIENTE 50ʼ Nor-Tech ARTEMIS 38ʼ Donzi GOOD NEIGHBOR 44ʼ MTI HAMMERTIME tbd 39ʼ Nor-Tech NOR-TECH 40ʼ Nor-Tech RAINMAKER 50ʼ Skater FLY BYE 42ʼ Cigarette Huntress CIGARETTE RACING TEAM 36ʼ Spectre LIQUID COURAGE 46ʼ Skater DE CAL 43ʼ Nor-Tech 47ʼ Fountain FOUNTAIN 28ʼ DCB RAPID RABBIT 38ʼ Skater COLLEDGEWOOD Sponsor LEGEND MARINE GROUP 39ʼ Outerlimits OUTA MY MIND 28ʼ Pantera TAS LISTO Sponsor UNIQUE ULTRA 1 BATTERIES 39ʼ Cigarette CIGARETTE 35ʼ Donzi KAZOO 48ʼ Fountain WHERE THE BLACKTOP ENDS 38ʼ Powerquest EVERDRY 52ʼ Outerlimits OUTERLIMITS 43ʼ Nor-Tech SCREWS LOOSE III 39ʼ Deep Impact OFF LEASE ONLY 44ʼ MTI VINNYʼS BOAT 47ʼ Fountain X RATED

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

Buzz Fyhrie Tim Gallagher Jessica Gamarra Gino Gargiulo Richarg Gerth Eric Glaser Larry Goldman Gary Goodell Matthew Gordon Andy Groeber Dr Ino Halegua Carl & Tammy Hansen Pat & Diane Haughey Albert Haynesworth Sharon Henley Peter Hledin Tommy Hofstetter Josh Hollis Nigel Hook Jeff & Kim Howell Chet & Cindy Huffman Tim & Treva Irwin Mario Janoschka Rick Johanneck Stu & Jackie Jones Dennis Kaiser Karl Koster Kevin Kurkowski Dan Kurzejewski David & Jenny Landsman James Lee James Leonardo Alan Lima Denny Linehan Cody & Veronica Lovins Larry & Amy Luna Rick Mackie Michael Maggio Austin Mansur Henrik Margard Jan-Erik Margard

FL MO MI FL CAN FL FL FL CT GE FL FL FL FL FL MI FL TX CA IA CA OH GER MN FL FL CA TX PA MD KS NY FL DE TX TX WI IL IL FL NO

Sponsor 42ʼ MTI 38ʼ Formula Sponsor 42ʼ Outerlimits 43ʼ Midnight Express 40ʼ Outerlimits 38ʼ Cigarette 37ʼ Hustler 50ʼ NorTech 38ʼ Cigarette 36ʼ Black Water 37ʼ Active Thunder 39ʼ Cigarette 38ʼ Cigarette 30ʼ Skater Sponsor 38ʼ Fountain Sponsor 42ʼ MTI 43ʼ Nor-Tech 38ʼ Cigarette 32ʼ Sunsation 40ʼ Advantage Sponsor 42ʼ MTI 38ʼ Skater 35ʼFountain 38ʼ Cigarette 50ʼ Outerlimits 46ʼ Skater 112ʼ BAGLIETTO Sponsor 36ʼ Nor-Tech 42ʼ Nor-Tech 37ʼ Statement!

Sponsor 46ʼ Cigarette 44ʼ MTI 82ʼ YACHT 40ʼ Nor-Tech

TOTAL DOLLAR INSURANCE MTI-42SV ILMOR HI PERFORMANCE BURGER-FI OUTERLIMITS MIDNIGHT MADNESS XTREMEPOWERBOATS.COM MISS GEICO HUSTLER GOFASTER GREECE LIGHTNING BOATSDIRECTUSA.COM ACTIVE THUNDER THE GOOD LIFE LIQUID ASSET SKATER NATION CHIEF PERFORMANCE ACES Nʼ 8ʼS 77 LUCAS OIL SilverHook WEIGH FASTER WAY NUTZ T-N-T GERMANY FUELISH PLEASURE POWERBOATING IN PARADISE 4-2-G-O SPECIAL K GRASSY ASS 2 RIDE THIS GOLDDIGGER FREEDOM US1 PURE INSANITY GROVE HARBOUR MARINA NORTECH OUT OF COMPLIANCE CHAMPAGNE STATEMENT MERCURY RACING DRIVEN SPEED RACER POKERRUNEVENTS.NO POKERRUNEVENTS.NO

♦♠♥♣♦♠♥♣♦♠♥♣♦♠♥♣♦♠♥♣♦♣

2013 PARTICIPANTS LIST Greg & Brenda McCauley Zane & Amanda Mead Karsten Melcher Keith Merritt G. Michael Merritt Joe Miller David Morrison Jens Müller Scott & Anita Murray John OʼLoughlin Mark Palanchian Mark Palanchian Ron Panna Gary Patterson Troy Paul Michael Pierce Jay Pilini James Porter David Postill Scott Price Bill Pyburn JR. Dennis Raia Mat C. & Ann Raymond III Tom & Rachel Regan John Rosatti Rex Runzheimer Chris Ryder David Sacher Mike & Maggie Sanz Wayne & Joe Schaldenbrand Brad Schoenwald Dave Scotto Ronald Selway Tom & Cheryl Sharp Kelly Sills Randy Simpson Scott Sjogren Terry Sobo Ladd Spring Jerry Springer Brian Stewart

MO TX GE OH OH MD FL GE CAN NY FL FL NJ FL OK LA FL IL MI FL FL NY NC TX FL FL NY IL FL MI FL CAN OH GA LA TX IL FL LA FL MN

42ʼ MTI 48ʼ MTI 32ʼ Advantage 48ʼ Fountain 45ʼ Cigarette Sponsor DEALER 37ʼ Active Thunder 43ʼ Nor-Tech 40ʼ Nor-Tech 48 MTI 85ʼ Yacht - MIA 38ʼ Formula 42ʼ Cigarette Sponsor 48ʼ MTI 45ʼ Cigarette 35ʼ Spectre 34ʼ Phantom 42ʼ Cigarette Sponsor 38ʼ Skater 48ʼ MTI 38ʼ Fountain 36ʼ Nor-Tech 39ʼ Cigarette 42ʼ Cigarette 32ʼ Skater 36ʼ Deep Impact 39ʼ Cigarette 36ʼ Sunsation 38ʼ Cigarette 52ʼ Outerlimits 37ʼ Outerlimits 50ʼ Cigarette 36ʼ Skater 39ʼ Outerlimits 42ʼ Cigarette 39ʼ Nor-Tech 42ʼ Cigarette 38ʼ POWERQUEST 48ʼ MTI

MTI V OVERKILL GERMANY I MERRITTROPOLIS MERRITTORIOUS PRINT SOLUTIONS TANTEO TEQUILA GERMANY II OFFSHORE ACCOUNT TERMINATOR NEXTERAPOWERMARKETING NEXTERAPOWERMARKETING TWISTED CIGARETTE LIBERTY COACH PAUL TRANSPORTATION MAXED OUT SPECTRE PIPE DREAM XTREME INSANITY HARDIN MARINE PURE PLATINUM OUTRAIAGIOUS MISS GRACE HALL PASS BURGER-FI RHETTʼS RIDE WHIPLASH LEO IV BACK IN BLACK SUNSATION BOATS POWERBOAT NATION GOTTA GO ZIP & BOB MILAGROS ASPHALT BABE TALKIN TRASH PIER 57 NOR-TECH SPRING BREAK II ON COURSE CAT-GOTCHA-TONGUE

Mark Stockwell Mark Stoddart Jason Sullivan Paddy Sullivan Buddy Thomas David Tievy David Tievy Larry Vincent Jack Villars Derek Wachob Derek Wachob Mark & Rachel Waddington Chris Walker Geoff & Sue Wanamaker Jim Wiley Mark Wilken Gregg G. Williams Matt Willman Mark Wilson Patrick Winkel John Woodruff

MI CAN IN MD MA MD MD OK CH OK OK NE GA MD FL IL MI IA FL CT GA

42ʼ Cigarette 50ʼ Outerlimits Sponsor 38ʼ Donzi 29ʼ Outerlimits 48ʼ Fountain 48ʼ Fountain 36ʼ Skater 44ʼ MTI 52ʼ MTI 42ʼ Cigarette 52ʼ Outerlimits Sponsor 38ʼ Cigarette 44ʼ MTI 38ʼ Donzi Daytona 42ʼ Cigarette 38ʼ Donzi Sponsor 47ʼ Outerlimits 48ʼ MTI

616 GOT CHICKS OUTERLIMITS MIDWEST TRUCK DESIGN CODE BLUE OUTERLIMITS SPEC-OPS IV SPEC-OPS IV ELGATO JACK BLACK DIAMOND HUNTRESS OUTERLIMITS SUPERTRUCKS ARMED AND DANGEROUS 007 TBD FIVESOME Donzi WILSON CUSTOM MARINE BLUE OCTANE MARINE WINDSHIP

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In Loving Memory Of

JEFF ASBELL 122

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123

Jeff Asbell attended the 2013 Jacksonville River Rally Poker Run earlier this year. It was the first time everyone saw the new paint job on his 40’ Skater. Pictured here running alongside Barry and Jennifer Peters in the Fountain.

Florida Powerboat Club and the extended family of powerboating enthusiasts from around the nation are deeply saddened by the loss of Jeff Asbell. Jeff pursued life with passion and was respected and admired by friends in all walks of his life. His mild manner, pleasant nature and down-to-earth ways made him a gentleman. His desire to push man-made machinery to the outer limits made him a vigorous competitor and a consummate showman. His 3,000 horse powerboat “U.B. Violated” shows he had a sense of humor that matched his competitive streak.

Jeff...you are one-in-a-million, and we will miss you dearly.

Your friends at Florida Powerboat Club.

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Emerald Coast Poker Run 2012. This was the first poker run soon after Jeff purchased the 40’ SS from Skater Nation.

Jeff received the Best Paint and Graphics Award at the Jacksonville Poker Run for the colorful new paint scheme on the Skater. Pictured here receiving award from Emina at the Saturday night poker run party.

A long way from home, Jeff transported the Skater all the way to northern Michigan for the tenth annual Boyne Thunder Poker Run this past July.

TURNING YOUR

DREAMS into

REALITY

BY SHERMAN POTVIN

AFFORDING THE PLEASURE OF LUXURY HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER THAN WITH FPC’S NEW FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP CLUB.

BOATING IN FLORIDA creates endless opportunities for those who enjoy being on and around the water. The allnew Florida Fractional Ownership Club offers a unique and creative way for powerboating enthusiasts to own the yacht of their dreams for just a fraction of the cost.

Fractional owners will increase the enjoyment of their Florida boating lifestyle without having to sacrifice the ownership and pleasures of operating their existing powerboat. The Florida Fractional Club offers an affordable program for those wishing to own a luxury yacht that is professionally managed and ready for cruising with family, friends and business clientele.

With exciting cruising agendas that include the East and West coasts of Florida, the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, this unique concept in yacht ownership provides a turn-key approach to pleasure cruising.

Florida Powerboat Club members who choose to participate in fractional ownership may find themselves enjoying the use of their own yacht during FPC poker runs in addition to weeks of additional use in some of the most exotic boating destinations around the tropics. For about the cost of owning and maintaining an average powerboat, a fractional owner can enhance their boating lifestyle without having the investment that come with sole ownership.

Own the yacht of your dreams for just a fraction of the cost.

Continued on next page

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DISCLAIMER: THE FOLLOWING FOUR PAGE FEATURE IS A REPRESENTATION MADE BY STEWART JONES, REGISTERED OWNER AND FOUNDER OF THE FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB AND PUBLISHER OF POWERBOATING IN PARADISE MAGAZINE. THE EDITORIAL IN THIS FEATURE AND ITS PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTENT ARE FOR PROMOTIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, AND ARE INTENDED SOLELY TO GENERATE INTEREST IN A NEW BUSINESS MODEL BEING PROPOSED TO ACTIVE MEMBERS OF FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES. NO SALES MATERIAL IS AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION, AND NO FRACTIONAL SALES CONTRACTS ARE BEING ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME. THESE PHOTOS DO NOT REPRESENT ACTUAL BOATS PRESENTLY OWNED OR OPERATED BY THE FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB.

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FLORIDA FRACTIONAL CLUB

THE FACE BEHIND FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP Hello to all Florida Powerboat Club members and ext e n d e d b o a t i n g Sherman Potvin family. My name is Fractional Expert Sherman Potvin. I live here in Florida and am extremely pleased to be asked to join forces with Stu Jones and his team, to help build this very exciting new business model called fractional, or shared, ownership.

For the past 27 years, I have been consulting in the fractional real estate industry. The fractionalization of homes, private jets, boats and other luxury items is the fastest growing business model today in luxury ownership of all kinds.

The popularity of this type of ownership is at an all time high right now as informed owners seek to reduce their investments but still make their dreams come true! Stu Jones, after spending more than two decades successfully creating and promoting the Florida boating lifestyle on all levels, has a clear and distinct approach as to how a boating fractional program can be engineered and managed with tremendous success to its stakeholders.

The advantages of being an owner on a well-maintained, luxury vessel such as our first Sunseeker Motoryacht, offered by FFC are many. The FFC team will be responsible for all management & concierge duties insuring that you’re every need will be met.

We plan to also offer an “exchange” component whereby our owners can exchange some of their boating time for a wonderful land holiday nearly any place on the globe.

Fractional ownership is the organized sharing of a yacht in order to reduce the buy-in price. Owners share the cost down the line while enjoying full ownership benefits.

Continued from pevious page

NOT A NEW CONCEPT

Fractional boat ownership is not a new concept. It has been around for more than 20 years. Fractional ownership is, however, experiencing a dramatic increase in popularity due to the latest market and is now one of the fastest growing segments of boat 128

ownership in the world. While some people are shying away from purchasing their dream yacht, savvy investors have flocked to fractional boat ownership as a viable alternative.

Fractional ownership is a type of shared ownership where an asset is held and used by multiple owners. It provides a choices for yacht ownership.

POWERBOATING IN PARADISE

This first offering from the FFC team is a very special one as we strive to build the perfect fractional ownership model that our owners will be proud of.

Please consider giving us a call to become one of our founding owners.

There is so much more to tell you about. Welcome on board...

Warm regards,

Sherman Potvin

FLORIDA FRACTIONAL CLUB

Fractional ownership allows buyers to invest in a luxury yacht in proportion to the time that they will actually spend in the vessel. The main salon of the Sunseeker Predator is spacious and well designed with an open and functional layout.

Editor’s Note: Images are for concept only and are not the actual boat placed in this program.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HOW IS OWNERSHIP CONVEYED? Owners purchase shares in the Florida Fractional Club LLC. This is one of the safest ways to share ownership.

HOW MUCH TIME DO I GET? You get a guaranteed number of weeks on a rotating annual schedule.

You can also trade, increase or sell time aboard your yacht as needed.

IS FINANCING AVAILABLE? Yes. We assist new owners with financing if they meet our requirements. We offer a great program at low interest rates.

WHAT SERVICES DO I GET? The Florida Fractional Club provides all management and concierge services related to maintenance and operation of the boat.

CAN I RESELL?

Many owners have decided that it is functionally unnecessary and fiscally wasteful to purchase a yacht by themselves when they may only use it for a limited amount of time each year. Fractional ownership allows buyers to invest in a luxury yacht in proportion to the time that they will actually spend in the vessel.

Fractional yacht investors are less exposed to dramatic swings in yacht prices and are able to preserve capital, while enjoying the boat of their dreams in a manner akin to full ownership. Boosting its popularity is the fact that fractional yacht ownership has been embraced by major-brand boat manufactures across the globe who are looking for ways to offset reduced overall yacht sales and retain their customer base. For individual buyers, both the rationale and advantages are clearly defined. Fractional owners basically share a yacht in order to reduce the “buy-in” price but still enjoy full ownership benefits. Owners share the costs and benefits of the yacht down the

line, allowing them to relax in the convenience of a professionally managed, shared investment.

Flexible, generous use plans are another major component of our shared ownership program. There are fewer owners allowing yacht developers to strive to fit their “Use Plan” to the way owners will most benefit from it.

TAKE THE DISCOVERY CRUISE

The Florida Fractional Club understands that some people may need to see, touch and feel their future yachting dreams prior to committing to ownership. With this need in mind, we have developed the Discovery Cruise Program to aid future owners in their decision-making.

The availability of Discovery Cruise opportunities are limited so we encourage you to contact us soon to discuss how you’re plans might include a couple of nights with friends and family aboard your future yacht. SP

Yes, most definitely. We love to assist our owners with re-sale.

TO TAKE YOUR DISCOVERY CRUISE OR TO LEARN MORE, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE AT 954-545-1414

2013 CALENDAR NOVEMBER 1, 2013

FT LAUDERDALE BOAT SHOW BASH

ALL NEW VENUE on the World Renowned Cocktail Barge. Get in on the party to see us crown Miss Key West Poker Run 2013 and feast your eyes on the hottest boats around NOVEMBER 5-11, 2013

21ST ANNUAL KEY WEST POKER RUN

The Key West Poker Run is The Florida Powerboat Club’s signature event, voted Best Poker Run in the Nation by Powerboat Magazine. Commencing on Tuesday November 5th and running through November 11th, close to 200 powerboat teams are expected to attend and explore the 160 mile poker run course from Miami to Key West FEBRUARY 13-17, 2014

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW Miami Beach Convention Center FEBRUARY 14, 2014

MIAMI BOAT SHOW BASH

Raleigh Hotel, South Beach, Fl. Official Kick-Off of the Miami Boat Show Poker Run FEBRUARY 20-23, 2014

MIAMI BOAT SHOW POKER RUN Miami to Islamorada APRIL 10-13, 2014

TAMPA BAY POKER RUN

With Festivals of Speed Featuring Poker Run Village MAY 16-18, 2014

FPC POKER RUN Location TBA

JUNE 26-30, 2014

BAHAMAS POKER RUN Grand Bahama/Bimini

Ad Index ACTIVE THUNDER .................................23 ATLANTIC YACHT & SHIP ......................43 BAM MARINE ........................................ 47 BLUE OCTANE GROUP...........................61 BOATS DIRECT USA ..............................25 BOOSTPOWER .................................... 131 BUKATY ................................................39 CHIEF PERFORMANCE ........................ 105 DOLLER OFFSHORE ..............................27 DUPONT REGISTRY ...............................95 ELECTRONICS UNLIMITED .................. 103 EMERALD GRANDE ...............................91 EXTREME MARINE ................................69 FORT LAUDERDALE BOAT SHOW ..........35 FPC TV ............................................... 111 GEICO ...................................................71 GO FAST ...............................................49 GROVE HARBOUR .................................81 HARDIN MARINE ...................................75 ILMOR HIGH PERFORMANCE.................02 KEY WEST POKER RUN .........................05 LEGEND MARINE .................................. 17 MARINE UNLIMITED ..............................75 MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW.....53 MIDWEST TRUCK DESIGNS ...........15 & 79 MYSTIC POWERBOATS..........................63 ODYSSEY BATERIES ..............................77 OFFLEASEONLY.COM ..............................9 PIER 57........................................... 30-31 REVOLVER 42 .......................................21 SPEEDWEAR .......................................... 77 STATEMENT .......................................... 11 SUNCOAST POWERBOATS .................... 41 SUPERIOR COMMUNICATIONS (SCI) ......29 SUPER TRUCK.......................................45 TANTEO ................................................ 13 TEAGUE MARINE................................. 132 TILTED KILT ..........................................55 TOTAL DOLLAR ..................................... 19

AUGUST 14-17, 2014

EMERALD COAST POKER RUN Destin / Ft Walton Beach NOVEMBER 6-12, 2014

KEY WEST POKER RUN Key West, FL

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

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

130 POWERBOATING PARADISE CONTACT US: 954-545-1414 INWWW.FLPOWERBOAT.COM

s &0#%6%.43 '-!), #/- s

ADVERTISING DEADLINES: WINTER 2013 ISSUE AD MATERIALS: NOV 15, 2013

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