Cigarette Racing Team, the leading manufacturer of high-performance powerboats, is reaching out to Miami’s leading non-profit organization that uses the waters of Biscayne Bay as its training and “healing” ground. At its Coconut Grove Aquatic Center and Marine Academy, Shake-A-Leg Miami helps those with disabilities and at-risk youth find empowerment; its students learn life lessons, make friends and have fun, with boating as the backdrop.

Since much of the boating at Shake-A-Leg Miami is sailing or kayaking, CEO Harry Horgan wanted some of the students from the Marine Technical Studies program to experience powerboating—not just in any boat, but in a Cigarette. “Our students love to be on the water and Cigarette Racing Team will give them the thrilling experience of a top-of-the-line powerboat ride," says Horgan. "Cigarette is one of the best powerboats on the market and has set the industry’s highest standard in design, manufacturing, customer service and organizational development. We are extremely grateful to them for allowing the students this unique opportunity."

Cigarette’s new Top Fish center console provided the perfect opportunity to accommodate Horgan’s wish. The company developed a “Military” version of its 39 Top Fish, providing a utilitarian, no-frills approach and changing its vastly popular custom fishing boat into a sturdy, top-quality work boat. Since it was developed for the defense market, the Top Fish Military boat boasts some of the newest technology to serve that population, including an all-digital console with GPS and navigation and instrumentation designed for ideal visibility and ease of operation; the custom hard-top, support mechanisms and full head remain standard as in all Cigarette Top Fish center consoles.

All Cigarettes are Mercury-powered, but for its Top Fish, Cigarette prefers either triple or quadruple Verado® 6-cylinder outboard engines. The Military boat is equipped with triple 300’s, providing smooth acceleration, reliability and fuel-efficient power.


Cigarette offered a ride on this Top Fish Open boat to the City of Miami Police Chief, Miguel Exposito and City Commission Chairman Marc Sarnoff, along with the Shake-A-Leg Miami students so they could experience the thrill of its Mercury triple Verado 300 engines. “While we often take the pleasure of boating for granted, it is refreshing and rewarding to see those who do not get to enjoy the sport finally get to experience powerboating first-hand. We’re proud to know that at Shake A Leg Miami, they got to do that in a Cigarette!” says Braver.

“The City of Miami is proud to recognize Shake-A-Leg’s contribution to our community where boating plays such an important role,” said Commissioner Sarnoff, “We’re pleased that Cigarette is a part of this effort. Wherever this boat
travels, it will demonstrate Cigarette’s loyalty to the City of Miami—it’s headquarters and birthplace.”

“It is a great honor for me to participate in this Shake-A-Leg event for the first time,” said Chief Exposito, “Supporting a program which makes a difference in the lives of so many is important for me and for the members of the Miami Police Department.” Shake-A-Leg Miami prides itself on creating an “inspirational haven,” where people of all backgrounds and abilities find common ground and become inspired to launch their dreams. “Our partnership with the City of Miami, many community organizations and now Cigarette Racing Team, shows the ‘power’ of collaboration,” says Horgan.