So there will be a run but it will be a mix of powerboats not one specific brand is what it sounds like.

If it's an open "Fun Run" that would be cool. Not sure though based on Bret's phrase of it being focused on their brand's Sunsation/MTI. Opening it up to all powerboat brands might start to get too big to manage i would think, had over 100 Cigs alone the past few years. Any type of run in LOTO is a good time for me

Honestly, this is a shame. I’ve always hoped once my kids grew up I could make this event happen.

Luckily without the distraction of fun boating related events the CIG brand can focus on their core business - hats and sweatshirt sales……

Wonder if BT will have a separate Cig Run aside from their BFD Run?

hopefully someone steps up
I think the owners have proven that we will support an event

The short answer is yes to both. Cigarette will support the event and Big Thunder will/is working on a Cigarette only run. We will have details very soon.

...Cat's out of the bag!!! Tank?!?

We're still going, and it will be cool to see different boats now mixed in with all the cigs.

My experience with the past fun runs PBC has put on an are open to all has been positive and there has always been plenty of space available. If PBC is focusing on its brands only there will still be plenty of room IMO even with a good # of what they sell that might show for this This is likely a financial decision on their part with respect to tax purposes and given how friendly the IRS is it would make sense to re-banner an event to what you sell and any costs associated with it. Trying to be optimistic with BT stepping up that perhaps BT & PBC will work together. I don't think there would be near the # of MTI & Sunnys that would show for this from out of state like the Cig owners do.

I know as much as you guys know. Ed and Co are working on making it happen.

i tooooootally understand why Brett and mark stepped away from hosting. Makes total sense. They’re not a dealer. They sell a lot of cigarettes but they have other brands, including their own, they need and should focus on. Takes a lot of money time and effort to put those runs on and to do it for a brand that didn’t give factory help and that they don’t have a contract with makes NO sense.

Phil started the cigarette fun runs in Miami in the early 2000’s. Skip did the rendezvous in Destin a couple years around 2012. Then PBC picked up the torch and ran with it as a dealer. Now the torch has been passed. Makes sense to me.

unfortunately we can’t make it this year but will do our best to make next years and wish PBC all the luck with their run (they won’t need it, they have that sh*t down) and here’s to BT putting on a successful inaugural cigarette event. I for one thank both camps for their time, effort and money spent to make it all
happen for us, the boaters.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...30260255a1.jpg

Im booked, and hopefully going with my own boat. :ernaehrung004:

Sold my boat one year too soon! Damn! :(

This will be interesting…

It’s pretty cool of Big Thunder to pick up hosting the rendezvous. Takes money to throw these things (ask Brett!). These rendezvous runs, since the very first one done (by lipship in Miami, then by skip in Destin, then by PBC AT LOTO and now by BTM in loto) are put on as an appreciation for cigarette owners and support of the brand. It’s always been a gift to cigarette owners. I understand why PBC had to pass the torch and moved on to doing their manufacturers run and I’m sure BTM will do a fantastic job on their first outing.

Wish we could be there! Look forward to the photos and reports on the run.

I hope they do but there is no way BT can hold a candle to what pbc puts on. I’m surprised they are even trying

guess you missed the point of my post.

I don’t think I did. I worry for the people traveling thinking they will have the same experience!

New host, means change. Big shoes to fill for sure but If I were heading out I’d take it on face value, say, “thanks for the invite to the party” and leave expectations at the door. Just my take though.

I attended the BFD run last year hosted by Big Thunder. I have to say I thought it was pretty nice for my first time and it was totally free to participate. Shirts, drinks, dinner, social gathering and a huge breakfast buffet the day of the actual run. PBC has a unique setting and location, so I would expect them to have a little nicer setting and a few more events. I've attended some fund raisers and open houses there before and they are a first class operation and The Red Head is a top-notch venue.

I would guess there would be a great # of questions former participants would have about logistics and the ability to handle the number of boats PBC did at there facility without a complete log jam of boats. I have no idea how many Cigs will show back up with BT and a differing facility . Perhaps they will rent an entire facility marina like Camden on the Lake which has an entire 2nd floor event space. I may be stepping off the deep end but it's not unreasonable to have to pay at least something to attend to offset cost as long as its not excessive.

This is a month away, I don't believe there has been any annoucements yet ????

What happened to the last 2 pages ?

^^^^^ Exactly!

Yeah. That was weird.

Looks like this will be a 1 day event, given there are a few owners that call LOTO home here on OSO is there interest in organizing something. Coconuts on Friday again or perhaps a raft up in the state park or Evergreen Cove on Friday. If this event is going to survive moving forward it may be up to us to insure it does. Cocunuts is now under new ownership I believe but Friday mid-days there never seemed to be an issue with dock space and if there is a good head count they may be willing to reserve a few docks for us. BT could certain help secure that with a list of registrants, then follow that with a raft off ???

I would imagine pbc will go to coconuts on Friday as usual

Why not sign up for the Rendezvous with Big Thunder and try helping it take off rather than planning your own thing? If you want to do something yourself do it Saturday or Sunday. I believe they will turn it into a weekend thing next year if that’s what folks want.

Sorry......... I thought this was only a one day event, don;t know where I read that, pretty evident,didn't intend that to sound unsupportive, we;ll be signing up

Edit: This was on the FB site Cig Owners Group, asked by a fellow owner
Per Ed Champion BT
one day event, starting at Camden, it's a fun run. We are open to idea for the weekend. Our experience with other runs, people like to meet and see new places and not be tied to the event all weekend long. We are excited and open to ideas and welcome any ideas. We want to show people from other areas our wonderful lake and all it has to offer.

So, which day is it? Sat I would presume?

There are a few of us coming in from out of town, Wed-Mon. We typically make up a run Thursday - approx. 4 boats. We would be open if there is nothing planned from BT - to do a meet up Friday also. Or, If you want to know where to meet up Thursday we can exchange numbers. I don't want to be responsible for coordinating anything due to keeping it relaxed and flexible. However - we're happy to meet up with other boaters!

I was confused b/c the registration reflects a 3 day event, however the Cig owners FB page BT noted (see below) that its appears to be a Saturday event only

"Edit: This was on the FB site Cig Owners Group, asked by a fellow owner
Per Ed Champion BT
one day event, starting at Camden, it's a fun run. We are open to idea for the weekend. Our experience with other runs, people like to meet and see new places and not be tied to the event all weekend long. We are excited and open to ideas and welcome any ideas. We want to show people from other areas our wonderful lake and all it has to offer"

They are open to ideas, its why I asked what the interest was. Our crew would be open to a Friday raft off or informal meet at Coconuts, was thinking state park (not party cove), perhaps hanging basket cove, powerline cove, Evergreen, they are not nearly as crowded on Friday. Just throwing it out...................

I was texting Eddie @ BT the other day and he called me, it is a one day run starting from Camden on the lake Friday the 14th then open to what other may want to do the rest of the weekend.

It's turning into a multi day event Thursday - Saturday night the way it's headed now. We are going to add structure and owners are welcomed to attend all, part or pieces. We are working on more details and hope to post it soon.

As long as we get our boats put back together we will be there thursday morning. couple of us from NY plan on leaving wednesday night.

Yeah, its amazing how much Brett and Mark learned about how to put on events from Eddie and the MWBP group:rolleyes::rolleyes:

Yes it is and no clue on how what or why:confused:

Does anyone have any details for this, I know Camden on the Lake appears to be the marina but I have seen nothing else. Hopefully the turnout is good.

Just got this from Eddie

https://cigaretterendezvous.com/

Anyone have an idea what the event costs to enter?

I received an invite then got this…


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...d3aafe0c5c.png

There is no cost that I'm aware of......