MarkSmith

It took a while but I sent it to you. I hope you received the disks.

I still owe Strip Poker a shirt for 2 years.

Cignificant

I attended the APRA meeting, and must agree with "raceboat rus". The focus was on what I call the upper echelon Poker Runs where they have major concerns about the 150mph boats, canopy boats, etc. Obviously, this is where the big money is, and where safety must be a big priority.

I'd hate to see a set of rules/guidelines setup that only revolve around those types of events. Heck, I'll be participating in a poker run this summer that allows 14' tri-hulls to enter. Do those folks need to wear a $500 life jacket?

I've already sent a 3-page letter off to APRA with other comments and suggestions.

SHARKEY-IMAGES

Steve,
Were you there for the entire meeting?
The feed back I have been getting didn't give me the impression that I am reading in your post.

From what I hear, the APRA meeting went very well and very professional. Everyone was polite and kindly waited their turns to speak.

Some topics of discussion that were covered were Life Jackets, Mufflers, Alcohol, Canopies and Speed Limits.

I understand at least one company also stated that any Poker Run that does not make it mandatory to wear a life vest of some type in their events, the company will not sponsor their event.
There was a huge presence of representitives from Boat Manufacturers, Mercury Marine, CMI, Teague, Powerboat Magazine and the Insurance Industry just to name a few.

The attendance was huge and they all seem to have one thing in mind, keep the events as safe as possible for everyone. Not just the "upper echelon Poker Runs"
As one example, you had several reps from many different Poker Run Organizations.
Two of those organizations allowed me to enter with a 13 foot mini offshore boat. I did wear my life jacket on all the runs I attended and had a great time in all of them..
I think after you see the final results of what came out of the meeting you will be pleased.
It would be my guess, they will not require everyone to be in a $500 Lifeline if you are running under a certain mph.

When I receive a full recap of the meeting, I will be sure to post it.

Thank you for any additional comments and suggestions you have sent to APRA.
Looking forward to a Safer 2006 Season.

Cignificant

I was sitting near the door, next to the lawyer who offered to help with release forms. Black cap on, white t-shirt. Stayed for the whole thing.

..and I'm not bashing anything that was discussed, but if someone wants to develop a set of "universal" poker run rules, they need to be adaptable for all types of Poker Runs.

SHARKEY-IMAGES

Steve,

The only reason why I asked was because I was told that the canopies were discussed later in the meeting. There was a short break, then more discussion carried on afterwards. So I thought by chance you weren't there at 8:30 AM.

Either way, as said, they are looking out for everyone at "all" events whether a participant or a spectator.

Thank you again for making the meeting and forwarding your comments...


Welcome aboard Mr Febres!

SHARKEY-IMAGES

Mark,

I am a bit confused here.

I know of the APRA organization that produces and sanctions Poker Runs, but what is the 2nd organization that you are referring to that produces and sanctions Poker Runs?

MarkSmith

Sharkey, first of all, I am a nobody nor will I ever claim to be a somebody. Don't take anything I say as law. I am just a dumb boater that has a fun time boating because it is my passion.

Topic of conversation: Safety Summit.
1. Extreme Boats Magazine creates "B Safe" panel of experts.
2. APRA creates safety panel of experts.
I never said "produces and sanctions Poker Runs" in any of my posts. Maybe I should of used "panel of experts" instead of organizations.

The good news that I heard is that 2 key players met, and I hope the air was cleared on this hot topic.

SHARKEY-IMAGES

No problem Mark...

I thought maybe I missed something.

Extreme publishes a magazine and does't put on Poker Runs.
I thought maybe there was a separate organization other than the APRA I wasn't aware of...

Thanks for the update!

I am sure we all will have a much safer boating season after all of this....

Hauling Trash

Sharkey Knows All.................... :d

Cignificant

Believe me, I was there at 8:30, the hangover was killing me....