August 5th, Virginia Beach, Va....

7th annual poker run....A major boating event that encompasses the wide spectrum of boaters in FOUR separate activities; performance poker run; sailing regatta (the original event); fishing tournament; and crusier/family boat poker run course. This is a non-profit event where all proceeds go to support the St. Judes Children's Research Hospital. Last year 2005, all the participants; donators; and major sponsorships generated over $155,000.00 to help fight the battle of an affliction that attacks so many innocent American children....cancer, thru the research and efforts of this world class organization called St. Jude's.

The "performance boat" poker run takes you thru the gauntlet of the Atlantic ocean/Cape Henry down the Virginia Beach oceanfront and back; across the ornery southern Chesapeake Bay; down the Elizabeth River past the largest Naval base in the world; lunch stop downtwon Norfolk at the Waterside complex adjacent to Nauticus, and the battleship Wisconsin hosted by Hooters; to downtown Hampton; and back to Little Creek Basin. Friday night captains meeting with party and late dock activity; Saturday night is post run awards/card draw with live band and grub.

At the same time there will be a sailing Regatta on the bay making for an impressive sight right out out of the blocks across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel heading out to the Atlantic. There will also be a major fishing tournament, and all will gather to party together in one spot under one tent. Unique in concept on the east coast and perhaps the nation. Multiple type boating enthusiasts, coming together for one cause...aside from a good time of course...

Thanks to major sponsorships/donations the registration fee is always extremely low for an event like this that includes: FOUR people per boat (captain; 3 crew). FOUR lunches; FOUR event T-shirts; FOUR party entrance tickets both nights; ONE video; and ONE poker hand with the option to buy more of everything. How great is that? Here's the kicker...Early post-marks will be at a reduced rate.

Rates in 2005 were $200 or $175 if post-marked by June 1st. Rates are TBD for 2006, but they will either be the same or only moderately more to reflect the increasing logistic expense of putting on a benefit of this size. In 2005 we had 72 performance boats registered. Each year we continue to grow by at least 5-10 and have yet to find our limit. In 1999 the event was mainly a sail regatta with the poker run an after thought. In 2002 the new local powerboat association (HRPA) asked to take the helm of the poker run and we've gone from 10 boats to last year's 72. This all by word of mouth BTW.

Each year we've had the most spectacular air shots any recreational boater could ask for taken by Mr. Poker Run Photo himself, Randy Nuzzo from a helicopter as well as the video mentioned above.

If this sounds like your kind of run where you really want to take on the challenges of the "Southern" Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean; test your offshore skills; and perhaps like me, do something big yet incredibly affordable unlike the high-dollar, high-profile runs; then mark your calendars and be prepared to sign up when rates and forms are updated for 2006. Prepare to have some mid-Atlantic offshore fun as well as meet a lot of the from here.

The website for registration and event information is currently undergoing it's transition from 2005 to 2006, but will be updated soon. This post is to get you thinking about your 2006 calandarI will post that information and much more as plans/information firm up.

Be there, or set at home and only dream about such fun. Come on, take a walk on the wild side...Like the suit guy on TV," I guarantee you'll like it"...

Here's a shot of "BillR" blasting towards the first stop and it's illustrious award....

Had a great time last year and will be doing again this year.Tell BillR i'm looking to take the first stop buoy away from him.lol

I Had A Great Time Last Year To Maybe That Active Thunder Might Pass Me This Year!!!! Lol.

I thought i did.lol.I remember your boat and like it.Hope to see there.Stop by and have a corona.Rich

Will Do Thanks Love That Paint Job!!!!

Rick,
we will be there!
see you at the chill-out.

Rich, you can try. . . . . . . . . . . .
My motors are at Joey Griffins right now getting "spruced" up.


Actually, there will be some boats this year with BIG power and triple digit speeds. I don't think "I" am the one you need to worry about. From what I know, it WILL be a battle between Cigarette and Fountain though.

For those that haven't been on this run. . . . it is a run that rivals the best "names in PR's out there". The boater turn out is amongst the biggest too. Give it a try, and see what you boat does "Offshore".

Sounds like a great time. I would like to get more info when it comes out.

Sounds like fun

How long is this run?

i believe around 90 miles, can't remember exacty.