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Last year's 2004 Easter Poker Run was going to be hard to beat. The Marriott Key Largo was the ideal destination, weather was perfect, and the raft up party in the bay waters near Pigeon Key was relaxing and fun.
So how could 2005 possibly one-up the previous year's event? Let's just say there were a few added attractions. |
While there were certainly some newcomers present on this Easter fling, more than three quarters of the participants were repeating from the previous year. It's only a hunch, but there are probably a few good reasons for this. One is the small size of the even, which is a welcome change after the back-to-back Key West and Miami Boat Show poker runs.
Due to limitations on rooms and dockage at the Marriott Key Largo, the destination can really only accommodate a couple of dozen boats and about one-hundred guests. |
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| The result is a more laid-back atmosphere and a less structured itinerary…i.e. zero stress for participants AND organizers. We like that! |
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Then, there's the destination. Nestled on the protected bay waters of Blackwater Sound in Key Largo, the Marriott Key Largo Bay Resort undoubtedly holds the all-time record for the most visited destination by members of the Florida Powerboat Club. It's luxurious, well-managed and offers great amenities like a fabulous pool, sandy beach, great dining and panoramic views of the beautiful bay waters. And yes, very Kid-friendly! |
| Furthermore, the Marriott Key Largo is just a short 50-mile hop from downtown Miami, making it any easy daytrip for lunch or a quick stopover en route to the middle Keys or Key West. But there's only one small hurdle to over come when it comes to FPC events….where the hell do we put all the boats? There are only two small docking basins at the Marriott Key Largo, and with the current size of FPC boats including the beamy cats, we're lucky to get a dozen or so boats comfortably docked! Fortunately, local FPC members like Carl & Tammy Hansen, Mike & Maggie Sanz and the Delatorre brothers who have nearby waterfront homes, always offer the use of their docks as overflow. |
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So getting back to the 2005 highlights, let's start with the equipment. A few members showed up with new rides, and we're talkin' serious stuff!
Dave Ginfrida from NJ- traded his last Black Thunder for a brand new XT460 powered by triple Chiefs.
Chet Huffman's 38 Cigarette morphed into a 43 Nortech called Way Nuts powered by Merc 1075's;
Frank Lindaberry's Nortech got dressed up with some nice custom paint; Tony & Mona Mondazze debuted the awesome American Muscle II, and Mike Orrechio brought his one-of-a-kind 46 Cigarette Rumrunner. (Powerboating in Paradise cover, Fall 2004) |
But aside from all flashy fiberglass, fantastic weather and the great ride down on Friday, our Saturday raft-up party was one of our best-ever, thanks to Eric Peterson who rode down with member John Buyers. Eric opened the doors to his luxurious waterfront home in Key Largo and welcomed our poker run guests for a fabulous BBQ beach bash.
Followed by our Saturday evening poker run party in our private Marriott banquet room that began with a brilliant sunset over Blackwater Sound and featured a lavish dinner buffet, it was a great finish to a festive day of food, friends and fun. |
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Congratulations to David Tievy and his crew on the 42 Fountain Specs Ops III, who took the Grand Prize for the best poker hand.
This year's Easter Poker Run might be remembered as one of our best ever, which means one thing for us here at club headquarters…We have our work cut out for us next year!
-Stu Jones |
Click here to see event photos
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