FLORIDA POWERBOAT CLUB members attending the Key West Poker Run may be a little anxious about the 20 mph winds on Tuesday, as the boats gather at SeaIsle Marina in Miami to stage for the Wednesday departure. But STU JONES, FPC president and event coordinator assures participants that while it is natural to have these concerns, most of the trip takes place on the protected bay waters of Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay waters, where seas do not offer much of a challenge for offshore powerboats. “Certainly we have a variety of options if the winds continue through late Wednesday” says Jones. ” The last 37 miles from Bahia Honda Bridge are offshore in Atlantic coastal waters, as boaters run the shoreline into Key West Harbor.
However, the east winds create a following sea condition, which most experienced drivers can handle with relative ease. It’s a matter of getting the boat dialed-in, adjusting trim, tabs and throttle, for the safest, driest ride.” For those crews not williing to make the last leg offshore, Jones assures overnight docking a Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina, and many forms of for-hire transportation are available from Marathon and Key West. “We’ve dealt with these weather scenarios so many times in the past..” assures Jones. “It’s just a matter of going to plan B when necessary. It’s all part of Florida boating.”
Participants may also have options to overnight in the Upper and Middle Keys at either POSTCARD INN (Islamorada) or HAWKS CAY RESORT ( Duck Key) although they will be required to make their own reservations and arrangements, as Jackie Jones and FPC office staff are entirely consumed with with event registration at the Miami Biscayne Marriott.