June 7-11, 2019
One of the top items on everyone’s boating bucket list is to take their boat from Florida and cruise through the scenic Bahamas. It’s time to check that box off because Florida Powerboat Club has an amazing agenda planned for this annual summer event! We’ll cross the gulfstream from North Miami and spend two days in Bimini, staying at the luxurious Resorts World Bimini Resort, which features a luxurious Hilton and first class marina. We’ll enjoy local Bimini boating activities such as feeding the string rays and snorkeling at the landmark Sapona shipwreck. After two days, we’ll head eastbound across crystal clear waters of the Bahama Bank, making a stopover for lunch and fuel at Chub Cay, in the heart of the Berry Island chain. From there, its just 35 miles to Nassau, where we’ll settle in for a 3-night stay at the new Palm Cay Resort & Marina, featuring new beachfront townhomes and a safe secure marina. We’ll enjoy the property and its amenities on our arrival day ( Sunday) then on Monday we’ll head off for a full-day boating adventure to the Exuma islands…where we’ll feed the pigs, and visit pristine beaches along the way. In the evenings, there’s plenty of options for dining and gambling at BahaMar and Atlantis Resort…so we’ll leave the options open and assist you with transportation and reservations. Day three will remain open for local cruising or just relaxing at the resort, so there’s plenty of flexibility in the program. The group returns Wed June 12, via Bimini with expected arrival in the late afternoon depending on weather.
Destination (1): Hotels North Miami
Trump International
Doubletree by Hilton Ocean Pointe Resort
Overnight docking at Haulover Marine Center and trailer parking may be paid directly to marina
Staging at marina for out-of-town participants my be done by appointment. Call Rick VanLetten- Marina manager: 954-997-6590
Destination (2): Resorts World Hilton
Room Rates: Standard: $215/night
Upgraded Patio suites: $500/night (other upgraded suites available upon request)
Dockage Rates: Group rate discounted from $4.50/ft per night to $3.50/per night
Destination (3): Palm Cay Resort & Marina
Nassau: Luxurious 2,3 and 4-bedroom condominiums
Dockage Rates: $3.50/ft Plus water & Elec.
Reservations: Contact FPC Office at 954-545-1414
Note: Schedule subject to change. Updated itineraries will be provided to all event participants at check in.
THURSDAY 6/6
All Day: Launching staging at Haulover Marine Center
7PM: Welcome reception and captains meeting – Duffy’s North Miami
(Customs paper workshop- we will complete all Bahamas papers for easier entry on Friday)
FRIDAY 6/7
6:30am: Dockside continental breakfast at Haulover Marine Center
7:00am: Departure from Marina- via Haulover Inlet ( approx. 90 min crossing)
8:30am to 11am: Big Game Club- Customs clearance and breakfast/lunch
11am: Depart to local boating attractions.
4pm: Arrive Resorts World Bimini- Dock and check in to Hilton / pool rendezvous
6 – 8PM: Cocktail happy hour- location TBA. Followed by dinner.
SATURDAY 6/8
11am: Departure for local boating attractions/ Honeymoon harbor or north beach – depending on weather
4pm: Return to Resort – pool happy hour rendezvous
7-10pm: Dinner as you wish/ no formal plans
SUNDAY 6/9
10am: Departure from Resorts World Bimini / Fuel stop at Bluewater Bimini
10:30am: Departure Bimini harbor – approx. two hour ride to Chub Cay
12:30pm: Fuel and lunch stopover Chub Cay Resort & Marina (Pool time included in stop)
2:30pm: Depart for Nassau – approx. 90 minute ride.
4:00pm: Arrival Palm Cay Resort & Marina – secure boats & check in.
7:00pm: Cocktail reception poolside / Dinner to follow.
9:00pm: Off property outings optional/ BahaMar & Atlantis Resort
MONDAY 6/10
FREE DAY: Enjoy resort or venture off to other Nassau attractions. Optional short cruises can be arranged locally. FUEL and prepare boats for Tuesday Exuma Adventure.
TUESDAY 6/11
8:00-9:00 AM: Breakfast before departure
9:00-10:00AM: Fuel and prepare boats for departure – MUST BE FULL/ fuel is difficult to find in Exumas and will mess up the agenda
10AM – 5PM: Exuma adventure- Staniel Cay, Big Major Cay ( Feeding the pigs) Compass Cay
7PM- 8PM: Poker Run Reception/ FPC Suite – Play out poker cards and award prizes/ exchange photos among guests.
8 -11PM: Dinner as you wish. On property or off. (BahaMar and Atlantis approx. 25 min cab rides from Palm Cay Marina).
Event Fees:
Powerboats: $1,250 ( Captain + 1st mate)
Includes all planning for the 5-day event, making reservations at all (3) hotels and marinas on behalf of captain & crew, assistance with securing and completing required US customs and Bahamas clearance documents, quarantine and Bahamas cruising flags, poker run hand, limited catering at club functions, Captains bag with Bahamas poker run souvenir event tees, bait samples for feeding stingrays, photo and video coverage of event. Catering to include finger foods & snacks at Captains party, along with dockside breakfast before departure and a Poker Run awards reception in Nassau)
Extra Crew: $150pp (Includes function passes and all services and/or provisions as outlined for Captain & 1st mate – Additional poker hands at $50 each)
Safety Management Fee: $50 for boats running 40-60 mph, $100 for boats running 60-99mph, or $150 for boats running 100 mph +
Additional Fees & Costs:
Acquire US CUSTOMS/CBP Sticker:
$27.50—Pay with application/renewal
Bahamas Customs Clearance:
Vessel under 35′: $150 cash
Vessels over 35′: $ 300 cash to clear ( for up to 3 on board)
For the 4th and additional passengers: Add $ 20 pp for Bahamas Customs.
Documents required to bring:
Valid passports for all passengers on board.
Registration or USCG Documentation required for the vessel.
Insurance: Be certain you vessel is insured for the Bahamas.
Bahamas Preparation List: Will be provided at time of registration. This list outlines all the FAQ’s and helps you prepare for this big event.
Applicants for participation must meet the following requirements with no exceptions:
- Registered boat owner must be an active member with Florida Powerboat Club. (social or video membership are not qualified member programs)
- Registered boats may be approximately 25-80 feet in length, and must be fully insured with liability coverages. A proof of insurance must be submitted in the form of a declaration page. (Detailed and accurate engine data, horsepower and performance specifications must also be submitted to company officials.)
- All captains & co-drivers must attend a mandatory poker run captains safety meeting on the evening prior to departure. Captains will sign a safety waiver which includes compliance with guidelines that include: No consumption of Alcoholic beverages or medications that diminish operating skills prior to or during the poker run.
- ALL OCCUPANTS (including passengers) of the vessel must sign safety waiver provided by Florida Powerboat Club prior to departure.
- All OCCUPANTS are required to wear USCG approved Personal flotation devices during on-plane operation. Exceptions will be made in the case of Lifeline or other specialty safety products that do may carry the USCG official approval.
- All participants are required to have their vessels in compliance with USCG safety standards.
