South Florida is slowly rising up from the impact of Hurricane Irma, and the Florida Powerboat Club’s 25th Annual Key West Poker Run, presented by Mercury Racing (November 7-13, concurrent with the Super Boat International Key West Offshore World Championships) is on track in spite of challenges from the recent storms. The Key West Poker Run is the signature poker run event of the Florida Powerboat Club and attracts a global roster of more than 175 participants for scenic cruising through the Florida Keys from Miami to Key West. Checkpoints along the way take participants to Florida Keys hot spots in Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon and Bahia Honda. Pace boats provide navigation through the winding backwaters of the Florida Keys, allowing participants to enjoy the ride in more protected waters before the final 40-mile leg offshore and into the protected Key West Harbor. The Key West Poker Run village acts as event headquarters for four days, with entertainment every evening and great dining at the Conch Republic Seafood Company. Daily powerboat excursions and fun runs give participants a chance to explore local waters.
Mercury Racing returns as the presenting sponsor of the event.
“Congratulations to Stu, Jackie and the entire Florida Powerboat Club on 25 years of this signature poker run. You have set the bar for safe, well-organized events, and we are honored to be affiliated with such a quality organization. We wish you many more years of success,” said Mercury Racing General Manager Erik Christiansen.
Be sure to stop by the Mercury Racing Experience Truck to see the naturally aspirated QC4 860 sterndrive, a 540 sterndrive and a cutaway of the venerable 400R outboard. Joining Christiansen on-site will be Sales, Marketing and Service Director Steve Miller, Performance Propeller Manager Scott Reichow and Product Integration Manager Mike Griffiths. Official Mercury Racing merchandise items will be available for purchase.
The poker run offers a two-venue departure program.
•North Venue: North Miami Beach (Sunny Isles) near Haulover Inlet — Boat ramp, trailer parking, multiple hotels. Distance is 180 miles from North Miami to Key West (360 miles round trip)
•South Venue: Coconut Grove — The captain’s meeting and check-in location will be at the Mayfair Hotel. Times and details may be found in the poker run itinerary that will be provided to all registered participants. Distance is 165 miles to Key West (330 miles round trip)
Accommodations:
Mayfair Hotel & Spa
Just a few blocks from Grove Harbour Marina. Transportation assistance will be provided from Grove Harbour Marina.
Biscayne Bay Marriott
A small number of slips were acquired at Sea Isle Marina; therefore, a few poker run teams will be departing from this location to rendezvous with the boats at Grove Harbour Marina. FPC has a room block with the Marriott at a group rate of $179/night.
(The Courtyard Marriott Coconut Grove sustained damage from Hurricane Irma and will be closed through December.)
To make reservations, contact the FPC office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or complete the online registration form. Tracey, Office Manager: admin@flpowerboat.com; Jackie Jones, Event Management: jackie@flpowerboat.com, daytime phone: 954-545-1414
