Donzi 39 VRZ Center Console Duo Coming To 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run

Fans of the Donzi Marine brand—and high-performance powerboat enthusiasts in general—who register for this year’s 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run have something will have something brand-new to ogle this year. Thanks to Donzi Marine of Washington, N.C., and STAX Performance Marine, the company’s dealership in Ottawa, Canada, a pair of 39 ZRC center consoles will be in the mix at the fifth annual event, which is scheduled for July 13-15.

Thanks to 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run Diamond-level sponsor STAX Performance Marine, a pair of Donzi 39 VRZ center consoles will be part of the fleet at the July event in Upstate New York. Photo courtesy/copyright Donzi Marine.

STAX Performance Marine has taken delivery of the first 39-footer, an orange-and-black beauty that already has been sold and delivered. That center console will be complemented by a 39 VRZ, this one with a predominantly red paint job and currently under construction for the dealership owned by Alex Decristoforo, who will be in Clayton for the event.

Both Donzi and STAX have combined as 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run Diamond Sponsors (to the tune of $10,000)

“I was just with Alex yesterday,” said Craig Barrie of Donzi Marine, who like Decristoforo will be on hand to represent the brand at the event. “He has ordered six boats so far—two 39 VRZ, two 22 Limited Edition Classics and two new models I can’t reveal right now but will in a couple of weeks.

Donzi fans such as Jack Gladke, who owns a 38 ZRC sportboat built in 2008, will have the chance to see the latest offerings from the vaunted brand. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

“Alex is very impressive and aggressive, and very cool,” he added.

Among the 80-plus participants registered so far is Jack Gladke of Upstate New York. A Donzi loyalist and returning 1,000 Islands Charity Poker Run fan, Gladke owns an immaculate 2008 model-year 38 ZRC dubbed Red Baron. The chance to check out something more-recent from Donzi is an added bonus for him.

“I’m very excited to see these new models in person and hopefully catch a ride,” he explained. “I think the 1,000 Islands area is a perfect location for such a versatile boat given the generally calm water in the protected areas of the river and unpredictable conditions of Lake Ontario.

“Who knows?” he added, then laughed. “Maybe I’ll just have to add one to my collection.”