Emerald Coast Powerboat Week Poker Run Strong At 90 Boats

With three summer treks to the Bahamas behind it, the Florida Powerboat Club returns its focus stateside to the upcoming Emerald Coast Powerboat Week Poker Run. The club has “sold out its inventory” at the Emerald Grande Resort in Destin, Fla., according to club president Stu Jones and 90 boats are registered for the event, which starts Thursday.

The 32nd annual Florida Powerboat Club Emerald Coast Powerboat Week Poker Run kicks off Thursday. Photos by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix

“For the most part, we’re looking at business as usual for the 32nd annual Emerald Coast event,” Jones said. “Sponsorship representation is strong and we’re going to see a lot of new boats at this event including a GSX 36 center console powered by triple Mercury Racing 500R outboards from Ison Marine and a pair of new Sunsation Powerboats 32 CCX center consoles from Performance Boat Center. All those boats and more will be at the sponsor docks.

“Plus, all the usual players including Midnight Express, Concept Boats, Nor-Tech and more are bringing new builds,” he added. “And Cigarette Racing Team has jumped on board as our presenting sponsor for our Saturday night party.”

A fun run to Juana’s Pagodas in Navarre Beach is set for Friday.

Jones will run his own Cigarette 38 Top Gun called Top Gun: Flight 1130 in the 120-mile poker run. The Saturday trek from Destin to Pensacola Beach will include eight checkpoints and stops at “no less than five waterfront hotspots,” according to the Florida Powerboat Club head.

Added Jones, “We have great partners on this event for all of the venues, including Juana’s Pagodas in Navarre Beach, which will host the Friday fun run. Juana’s is always a big hit with Emerald Coast Poker Run participants.”