The 2005 Poker Runs America Sarasota Suncoast event was a resounding success, with more than sixty boats participating.

Our Suncoast Poker Run experience began on Thursday afternoon, with boats arriving at the Hyatt Sarasota marina, and at the satellite dockage just five minutes away at Marina Jacks. Proximity to the hotel was a major plus for the Poker Runners, and the facility, which is planning a number of marina enhancements, will be even better in 2006.

Celebrity poker runners included the racers from Rio Roses, Pier 57, and Randy Scism's MTI cats, along with factory 2006 models from Cigarette and Velocity.

The event started with a Friday afternoon bash, hosted by Steve Stepp and the crew from Velocity, followed by a Friday night pool party at the Hyatt Sarasota, sponsored by Cigarette and Douglas Marine Skater.

The manufacturers were on-site with a full range of customer support - Outerlimits brought their semi-trailer, containing every part and accessory a poker runner might need - or want - to make the most of their boating experience.

Hideaway Marine was there in full force, as was Lake Cumberland Marine, who brought a new 40' Skater to the event.

Josh Stickles and his crew represented the home town Donzi Team, who enjoyed every minute of boating with their friends and customers.

Bill Tweedy of Myco Trailers had a great time at the Poker Run, as did the crew from Featherlite, who manufacture prestigious motorhomes ideal for use on the Poker Runs America circuit.

The Poker Runs America Sarasota Suncoast event is popular among participants for its friendly atmosphere and excellent venues. From the accommodations at the Hyatt Sarasota to the pre- and post Poker Run entertainment, this opportunity to enjoy boating in a tropical paradise draws boating enthusiasts from as far away as the Pacific Northwest and Canada.

Our sixty-boat field was accompanied by pace boat and paramedics. For the past 18 years, and over 180 poker run events, we have only used our medical crew twice - once for a heart attack at breakfast, and the other for an appendix attack - both patients recovered thanks to the quick response of the paramedics.

As with all officially sanctioned APRA (American Poker Runs Association) events, the Suncoast Poker Runners were required to attend an extensive driver's meeting, where the nuances of the route were explained in detail, and drivers were briefed on all of the local regulations for speed, wake, and safe boating practices. Each boat operator is required to have appropriate poker run insurance, and wear suitable PFD's for all aboard. APRA regulations require that every participant adhere to the safety guidelines, covering boat operation and a range of nautical practices. As with every APRA event, alcohol is absolutely forbidden until the boat is tied up at the dock at the end of the day.

To facilitate the safe and fair use of the waterways, extensive preparations are made through the cooperation of the local, state and coast guard authorities. Marshal boats patrol the spectator fleet, and the course is clearly marked with buoys to keep unauthorized traffic a safe distance from the poker run route. The local authorities deserve a big thank-you for their efforts to make the waterways safe and accessible to all types of recreational boaters - events of this scope could never take place without their dedication and professional skills. Some of the Poker Runs America events have more than 40 marshal boats along the route.

We would also like to thank the many volunteers, whose presence throughout the poker run route assured the safety and enjoyment of all concerned, and the many local businesses who participated in the events before, during, and after the poker run.

Gentlemen and Ladies, Start Your Engines!

Thoroughly briefed, well fed, and ready to hit the water, our Poker Runners picked up their first card prior to casting off from the Hyatt Sarasota en route to the open water of Sarasota Bay and the first start of the run. The green flag dropped at 10:30 a.m., and tens of thousands of horsepower throttled up for the first leg, to rendezvous with our Sea Tow card boat just offshore at Vinoy - St. Petersburg. With marshal boats and volunteers on hand to assist with the process, the fleet provided an impressive parade of power for thousands of spectators as they queued-up for their sealed poker run envelope. With card in hand, the boats changed heading for Treasure Island, and the ever-popular lunch stop at Gator's Cafe.

Refreshed and very well fed, the fleet continued south on the Gulf to Mar Vista Marina on Long Boat Key, where they picked up card number four, and then set course for card number five at the Hyatt.

All in all, it was a great day on the water, enjoyed by participant and spectator alike.

The Suncoast Poker Run culminated with the awards banquet at the Hyatt Sarasota, where the poker hands were revealed and winners declared.

For more information on the safe operation of offshore Poker Run events, visit the APRA website at www.americanpokerrunsassociation.com or call 1-800-354-9145.