Whether you're a participant or spectator of poker runs and/or offshore races, 2004 shows every sign of being known as "The Year of Performance Boating." Industry buzz, so far, has been very positive.

On the race scene, last year's turmoil and confusion has opened new doors of opportunity. A primary example is the recent acquisition of APBA Offshore by racer Bob Bull, with Jim Poplin at the helm. If all goes according to plan, APBA competition will, with direct involvement from the racing community and its sponsors, soon achieve its long-term goal of being known as the "Indy 500" of offshore.

A disagreement in management last year also caused a rift that led to a third world championship, held in Key West. This led to the formation of The Offshore Super Series Powerboat Racing Association (OSS), a 31-member, not-for-profit organization of top-ranked racers dedicated to the development and growth of offshore competition.

While future plans were being finalized as we went to press, we can only hope that both groups will find a way to work together to continue the tradition that has made offshore racing a great and true sport of champions.

The 2004 boating season boasts equally dramatic and positive changes for the continually growing poker run circuit. It's especially good to see that more event organizers have joined APRA, realizing the benefits of membership, particularly APRA's longstanding and industry-wide reputation and focus on safety (a prerequisite for major sponsors), affordable and full-coverage event liability insurance, exclusive how-to manual, and more. (For full details, call Larry Boyd at 1-800-354-9145).

Even organizers who have not yet signed on with the American Poker Runs Association are becoming aware of the need to focus their efforts on operating safe, fun-filled events. Our poker runs have been virtually incident and accident-free for the past 17 years, and, as far as I'm concerned, I applaud their efforts in this vital direction.

Speaking of APRA-sanctioned Poker Runs America events, 2004 has a few surprises in store. After lengthy negotiations, we've moved host-city headquarters of our internationally renown 1000 Islands Poker Run to its original location. Kingston, Ontario, home of Dan Aykroyd and the world famous Limestone Blues Festival, is a city steeped in history.

Poker run participants will be thrilled to see military reenactments at majestic Fort Henry and Sunset Ceremonies with precision drills, fife and drum music and a spectacular fireworks finale. What's more, five-star hotels are located within walking distance of poker run boats, fine dining, fabulous shopping and nightlife and a cultural backdrop of art galleries and museums, including the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes.

Featuring pub crawls, a gala banquet at the Royal Military College, boat parades and more, this year's 1000 Islands Poker Run will be an incredible action-packed weekend festival and one of the biggest, most remarkable international poker run events you'll ever attend. ( Top )