Those of us who survived 2004 can truly count our blessings. As residents of hurricane-ravaged Florida and neighboring states slowly began to pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives, Mother Nature unleashed its full fury on the other side of the world. As this issue went to press, we learned that unforeseen tidal waves in Southeast Asia had claimed over 150,000 lives, many of them only children.

There are no words that will take away the pain of such unprecedented tragedy. We can only hope and pray that it will never happen again. As humble and vulnerable as we feel in the wake of such massive destruction and loss of life, it should also remind us that we must always respect the incredible power and force of the water we enjoy as recreational power boaters.

Here's hoping that the worst is over, because, for us, the best is yet to come, starting with the world-renowned Miami International Boat Show (February 17-21. Be sure to stop at our display and we'll give you the inside scoop on hot new developments in the fast-forward world of performance boating.

MIAMI BOAT SHOW BASH IS BACK!

On Friday, February 18, the Hilton Fontainebleau hosts the return of our Annual Miami Boat Show Bash & World Championship Poker Run Party. One of the highlights of the invitation-only gala evening will be the crowning of North America's Official Poker Run World Champion (won by Richmond Power Boat Association member Tucker Caiskadon in 2004)! Last year's event drew more than 600 of North America's fast, famous and foremost poker runners, offshore racers, boat builders and suppliers!

Given the runaway success of our critically acclaimed Performance Boat Television series, we're also working on expanding our coverage. The show is currently airing on Fox's Florida Sunshine Network (DirecTV), the Men's Channel (Dish Network) and PrimeStar. For scheduled show times in your area, visit www.PerformanceBoatTelevision.com

For the second year in a row, Kingston will host the world's largest international 1000 Islands Poker Run. Make sure to book early. Judging by the response we've already received, the August 12-14 weekend will be sold out well before its deadline time.

The on-water action begins April 1-2 at our sizzling season opener in Sarasota. As an extra-special, adrenaline-pumping bonus, the climax of our performance-packed poker run weekend will be a battle for supremacy on the high seas, to crown the official world Poker Runs America Kilo record champion in their predetermined class.

There's much, much more in store. Subscribe to Poker Runs America today and keep checking our web site for updates. Let Poker Runs America put you in the fast lane.( Top )