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The American
Poker Runs Association (APRA) met with several boat
manufacturers and major performance boat dealers at
the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show regarding
the outrage which has resulted from an article recently
published in an upstart boating magazine. This article
slammed poker runs, erroneously comparing them to races.
It is evident the writer has never attended an official
APRA-sanctioned event.
For nearly 19 years the APRA has led by example, with
a perfect safety record at its officially-sanctioned
events. This achievement is no accident - it's the result
of operating under a simple set of common-sense rules
that stop potential problems before they can start.
It is also the result of continually working together
with the performance boat builders, dealers and poker
run organizers to ensure poker run events remain fun
for everyone. The APRA is going world-wide, and ha hired
a full-time executive director, Pierre Savoie, who speaks
several languages and is a sanctioning expert with many
years of on-water experience under his belt. His credentials
speak for themselves. Previously, he served as an executive
on the international level with personal watercraft
associations, and has lobbied with the government, state
police, Coast Guard and other related safety councils.
Pierre has already begun working full-time, year-round
with the APRA in conjunction with poker run organizers
who wish to join the team. His mandate is to focus on
poker run safety, with emphasis on recreational performance
boaters.
When the council meets in February at the Miami International
Boat Show, it will bring together a veritable who's-who
of performance boating composed of boat manufacturers,
dealers, poker run organizers and insurance companies.
With their guidance, the future growth of poker runs
across America is assured. Even the most sensationalistic
attacks and misinformation cannot stand up against the
APRA's perfect record for sanctioning safe, enjoyable
events that leading boating magazines and poker runners
alike rank as the best in the world. For 19 consecutive
years, this record of safety speaks for the hard work
of the advisory council and SAFETY COMMITTEE.
Poker runs are not about racing, where you need to win
at all costs. Poker runs are about spending a day with
friends enjoying warm sunshine, fresh air, great food,
while enjoying the thrilll of performance boating.
See you on the water!
William E. Taylor, Publisher
(Feature Article: Poker
Runs Are Here To Stay)
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