The USVI Stars and Stripes Poker Run will take place July 5 out of IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande on St. Thomas. This is the newest and most exciting of the Caribbean’s nautical events that combine power boating with playing cards to create an event that is more about camaraderie than competition.
“We are on a mission to revitalize the marine industry in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” explains organizer, Guilderoy Sprauve. “A poker run is a great way to get boaters, both local and international, and boating enthusiasts out to enjoy the ocean in a fun safe way that also raises money for local charities. The camaraderie that exists among boaters is amazing and lends to an experience like none other. In addition to our push to attract more boat owners, we are also actively marketing to non-boat owners to join in on the fun,”
Last year, 24 entries raced in the inaugural USVI Stars & Stripes Poker Run. St. Thomas’ Rasheed ‘Rasco’ St. Juste and his team aboard the 22-foot Paramount, G-6, won with a hand of three 9s, a Jack of Spades and 3 of Clubs. Even more entries including performance boats, power yachts and sports cruisers are expected this year. Spectators can join in on the fun by booking passage on the party boat, Cruzan Breeze, which will follow the poker run route.
This year’s route will circumnavigate St. Thomas. Stops include Coki Beach in St. Thomas and the Beach Bar in Cruz Bay, St. John, as well as three new stops: Pizza Pi in Christmas Cove, Great St. James Island; Magens Bay; and ABI Beach Bar in Frenchman’s Bay.
“New too is our creation of Poker Run TV. It’s a YouTube documentary segment of short videos showcasing the poker run and power boating industry in the Virgin Islands,” says Sprauve. Check out the first segment at: http://youtu.be/7M7_ccT1kLo
The second annual USVI Stars & Stripes Poker Run kicks-off with a Captain’s Meeting at 9:30 a.m. on July 5 at Yacht Haven Grande. The official start is 10:30 a.m., with all boats expected back for the 6:30 p.m. Awards Show.
For more information, visit: www.usvipokerrun.com. Or, get the latest on Facebook and Twitter.
