Poker Run 2010 update

Posted By: Sean n Jo M23 "Dauntless"
Date: 9/2/09 3:31p.m.

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Hey Gang, Just a quick update on the Poker Run info for Feb. I have been receiving a lot of requests for dates. I know everyone wants them so they can block out their schedules and I am working on it, believe me. The Poker Run has taken on a life of its own, which is great, but which means more hoops to jump through. The waters of the Colorado River are a Federal Waterway because it is the border between two states which means that the Coast Guard has jurisdiction (as well as about 15 other agencies). It appears that the event is going to grow large enough this year that we just can't call it an informal gathering as we have the last two years and instead will require a permit and blessing from the Coast Guard. This is not a totally bad thing as it should prevent any event conflicts with other groups (remember Dan!!??). Anyway, in order to be legal I have to obtain a permit which requires forms being filled out and turned into the Coast Guard to receive approval. For participants this shouldn't make any difference at all. The only problem is that I can't specify a date until I get the blessing from the Coast Guard. I am in the process of doing such as we speak, in fact I just got off the phone with them. I am shooting for Feb 11-15. I am also looking at trying to move the event to the London Bridge Resort which is the hotel in the Channel under the bridge. The Nautical has been great to us and is a beautiful place, but the lack of any docks really adds complications. The London Bridge Resort has plenty of protected slips right in front of the hotel there. That's the good part. Last time I talked to them, though, they were way high on prices and not willing to work with us. I am hoping for better results this year. It would be nice to have all the boats together at the docks each evening. I love the Nautical Inn, but the lack of safe docks makes it more difficult for boats that don't want to beach in the cove. I am thinking we may have upwards of 30+ boats this year (I hope). Additionally, we may not make the overnighter to Havasu Springs, but rather a down and back sail returning to whichever hotel we choose (LBR or the Nautical Inn) each night. Havasu Springs ran out of rooms last year when we had only 20 boats. The last two years they would not allow any overnighting on the boats within their marina. If we base out of the same resort each night you only have to move into your room once. If we can get the London Bridge Resort to play ball we could have a really cool little "boat show" type atmosphere with all the boats side by side at their docks. No matter what the weather, their docks are protected and easily accessed by sailing into the Channel's protected waters. All that being said...I am open to feedback. Base entire event out of Lake Havasu City or still overnight at Havasu Springs? Willing to pay more for the London Bridge Resort and have your boat at a safe dock in front of your room or keep event at the Nautical and deal with either beaching in the cove or launching/retrieveing each day/or getting a slip at the marina. I was thinking of the Poker Run on one day, Fun race "Cruiser Challenge Style" circumnavigating the Island on another, and Revival of the Scavenger Hunt??? If we are all at the docks of the LBR together then a late afternoon "boat show and shine" open to the public?? Send me your feedback!! Everythng is open for discussion. This is YOUR event and I will go with the majority decision. This event is non-existant without you guys. Looking forward to a great event! Sean