National Powerboat Association - New York City Poker Run 2003

June 18, 2005

111 Powerboats, 1,776 pistons, 221 propellers, and 2 jet-turbine engines attacked the Hudson River on Saturday,

June 18th at 12-noon for the Annual spectacular running of the NEW YORK CITY POWERBOAT POKER RUN.

There is no other show like it”, claims Billy Frenz, Executive Director of the National Powerboat Association, the event’s

producer. Over 1,000 spectator boats lined the Hudson Valley to witness the thrill and excitement this event produces.

Participants from all over America and Canada came together at Liberty Landing Marina, located inside of Liberty State

Park, Jersey City, New Jersey, to stage one of the largest boating events in America, and thus, in the World. The TV cameras

and photographers were everywhere…on the docks, on the boats, in the helicopters…all documenting this “one-of-a-kind”

exhibition.

The land displays were magnificent. And then you looked at the boats in the water…amazing!

Friday night’s “Good-Luck” Party kicked off the weekend with “Tor and the Newcomers” playing some good ol’

Rock & Roll. Saturday morning’s driver’s meeting got everybody on the same page for the run and the checkpoint locations.

The Patriotic Powerboat Parade from the Statue of Liberty to the George Washington Bridge began at 11:45 AM with

Marc Jameson’s 39 Outerlimit’s “What-A-Ride” at the head of the pack as the Official Pace Boat with an escort from

the New Jersey State Police.

With the Hudson being a bit rough this year, “Jet-Set”, a 40 Turbine powered Skater Cat of Mike Fusco, had trouble

staying in the water and the Deep V’s of Outerlimits had their day with 6 boats running in the front pack lead by Oliver Bock

from Canada in his 47 Outerlimits, “Big Soldier”…successfully navigating his boat to the George Washington Bridge first

followed by Mike Fiore and Bob Russell piloting,”Lake Cumberland Marine”, 42 Outerlimits’ GTX and then

Vinny Rifice’s 36 Skater Cat right behind him.

The “Best Looking Boat” Award went to Ty DiMeo of Southington, Conn. in his 46 Cigarette Rough Rider

and the “Best Looking Crew” Award went to Joe Lupo and his Team from Long Island New York, running the new

Fountain 42 Poker Run special. Ryan Friedman in his 38 Cigarette, “Water Damage” from Long Island won the

“Spirit of the N.P.B. A” Award” after being the youngest captain for the past few years.

The big winner of the day though was a 1st time entrant with a 27 Baja powered by a single Merc 502/425 HP

that goes 68 MPH. Robert McGloughlin from White House Station, New Jersey won the $5,000.00 Grand Prize

by pulling 3 Kings and 2 fives in his boat called, “Shaken Not Stirred”. So let it be said again, speed is not a

factor in these poker runs, but it sure adds a lot of excitement to the draw.

Additional Awards were given to:
Mark Jameson, “GO-FAAAST AWARD”
OUTERLIMITS, “OFFICIAL PACEBOAT AWARD”
FASTBOATS INC/CHIEF POWERBOATS: “OFFICIAL PACEBOAT AWARD”
Mercury Racing, “Hi-Performance Engine Award
Cigarette Racing Team, “Special Recognition”
“Official Host Award”, Liberty Landing Marina
“Official Checkpoint No. 1”, Ossining Boat and Canoe Club
“Official TV Producer”, THINKFAST FILMS

The National Powerboat Association is a company dedicated to the advancement of powerboating in America through event promotions and productions as a purveyor of powerboats, powerboat equipment, videos, and sportswear.

Conceived in 1976 with regional events and upgraded in 1982 to national events, the N.P.B.A.'s boating experience assures premium shows and quality products.