SECOND ANNUAL POKER RUN ANTIGUA Wednesday 28th March 2012
The second annual poker run got under way on Saturday March 24th, 2012 at approximately 10:30 am from the Jolly Harbour Marina amidst the gorgeous back drop of blue skies and pristine water which is characteristic of Antigua. Organized by Tom Hellier of Antigua Marine Services & North Sound Marina and J.D. Hall of Adventure Antigua it was a fun filled day for all who attended. For those who have never been on a Poker Run (like me) the objective of the game was based on the rules of poker.
Jolly Harbour
Anyone could buy a hand for $15o.oo XCD and at the briefing meeting would be given a list of 5 points around the island where they would travel by boat to collect a series of cards in sealed envelopes, the wild card being delivered at the end at Dickenson Bay, bringing the total amount of cards to 6. These would be handed in at the desk by each participant for tallying. In total there were 70 hands played that day and a total of 24 boats.
Colleen collecting the cards
On board the Knotty Buoy owned and captained by Richard Fletcher I was fortunate to have him take the time out to brief me and the other Poker Run novices aboard in between navigating and driving us from point to point.
Richard Fletcher on Knotty Buoy
The first stop on the list was Carlisle Bay where a team of 2 waited to hand us our first card, this was followed by Bird Island, North Sound Marina (located at Crabbs) and Maiden Island where players were able to dock up, have a bite to eat, have a drink or two, swim and generally enjoy the day.
Boats docked up at Maiden Island
The last stop was at Deep Bay after which the boats gathered at the Pepperz ‘n Lime Restaurant in Dickenson Bay for the prize giving. It was a very festive atmosphere with lots of food, drinks, laughter and entertainment. Mrs. Hellier served as MC for the afternoon and organized a series of children’s activities including a sand sculpture competition featuring any type of sea creature, tug of war, musical statues and a hula hoop competition. The adults were not to be left out as the ladies proved that they were indeed the stronger sex during their tug of war competition.
Boats docked up at Dickenson Bay
Having never participated in a poker run, I was amazed at how organized and relaxed the day was considering that this was only the second time that this team had held an event of this nature. In true Antiguan style it was a day of fun for all, children and adults alike. Not only was it exciting to see who would win the prizes but it afforded participants an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Antiguan coast by sea.
Winners were awarded excellent prizes for which the sponsors must be thanked. Sponsors of the Poker Run included – North Sound Marina, Adventure Antigua, Budget Marine, Outdoor World, Paradise Boats, Sizzling Slots, Cecil’s Shoe Store, The Larder, Sign Pro and Quin Farara.
The prizes and awardees were as follows:
1. 1st prize - $3,000.00 XCD, an engraved poker set and the perpetual trophy were awarded to Michael Ferraz
2. 2nd prize - $500 gift certificate from Budget Marine and $500 cash from Sizzling Slots were awarded to Omar Shoul
3. 3rd prize - $500 gift certificate from Budget Marine and $500 cash from Sizzling Slots were awarded to Brian D’Ornellas
4. 4th prize - $500 gift certificate from Paradise Boats and $300 gift certificate from Budget Marine were awarded to Jason George John
5. 5th prize - $200 gift certificate from Budget Marine and $200 cash from North Sound Marina awarded to Kathryn Doumith
6. 6th prize – gift certificate from The Larder awarded to Ross Bloomfield
7. 7th prize - gift certificate Adventure Antigua awarded to Jessica Greaux
8. Party boat - meow 2 Jean-Claude D’Ornellas
Special thanks must be given to ABSAR, Robert and Mandy Hall, Sean McMillan, Jolly Harbour Mega Dock, Pepperz ‘n Lime, Antigua Nature Tours and the team from Antigua Marine Services Raquel and Taddy.
2nd Prize
1st prize
Congratulations Tom and J.D. for a job well done.
By: Katarina McGhie
March 27th, 2012
Photos by Katarina McGhie, Michael Douglas and Budget Marine. Click here for all News and Specials for AntiguaNice Yachting Insider Newsletter
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