In first place is Ericsson 4, with Telefonica Blue and PUMA Ocean Racing in second and third. All of the boats are in good shape due to an easier than expected Leg 6 from Rio de Janeiro. Following their stay in Boston, the yachts head out on May 16 across the Atlantic to Galway, Scotland for Leg 7. Read more on the Volvo Ocean Race website.

The New York City Power Boat Poker Run is scheduled for June 20, 2009. The annual event takes place on the Hudson River and is one of the largest U.S. boating events, expected to draw more than 100 high-performance boats. Besides powercats and V-bottoms, participating boats will include express cruisers and large runabouts.

A Poker Run is not exactly a race, but more of a game of chance.  Participating boats navigate a charted course at top speed, stopping at five designated checkpoints along the course.  At each checkpoint, a sealed envelope holding a playing card is distributed.  At the end of the course, all envelopes are opened and the boat with the winning poker hand is the winner. 

A Poker Run is a family event.  At each checkpoint, entertainment and activities are provided.  There’s really nothing like this event for boating excitement and family involvement.  

According to Skip Braver, “The power in powerboating today is in Poker Runs.”   Skip is President and CEO of Cigarette Racing Team™, the leading manufacturer of custom performance boats.

Read more at the National Power Boat Association website.  There is also a magazine dedicated to the sport of Poker Runs, Poker Runs America.

When it comes to powercats, the name Skater is synonymous with high performance and velocity.  Skater power catamarans are built by Douglas Marine Corporation, the top builder of high performance catamarans for that past 30 years.  The first Skater was the Skater 18, built in 1974.  Since then, no catamaran manufacturer has won more national and international racing championships or set more speed records.

Douglas Marine Corporation is based in the U.S. in Douglas, Michigan.  Learn more about company on their website.

The boating season is coming up in many parts of the world, so it’s time for all boaters to review boat safety basics. Boating can go from pleasure to disaster without proper planning and common sense. Before taking your boat out for the first time this season, give it a thorough check. Make sure your engine and fuel lines are in good order and verify that all safety equipment is in good working order. Probably the most important item of safety equipment is the Personal Flotation Device (PFD), also known as a Life Jacket. Everyone on your boat should wear a PFD, especially children. Don’t think that you’ll be able to jump overboard and help a child who falls out of your boat – the odds are that you won’t. As a boat owner, you need to take responsibility for the safety of all your passengers.

The U.S. Coast Guard has a great website with information about all types of boat safety. Visit it for a refresher course in safety basics before the boating season starts.