The Big Cat Poker Run is scheduled to take place July 22-23, 2011, in the California Delta. Offshore monohulls and power cats will compete to raise money for local charities. The event is sponsored by the Discovery Bay Lions Club. 

We love the concept behind of Poker Run races and have blogged about it here in the past. This as much a game of chance as a race. Power boat navigate a charted course at top speed, stopping at 5 designated card stops to pick up a sealed envelope containing a playing card. At the finish line, all envelopes are opened and the boat with the best poker hand is the winner.

To see footage from another Poker Run held earlier this year, check out this YouTube video of the Miami Boat Show Poker Run 2011.  You can find out more about the Big Cat Poker Run on the official website.

The 2740 Renegade from Glacier is a stylish powercat that’s built to satisfy the needs of a boating and fishing family. Twin semi-displacement hulls provide lift and stability. Built-in rod racks, holders and insulated fish boxes satisfy the requirements for any fishing enthusiast who’s looking for a cat.

The Renegade is a product of the new Glacier Bay owner, PowerCat Group. This multihull features a composite core and full-fiberglass liner reflect the PowerCat influence.

Read a complete review the of Glacier Bay 2740 Renegade on the Boating magazine website.

You can also get more information about the 2740 Renegade on the Glacier Bay website.

Aspen Power Catamarans are among the world’s most fuel efficient power cats.  The Aspen C90 was introduced at the 2010 Seattle International Boat Show.  It’s the same boat that won an NMMA Innovation Award at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show, but with the addition of a cabin.  This 28-foot powerboat as a cruising speed of almost 18 mph with a fuel efficiency of 6.6 miles per gallon. 

The Aspen C90 has twin hulls, but its port hull carries about 35% less beam than the starboard hull.  The starboard hull carries extra weight in the form of the diesel engine, 2 water tanks and access to the king-sized bed equipped stateroom.  The single small diesel engine keeps keeps maintenance costs down and a built-in solar charging systems provides additional economy. 

The Aspen C90 was designed by Larry Graf, founder of Aspen Power Catamarans and former designer for Glacier Bay, one of the world’s largest power cat manufacturers.

Read a full review of the Aspen C90 on the Sea Magazine website.

When most people think of the Virgin Islands, it’s the U.S. or British Virgin Islands.  Less well-known are the islands of Culebra, Vieques and Palomino, known as the Spanish Virgin Islands, even though they are located just 6 miles east of Puerto Rico and about 20 miles from the more famous Virgin Islands. 

The Spanish Virgin Islands were ceded to the U.S. in the late 1900s and were used almost exclusively by the U.S. military until 2003.  This kept the islands in a pristine state, with crystal clear blue water, white sandy beaches and reefs teaming with marine life.  If you’re looking for a remote paradise for your next cruising vacation or charter, consider the Spanish Virgin Islands.

Read more about the Spanish Virgin Islands at Fodors.