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 Desert Storm Poker Run is one of the biggest in the U.S. Each spring over 200 of the fastest powerboats converge on Lake Havasu for four days of partying, powerboat races and the poker run. Participants represent some of the top performance boat manufacturers and entrants come from all corners of the nation. The event raises money for local charities.

The Nautical Inn Resort in Lake Havasu has hosted the event for the past few years. Lake Havasu is a favorite location for powerboat racing with the London Bridge part of the scenery.

Check out this YouTube video of the 2008 Desert Storm Poker Run:

The Mares 38 High Performance Powercat is advertised as a great poker run boat.  This is one of the only high performance catamarans which features a full cabin with a double bed and an enclosed head.  The cockpit area is also large, with plenty of room for entertaining and sunbathing.  The 38 foot length of the Mares 38 makes it perfect for offshore cruising.  For more information, see the Mares Powercats 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.