February Poker Run Raft-up

The SLSC cruising fleet is on a winning streak that would rival any Las Vegas high-roller.  Mother Nature dealt us another winning hand of weather with calm water, mild wind and warm temperature for the Poker Run Raft-up on February 18.  Nine boats gathered to participate in the festivities.  They were Mary Flower, Good Life, Fiddler, Andiamo, Seabreeze, Why Knot, Koverman’s Whaler, Latitudes and Soon Reach.   Hula Girl made a drive-by to say, “Hi”.

Members faced challenges that included docking, anchoring, rafting, retrieving overboard objects and being forced fed pizza and beer.  Over 15 prizes were distributed via raffle tickets.  The poker run included 4 stops.  The first stop was at the docks of Soon Reach where some members had a chance to get up-close and personal with their follow members by feeding each other beer and pizza.  Raffle tickets and playing cards were distributed, along with instructions on where to go for the second stop.

The well known Deck Restaurant was the site of our second stop.  Once all ashore, we ate and drank, while lucky members matched up their tickets for prizes.   We were pleasantly surprised when Stu … joined the group.  Members received more playing cards and instructions to proceed to the Bessy Creek area.

Our third stop (which really wasn’t a “stop”) was Bessy Creek.  Like the wagon trains of the ol’ west, the boats circled the dingy from Soon Reach.   From the dingy, Susan Thompson threw out plastic milk cartons.  Each carton had a looped line attached, and inside were two playing cards and instructions on where the next stop was located.  Each boat had to retrieve a bottle, open it up and obtain the contents.

The fourth and final stop was s/v Soon Reach which was already anchored by Pendarvis.  Once all of our boats were rafted up, we shared the three “F”s ( food, fun and fantastic stories).  Everyone gathered on Soon Reach to play one hand of 7 card stud.  As one card was played Iin turn by each captain, some great hands emerged. There were 3 aces, two pairs and a straight.  But the winning hand of a full boat (a very appropriate winner for a boating poker run) was held by Paul and Jill Loschiavo, who won a new “Deal Me In” poker flag to fly on their boat.

Through the course of the evening, we lost 4 boats as they had other obligations.  Five boats remained overnight and shared breakfast in the morning.  The wind was picking up; and the raft-up broke up; and all headed to home ports.

Be sure to log on to our website and view the pictures from the Poker Run Raft-up.

Tom Thompson

Cruising Fleet Capt

s/v Soon Reach