Approximately 30 powerboats road in convoy to the Exuma Cays during the Bahamas Poker Run. (Photos: Jordan Lampkin)
Hundreds of New Providence boating enthusiasts made the first Bahamas Poker Run even more of a success than organizers had hoped for. Approximately 30 powerboats rode in convoy to the Exuma Cays for the day, playing cards and collecting prizes.
"We emphasized to our captains that the poker run is not a boat race, but rather a leisurely pace towards multiple island checkpoints. The point is to enjoy the ride and have fun together along the way," said Captain Jordan Lampkin, owner, Lampkin Marine Services.
"The Exuma Cays are the perfect destination for an event of this kind -- it's proximity to [New Providence], shallow waters, and unique attractions made for an unforgettable day of boating."
The poker run route included a stop at Allen's Cay to feed native iguanas, and a flotilla playing card draw near Shroud Cay before arriving at the event's destination, Compass Cay Marina. Participants in the poker run arrived at Compass Cay as the tide was going down to swim with the island's main attraction -- friendly nurse sharks -- and enjoy an afternoon of beaching and socializing. Later, participants ventured to Big Major Cay's Pig Beach to visit the famous Exuma swimming pigs ahead of returning to New Providence before sundown.
The event together all cross sections of the Bahamian boating community -- personal boat owners, commercial fishing charters, engineers and mechanics, brokered captains, and beach-goers, who all agreed that it was a fun-filled day on the water.
While poker runs are an internationally recognized event, most commonly for motorcycles and motor vehicles, the Bahamas Poker Run was the first of its kind for local maritime sport. Organized and lead by Lampkin and Shane Freedman, the pair agreed the concept lent itself well to Bahamian waters.
As a gift of appreciation for the Bahamas National Trust's protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the Bahamas Poker Run organizers made a donation of $1,000 towards the conservation of the islands and cays. After learning a few of the attendees had never been to some of the Bahamian islands before the event, and were struck by its exceptional beauty, organizers said the donation seemed appropriate.
"Our donation to the BNT is a direct result of the event's popularity and generosity of our sponsors, particularly Bahamian Brewery and Beverage for making a significant contribution to the event. We thank everyone who made the very first Bahamas Poker Run a great day. We're looking forward to returning to the islands soon," said Lampkin.
Bay Street Marina, Green Parrot Harbourfront, Sky High Media, Jimmy's Wines & Spirits and Sands Beer, 100 Jamz, Bancroft Communications, FoodStore2Go.com, Lampkin Marine Services, Muddasik.com, and The Gardens Nursery sponsored the Vevent.
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