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A Gathering of Trailer Sailors from Across the West
February 11th to 15th, 2010
London Bridge Resort
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Matt Marx photo
Welcome!
Welcome! This is the information web page for the 2010 Havasu Pocket Cruisers Poker Run and Get-together. On this page you should find the information you need to see what this event is all about. Plans are firming up now for our biggest and best event yet. This year we've moved the venue to the beautiful London Bridge Resort. The London Bridge Resort has a fabulous location that will allow the event to grow even more and allow us to develop the event into the "convention" style of event that I envision for the future. Their waterfront location, 50 beautiful protected slips, all suite rooms, restaurants, bars, golf coarse and on site convention facilities will allow the event to grow as large as we want to make it. It's a perfect fit! If you have already attended one or the two previous events you'll know what I mean, if not, please read on and plan on joining us. Put that trailer sailor to use, get out of the snow for a week, and head to Arizona. Here you'll find the most diverse group of trailer sailors that share your enthusiasm, you'll form friendships from across the Western US, and I promise you you'll see lots of smiles. We can't wait to meet you.....read on!!
"......Lake Havasu 2009...And a grand time was had by all!! We arrived early and stayed late with my brand new Monty 17 "SIX" in tow...(1st 2009 out of the mold). Sean & Jo had all the bases covered. The event was top drawer all the way!....There is only partial truth in the story of me being placed under "house arrest" by the "go fast 100+mph boat committee!!! We had way too much fun! I have this very day booked a week in 2010....Regards, Dan Phy M17 "SIX" #653"
Dan Phy and Jim Kirwan sailing "SIX" in the '09 Event
Larry Yake Photo
Bit of History:
This is the 3rd running of this event. It came about because of a total collapse of local sailing activity here in Lake Havasu. In the winter time Lake Havasu can be a great place to sail and my desire was to get sails out on the water again. I have spent the last 4 years traveling to Southern California and even up to the Pacific Northwest with Daunltess in tow, meeting up with other trailer sailors during the summer months when the sailing on Lake Havasu isn't that great. It became obvious to me that if someone would go to the trouble to organize something that there were sailors out there who would come. The people we've met like Howie Goldbrandson (infamous Capt Howie) who organizes the Socal Potters, Larry Yake in the state of Washington who organizes bi-annual cruises through the San Juan and Gulf Islands, and Dick Herman and his band of buddies from the Potter Yachters who organize the Monterey Cruiser Challenge sparked the idea to try this event. How honored was I when all three attended the event last year?! I'm proud to report that last year we had a fleet of 20 sailboats on the water and it was beautiful. This year, the goal is to up that to 30 or better! That's a big target, but from the feedback I've gotten I think we might just get there! Read on for more about the event....
Bill and Dawn Kaiser sailing "Dessert Dawn" in '09 Event
Capt Howie Photo
..." The event was lots of fun! Thanks for putting it on.".... Bill Kaiser
Don & Debbie onboard "Qualtiy Time", '09 Event
Capt Howie photo
....."the groups binding factor is their love of sailing these spectacular little pocket cruisers! We're truly having a "Quality Time"!......Don & Debbie Boyko, Capri 18 "Quality Time"
.... "The 2009 Poker Run was the perfect cure for the winter blahs. (It) was awesome, so I've got to see if Sean can pull it off two years in a row."..... Dick Herman
Dick Herman and "Muddy Duck" at '09 Event
Capt Howie Photo
What This Event is:
This is an event based around sailing and friendship. Yes, we have some games we play and there are some prizes, but that is secondary. AND...We have structured the event to make it appealing to the "admiral" of your boat too. There are many events we can all attend to enjoy the true "cruising" lifestlye. This isn't that. This is .....well...as my friend Howie puts it...Pampered. No cramped v-berths, sleeping bags, cooking, port-a-potties, etc. Yes, I too enjoy gettting "out there" and doing all that stuff (well, maybe not the pottie thing!) but we want to encourage you to bring the Mrs. along. Sail during the day, resort life in the evening. Great food, accommodations, and friends. AND...she WON'T be the only gal!!
What This Event is NOT:
This is not a "club" event. It is not put on by a club or organization of any kind. You don't need to be a member of ANY club. Just come and share in the camaraderie. Everyone here is on an even playing field. Everyone here is a friend. Period.
This is not a Formal Race - we may have a "fun race" but you don't need to be a "racer". All you need to know are the normal rules of the waterway that you sail by everyday. There will not be any high pressure racing events to get anyone stressed out!
This is not an event designed to raise money.
There is NO entry fee to this event. You must pay your own way (lodging, meals, etc.) but that's it. We have some great sponsors that donate to the event and every dollar or prize that is donated goes right to the participants. Why? Because without you.....THERE IS NO EVENT!! :-)
..."The Lake Havasu sail was a great mid-winter escape from the cold and rain at home and an excellent way to kick off our 30th anniversary!"....Dave Kautz
Dave and Francesca Kautz in '09 Event
Capt Howie Photo
..."Come join the adventure and be a part of small boat history. This event is destined to become the premier winter event for the west coast sailing community. See you there!" Captain & Mrs. Howie - Sweet Thing II
Capt & Mrs. Howie and Denny Hyett aboard Sweet Thing II '08 Event
Sean Mulligan photo
What's New This Year?
A Lot!
We've moved the home base for the event to the London Bridge Resort. This does so many things for us that I feel it's going to "blow the top off" this event!
First, the resort is located on the waterfront of "The Channel" right beside the London Bridge. It's absolutely beautiful! Talk about "pampered"! ...all the rooms are suites with kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms! Even more importantly , this solves our problem of no safe dock space that we had at the Nautical Inn, and eliminates having to get slips at the marina (which had been a definite hassle) or having to launch your boat first thing in the morning when you would rather get sailing. They have 50 slips right in front of the hotel, totally protected in any kind of weather. This place has it all and they have given us a fabulous deal of $99/night and that includes your boat slip. They have an awesome restaurant, bar, and patio overlooking the boats, all of which we will be utilizing. There is parking for your tow vehicle and trailer in a nice blacktop parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver.
The Resort
..."My buddy Tim and I loved the mid-winter getaway that Sean organized. This was the second year of the event, and both years Tim drove in from Cottonwood, AZ, and I towed the boat from San Diego, to meet for a couple of days to relax and renew our friendship on that bizarre fresh-water lake in the middle of the desert called Lake Havasu. I highly recommend it. This year I may even bring my wife."....James Bruton
Dan Ricker photo
Jim Bruton sailing "Bonnie Blue" in '09 Event
Meet and Greet!
Thursday Afternoon/Eve
You'll arrive in Lake Havasu on Thursday. After getting your boat rigged and launched you'll head for the hotel slips. We'll make sure we help the singlehanders and anyone else that needs it with rigging, launching, and transporting vehicles from the ramp to the hotel parking lot. Once you are here...Relax! ...walk up the stairs from the docks to the Meet and Greet Party right there on the Hotel patio overlooking the docks. We'll do a group dinner there as well! The hotel and your room are just steps from the dock!
..."Debbie and I arrived at Havasu 2008 as novice sailors (we still are). Everyone made us feel welcome, and the company of other boats gave us confidence. We had a blast! After the event everyone sent photographs of us sailing. I figured out later that was because we were slow and gave photographers a chance as they passed us. We are practicing our smiles and can't wait for Havasu 2010".... Steve and Debbie Wylie WWP #836 AzTex
Steve and Debbie Wylie sailing in '08 Poker Run
Capt Howie Photo
The "Circumnavigation" !!
Friday Morning/ Early Afternoon
New This Year! On Friday Morning You'll do your first Circumnavigation! Well, sort of! First we'll do a group breakfast and have a little skipper's meeting. Then, you'll start from the London Bridge Resort and head downwind out of The Channel for a circumnavigation of the Island. Along the way you'll have a few GPS related tasks to perform before completing The Loop and re-entering the Channel from the upwind side, and sailing back to the Hotel docks by passing under the actual London Bridge (which has resided in Lake Havasu since the late 1960's)! Should be a fun sail, and when you are done you'll be one of the few folks that can honestly claim that they have "sailed under the London Bridge"!
Jim Bruton Photo
Eldor and Dorothy Eisen
'08 Event
..."We really enjoyed your 1st scavenger hunt/poker run and are sorry we couldn't make the 2nd one. Everything was well organized and we made many new friends. Havasu is a beautiful sailing lake and has several interesting coves to explore. We are looking forward to #3 and making more friends, Thanks, Sean for making this possible..."
Eldor and Dorothy Eisen - M17 Motu iti
Boat Show and Shine!!
Friday Afternoon
This year we'll finally have all the boats slipped together in one place! Yeah! That gives us the opportunity to get a good look at each other's boats as well as to share those views with anyone else that's interested. So get those boats looking good. If you get tired of hanging at the docks..or your Admiral does...you'll be just steps away from your room where you can go relax and freshen up before dinner.
We'll have a group dinner Friday night at the "Martini Bay" in the Hotel. Very nice restaraunt on the second floor of the Hotel with a patio, both overlooking the Channel and Bridge.
..."The 2009 Poker Run was my first run in the LIQUID WENCH ever, and what a great time! (even if you are inexperienced sailor like me). The other boats will take care of you and in no time at all I started to build my confidence single sailing on the return trip. Looking forward to this year even if I’m paddling the whole time! Thanks SEAN and SPONSORS of HAVASU POKER RUN."..... ROGER BURGER “LIQUID WENCH”
Roger Burger sailing "Liquid Wench" in '09 event
Dan Ricker photo
The "Poker Run"!!
Saturday
This year we'll base completely out of the London Bridge Resort. Havasu Springs cannot accomodate the number of participants that we have, Black Meadow Landing, well let's just say that you are only paying $20/nt more than we did there and there is absolutely NO comparison between venues! The gals are gonna love this place!
So...for the Poker Run, it will be an "out and back course" sailing south along the lake then turning around and coming back to the London Bridge Resort for the evening. For those of you who haven't done our Poker Run before it works like this: You will receive a bundle of photographs of landmarks along the lake (which is 17 miles long). Your mission is to find each one, and then duplicate the photograph with your digital camera. When you arrive back at the docks we inspect your photos and for everyone that you have duplicated you receive a token for one blind draw from a deck of cards. You then form the best five card poker hand from your cards. Highest hand wins. The Prize? you ask. Well, prizes are graciously donated by our sponsors and not revealed until the Poker Run begins. But suffice it to say, we've been very, very, blessed the past two years with great prizes and I expect this year to be the same story!
The Scavenger Hunt Returns!
Sunday
After breakfast on Sunday everyone will be issued a list of oddball items like you've probably never seen before! Your mission? Acquire as many of the items as you can before the appointed check in time. This will be a "Land and Sea" type of mission and you'll have some decision making to do. There will be some easy items to get , but those will have low point values...There will also be some high point value items , but you guessed it...they will be more difficult to find. You'll have to devise your strategy and then head out. Some items will only be found by using your boat, some only found on land, some you might walk to, some you might drive to...One thing's for sure...we're gonna keep you busy for a few hours! We had fun with this in 08. Last year we weren't able to do it due to time. This year due to popular demand...It's back!
After the day's festivities and the awards for the Scavenger Hunt are taken care of we'll have a final farewell dinner..location still to be determined.
..."As a participant in the last two Lake Havasu events I can assure you that you will have a great time, meet lots of nice folks, and enjoy a lot of great sailing. It’s a great time of year to be at Lake Havasu and enjoy the area. My non-sailing wife even had a great time hiking and exploring the area last year. This year is set to be biggest bash yet, come on out and be part of a memorable experience." ... Jim Ellsworth M-17 Grace
Jim Ellsworth Sailing "Grace" in '09 Event
Dan Ricker Photo
...."The 2009 Poker Run was my first crack at fresh water sailing, and Sean put together an outstanding event. Both on the water and off, the weekend was very well planned, and even more fun than I had imagined. I went by myself last year, but hope to bring the whole family in 2010 as there is plenty to entertain the non-sailor. The scenery around the mountains and dam alone is worth the trip".... Matt Marx M-17 "Lily"
Matt marx sailing "Lily" in the '09 Event
Larry Yake photo
..." If you think sailing is all about just you, the wind, and the sails, you're missing out on a lot of fun. Sure, sometimes that's what it's all about, but it can also be new friends, laughter, a lake full of sails, checking out the other boats for clever ideas, showing off your clever ideas, testing your sailing skills, building your sailing skills, comparing your boats performance, learning from each other, and creating lasting memories with people who share your passion. There are no strangers among small boat sailors. We come from all over, all walks of life, but you will find that our sport attracts a certain type of person. Your type of person. Friends you just haven't met yet. Try it once, and you'll be hooked. Come join the fun and be a part of what is certain to become one of the top small boat sailing events of the year."....Larry Yake skipper of M23 Dauntless in 09 Event
Larry Yake sailing "Dauntless" in the '09 Event
Dan Ricker photo
Tom and Della sailing their P-14 in the '08 event
Dorothy Eisen photo
..."Escaping from the snow and sailing in the sun with a great bunch of people--what's not to like? I first tacked my Potter under the London Bridge in 1981, and have been coming back ever since. The 2008 Poker Run was a ball, and this time we have a Montgomery and a hotel with slips and wireless internet. Let's do it!"....Tom and Della Jenkins, M17 Scintilla
So...that's pretty much it. We'd love to have you come join us for what we hope becomes the largest winter time gathering of trailer sailors in the country! We've still got a ways to go. Will we make it? It's up to you guys!
1. Sean n 'Jo Mulligan Lake Havasu, AZ Monty 23
2. Larry Yake Deer Park, WN Skippering "Dauntless"
3. Howie & Judy Goldbrandsen Apple Valley, CA Sanibel 18
4. Steve & Debbie Wylie Phoenix, AZ Potter 15
5. Dan Phy Fort Brag, CA Monty 17
6. Jim & Sue Ellsworth Socal Monty 17
7. Don & Debbie Boyko Socal Capri 18
8. Tom & Dell Jenkins Nevada Monty 17
9. Terry Gotcher Norcal Potter 15
10. Gary & Susan Haliburton Socal Potter 19
11. Dave & Francesca Kautz Norcal Oday 192
12. Dick Herman Norcal Compac 18
13. Bud & Bobbi Kerner Norcal Potter 19
14. Matt & Noah Marx San Diego Monty 17
15. Sal and Gail Glasser Golden, Co Monty 15 or Monty 23
16. Edward Brown Socal Monty 17
17. Alan & Cheri Frank Wyoming! Potter 19
18. Kathy Weydig Lake Havasu, AZ Catalina 22
19. Roger Burger Lake Havasu, AZ Venture 21
20. Steve & Jan Rob Socal Potter 15 or 19
21. Bob Eeg Socal Montgomery Boats
22. Stu Rea Ramona, CA Oday 192
23. Bill & Dawn Kaiser Phoenix, AZ Monty 15
24. Neil & Becky Dorf Roseville, CA Monty 15
25. Darrel Heirendt Paso Robles, CA Compac 16
26. Dave & Deb Sadler Idaho Falls, ID Monty 17
27. Eldor & Dorothy Eisen Texas! Fixed Keel Monty 17
28. Jim Bruton San Diego, CA Potter 19
29. Doug & Katie Ames Palisade, CO! Catalina 18
30. Dan & Gretchen Ricker Norcal Compac 16
31. Mike & Kelly Langley Mesa, AZ Potter 19
32. Brad Evans Redding, CA Monty 15
33. Albert & Madeleine Fischer Davis, CA MacGregor 26
34. David Young Solvang, CA Monty 17
35. Mo & Cathy Iacuelli Peoria, AZ Potter 15
36. Steve & Jane Christensen Eugene OR Macgregor 26X
37. Al Watts La Mirada, CA Potter 15
38. Dave, Susan & Karl Rodriguez Socal Potter 19
39. Mike & Jan Barrett Creston, CA Compac Picnic Cat
40. John & Margie Couch Central, CA Compac 23
41. Marty Jacobson &
Yvonne Fried Ashlund, OR Dougdish 12.5
42. Fuh-Shing &Shih-Lan Pan Socal Monty 15
43. Randy Robison Reno, NV Monty 17
44. John & Nikki Ranard Blaine, WA MacGregor 26X
45. William Barnhart Champion 21
46. Dennis McDowell Quartzsite, AZ Guppy 13
Our Awesome Sponsors!
All of the sponsors below have donated prizes and/or funds to help make this event possible. I couldn't put this event on without them. Please click on their link to visit their websites and support the folks that support us every chance you get!!
Spyderco knives are the tops. If you haven't owned on yet ...well you should! A number of you are going to go home from the event as proud new owners of a beautiful Spyderco knife! And not only is Spyderco helping to support our event, but they are participating as well! Sal and Gail Glesser will be sailing with us in their Montgomery!!! Way Cool! Click on the logo to be linked with Spyderco's web site. Be sure to thank Sal and Gail for all their support!!
This will be Montgomery Boat's and Bob Eeg's second year not only supporting the event, but attending it as well. Having a manufacturer actually attend an event is awesome. I know last year many of you really enjoyed being able to ask the guy that actually built your boat questions, face to face. Please express your thanks to Bob when you see him this year for his continued support. Click on the photo to be taken to Montgomery Boat's web site.
Yep, It's Them......ATUS! (All The Usual Suspects)
You've read about these guys over and over again in the pages of Small Craft Advisor Magazine. Well, They are coming!....and not only are they coming but they have stepped up to the plate and graciously became Sponsors of the event. Way to go guys! A couple of folks are gonna have a great shopping spree at West Marine courtesy of the Characters called ATUS. Pictured are only a couple of the hoodlems. For photos of the rest they advise to visit your local Post Office of FBI Branch! When you see "Old Guys having too much fun in sailboats" (their words not mine!) tell them Thanks! hahaha
Steve Haines from Hardmoney Boatworks will be joining us this year! If you follow Small Craft Advisor, especially the Blog, you've probably heard his name many times. Sound like he'll be hanging out with his buddy, the infamous Dan Phy (of "'Ol Geezer" and "SIX" fame). Hopefully Steve can corral Dan up this year and keep him out of trouble! ;-)
Hardmoney Boatworks will be donating a handheld GPS to the prize pile! What a great prize! Somebody is gonna be REAL HAPPY!!! Make sure to Thank Steve when you see him for his sponsorship and don't forget to offer any assistance necessary to help him keep Dan on the straight and narrow this year!!!!
Being that he is Compac Dealer, seeing this year's fleet of Compacs is gonna make Steve a happy guy!
Randy Robison of Reno, Nevada isn't just the "bike guy" from Black Rock Bicycles.....He's one of us! AND...he just picked up a Monty 17 in addition to the M15 he's been sailing for years! Way Cool! Cooler yet...Thanks to Randy..someone is going to be pedaling a brand new beach cruiser bike around! Make sure to tell Randy thanks when you see him...he'll be the guy in the NV M17 with that BIG GRIN on his face!
Many of you may recognize Darrel Heirendt from last year's event. He sailed with Dan Ricker on Dan's Compac. Well, Darrel is returning with his own boat in tow this year. Little did I know that Darrel, his sister, and brother in law actually run their own vineyard in Paso Robles, Ca. Darrel has graciously offered to make sure a few of you have your libation needs taken care of with a bottle of their own vineyard's wine! Click on the ad to go to their awesome website all about their vineyard...and be sure to offer up a toast to the Sunset Ridge Vineyard for their support! Thanks Guys!!
Wow! Now this is big! The Interlux Company, makers of Awlgrip paints, have come aboard as a sponsor! Not only will they be sponsoring us...BUT...They will be sending Stan Sussman, one of their reps, to attend the event! Stan has agreed to give us a little seminar on Interlux/Awlgrip products tailored specifically to our needs. Have you been thinking about painting that good ol' boat's hull, maybe making that oxidized aluminum rig sparkle like new, have questions about appropriate bottom paint choices, or maybe you need to fix a blister problem??? Stan has the answers to your questions, will steer you to the right products, and give you expert advice. Normally Stan is busy overseeing paint jobs on million $$ yachts, but he says his heart has always been with the grass roots small boat sailors like us. In fact, Stan owned the highly customized Montgomery 23 "Windward Skunk", well not only did he own it..he pretty much built it! There are rumors flying around that "Windward Skunk" may make a very rare appearance at the event. Let's hope so! Be sure to thank Stan for his support and for gaining the support of his company, Interlux/Awlgrip!!! Click on either logo to go to their websites.
The Havasu Pocket Cruisers Poker Run and Get-Together 2010 is looking for sponsors.
This event is not club supported or sanctioned in any way. All participants pay their own way and expenses throughout the event. We have been extremely fortunate the past few years to have exceptional sponsorship . Any and ALL monies or prizes donated by our sponsors go directly and 100% straight to the particpants. We'd love to have you or your organization as a sponsor. If you are interested, please contact me at nebwest2@aol.com We will gladly display your organization's information on our site and link it to yours if you wish. We will also display any products donated for all paricipants to see prior to being awarded. This is a great chance to get your small boat applicable product in front of the folks that will use it!
