The Little Current Yacht Club is hosting the annual Dave Naples Hawberry Poker Run on August 1, featuring a 5-checkpoint small-boat poker game, barbecue, and charity support for the Lions Club.
If you鈥檙e looking for a reason to get out on the water, relax with friends, and maybe win some cash, the Little Current Yacht Club has the perfect event for you. The annual Dave Naples Hawberry Poker Run is happening again on Saturday, August 1. Boaters of all skill levels are welcome to join in this popular summer tradition.
The event starts at 11 a.m. at the West Pavilion. Participants will use dinghies or other small boats to visit five checkpoints around the harbour, picking up a playing card at each one. The boat with the best five-card poker hand wins half the entry pot, and the other half goes to the Little Current Lions Club.
Entry costs $30 per boat and includes a barbecue dinner for two after the event. The meal, with burgers or sausages, is sponsored by the Anchor Inn.
Organizer Bruce O鈥橦are says the real draw of the event isn鈥檛 the prize money. It鈥檚 about bringing people together on the water. 鈥淭he event has been taking place for about seven years now,鈥 Mr. O鈥橦are said. 鈥淲e try to do a couple of them a year, and we tend to take advantage of pairing them with local events.鈥
Poker runs are often seen as races; Mr. O鈥橦are wants everyone to know this event is different. 鈥淭he event is a fun way for power boaters and others to enjoy some watersports,鈥 he explained. 鈥淎lmost everyone has a Zodiac or another type of dinghy.鈥
The most important thing for newcomers to remember is that speed doesn鈥檛 matter. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to note that the event is not a race,鈥 Mr. O鈥橦are emphasized. 鈥淗ow fast you go doesn鈥檛 affect the outcome. The winner is the boat with the best five-card poker hand. The event is meant to be social and welcoming.鈥
For everyone鈥檚 safety, each boat must be equipped with the required safety gear. At minimum, all participants should have properly fitted life jackets or personal flotation devices for each person on board, a whistle or sound signalling device, and a bailer or manual water pump. Operators must also hold a valid boating license if required by law for their boat type. By sticking to these safety guidelines, everyone can enjoy the day with confidence.
This relaxed atmosphere has made the poker run a favourite for both experienced yacht club members and casual boaters. No matter what kind of small boat you have, everyone is encouraged to enjoy the trip as much as the finish.
At each checkpoint, participants will be greeted by volunteers. Roy and Margaret will offer light refreshments at their stop, and Gord and Margo, along with Rob and Leslie, will also have snacks to keep everyone energized.
After collecting all five cards, everyone will return to the West Pavilion. The social part of the day starts there with a Bring Your Own Refreshment (BYOR) barbecue at 1:30 p.m.
If you鈥檙e arriving in a small boat, dinghy docking will be available at the West Pavilion so you can easily come ashore and join the festivities.
Like many traditions, this event鈥檚 name has its own story. 鈥淭he event was started by former Little Current Yacht Club Commodore Dave Naples,鈥 Mr. O鈥橦are said. 鈥淔or one reason or another, he could never remember the term 鈥楬aweater鈥 for the summer celebration. He used to always call it the 鈥楬awberry Festival.鈥欌 The nickname stuck.
Now, the 鈥淗awberry Poker Run鈥 is both a tribute to Mr. Naples鈥 sense of humour and a reminder of the spirit behind the event. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a fun one for everyone,鈥 Mr. O鈥橦are said. 鈥淚t should be a fun day for experienced boaters, seamen, locals and tourists alike.鈥
The Little Current Yacht Club also thanks Harbour Vue Marina for supporting this year鈥檚 event.
Whether you鈥檙e an experienced skipper or just looking for a new way to spend a summer afternoon, the Dave Naples Hawberry Poker Run is a chance to enjoy Little Current鈥檚 waters, meet other boaters, support a good cause, and maybe win a prize.
Registration is open now. To sign up, email [email protected] with your name, number of participants, and contact information. Please register by July 28 to ensure your spot in the poker run. Walk-ups will be accepted on the day of the event if space allows, but advance registration is recommended. Participants should arrive at the West Pavilion in time for the 11 a.m. start. The focus isn鈥檛 on speed, but on the cards you collect and the friends you make during the afternoon.