June 2006 saw the season opener of the Solent based Poker Run. A Poker Run in boating terms actually defines a day where a number of boats head out along a pre-determined course of about 70 miles in an attempt to collect five sealed envelopes from five different waypoints. Each envelope contains one playing card, five cards give you your Poker hand - this is how you win. All boats start off from each waypoint at the same time and the boat that reaches the next waypoint first must wait until the last boat arrives. Each boat on arrival will pick an envelope with a card inside so, if you get to a waypoint first or last, you still have the same chance of winning, it is all luck! The prize money of up to £2000 goes to the team/boat with the best Poker hand.

There was a good turn out with a mixed variety of about 30 sports boats taking part. The day started at 9.30am with a drivers' briefing then all the boats left Southampton water at about 10.30am heading to Newtown Creek (card 1) We then head of to the river Beaulieu (card 2) from there we head for long leisurely lunch at The Folly Inn, Isle Of Wight, for excellent food and good company. Discussions took place regarding the skill and cunning of the drivers with a chance for passengers to swop their rides and experience different boats. At 3pm, a helicopter from Marine Helicopters tracked our path from Cowes to Langstone Harbour (card 3), where these excellent shots were taken. We then head off to Sandown pier (card 4) from here we head off to pick up the last card (card 5) from Stokes Bay before heading back up Southampton water to Drivers Wharf where the evening prize giving starts from 7.30pm.