And in a display of speed and style, over 30 powerboats took to the waters of Long Island Sound on Saturday, August 16th for the 10th annual running of the Manhasset Bay Gold Cup Poker Run. This 75 mile event crowns the fastest boat each season and adds their name to the perpetual Gold Cup, which is on display throughout the year at LaMotta’s Restaurant in Port Washington, NY.
John O’Loughlin rushed to the front of the pack on the first leg to Bridgeport, Conn. and never looked back…clocking speeds of over 120 MPH in his 42’ Outerlimit’s GTX with over 2,000 horsepower, appropriatelynamed, “ALL FIRED UP”.
Brad Ayres from California won the “Fastest Cat” Award in his 32’ Force Catamaran with a pair of 600 HP Chevies
Running just behind John all day was Tom Abraham in his 36 Cigarette Gladiator powered by ZUL Racing engines…also running over 100+ mph.
Guy LaMotta debuted his newly acquired Cigarette Competition 39 Raceboat at this event and had the blessing of Michael Aronow, our honored guest at the Award’s Party.
Additional awards were given for the “Best Looking Crew”, which went to the team of Lou Rudden in his 28’ Donzi, and the “Best Looking Boat” went to George Magnifico’s 36’ Eliminator Cat by Fastboats, Inc.
The “Youngest Captain Award” went to Ryan Friedman, piloting his brand new 38’ Cigarette Top Gun, Water Damage”.
The big money winner of the day was Joe Tenaglia in his 36’ Cigarette Gladiator, when he drew a full house and won the $5,000.00 prize for the poker run portion of this 2 part event.
Despite the BLACKOUT 2003, which began the day before this event, forcing us to bring in Ice from Connecticut for the parties, and the marathon swim race across Long Island Sound, taking place the morning of the run, FAST, SAFE, FUN was had by all!
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