Jammin’ on the James 2011, Part II: Getting Rolling

The fleet assembles.

The fleet assembles.

Just checking in from beautiful Prince George, Virginia, home base for this year’s Jammin’ on the James Poker Run at the Friday night party. Speedonthewater.com correspondent Mike Yowaiski is not just a great announcer and television host, he is also a pretty good boat wrench and has been upside down in the bilge of a 39’ Outerlimits all afternoon. So it’s my turn on the laptop.

•The Appomattox Small Boat Harbor has turned out to be a great place to kick off the festivities last night. Lots of room for all the rigs, a very helpful staff and even a bandstand. It doesn’t get much better than this.

The Geico Caveman 39' Cigarette arrives.The Geico Caveman 39′ Cigarette arrives.

•Lots of big power and beautiful boats here.

•Active Thunder, Skater, Fountain, Outerlimits, Cigarette and others are very well represented. Lots of friendly people ready for a good time here, too. That’s typical for this event.

The crowd gathers—and ducks out of the rain.The crowd gathers—and ducks out of the rain.

•The band got started after some sporadic rain showers and the captain’s meeting went off on time at 7p.m. James Barton, one the event’s organizers, laid out the plan that includes a run down to the James behind pace boats. Jammin’ on the James is definitely well organized.

Members of the friendly staff.Members of the friendly staff.

*Heard from a senior member of the local Shriner’s Temple who thanked the Richmond Power Boat Association and Jammin’ on the James for donating more than $70,000 to the Shriner’s Hospital over the years. No question this run is a lot of fun, but it’s fun with a purpose.

•Today’s plan—We will be running in the first group and will report in as soon as we can. Thanks to all the Richmond Power Boat Association staff for being great hosts. Looking forward to a great run down to Portsmouth

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