NJPPC Continuing With 35- And 60-MPH Groups For ‘Rock The River’ Event

Continuing a rules trend that began with this year’s Atlantic City Powerboat Rally in June, the New Jersey Performance Powerboat Club’s new-for-2016 “Rock The River” Powerboat Rally on Saturday, Aug. 6 will be limited to 35- and 60-mph groups. The event, which has a $99 entry fee, will begin at Marine Unlimited in Toms River and conclude, after several card-stops where the fleet will regroup, with lunch and prizes at the River Rock Restaurant and Bar.

For the second time this year, an NJPPC event will be limited to 35- and 60-mph groups. Photo courtesy/copyright Tim Sharkey/Sharkey Images.

According to NJPPC president Dave Patnaude, the relatively low-speed format was well received during the Atlantic City event, where “almost 50 percent” of the fleet opted for the 35-mph group.

“Even Mike Ciasulli who owns a Skater 388 catamaran, as well as his Monterey 360 Sport Cruiser, said it was super enjoyable taking the Monterey down to Atlantic City in the 35-mph class,” said Patnaude. “His words were, “Dave you are definitely onto something.’ NJPPC always tries to continue with new ideas even after 19 years.”

Each group has two pace boats, Patnaude, that the vessels in each group are not allowed to pass during the event.

“You pass the pace boats, you loose your hand,” he said. “We had 34 boats in the Atlantic City Rally and 16 of them chose to run in the 35-mph group. Everyone behaved and it was the most enjoyable run in the 19 years of doing the event.”

Related stories
Gallery of the Week: Shore Dreams For Kids by Tim Sharkey
Garden State Powerboaters Give Back to Veterans