Poker Rally ‘Pirates’ Complete First Run In The U.K.

While the Pirates of Lanier Poker Run was setting a fleet size record last Saturday in Georgia, some 35 boats showed up on the same day “across the pond” for the Pirates of Solent Poker Rally in Southampton, England. The run was the first official event of the Powerboat Rally Association, which was formed in March this year. The rally featured several stops, including one for lunch, as well as a post-run dinner/celebration with live music and cash prizes paid out to the top three hands.

Just an ocean away last Saturday, a “Poker Rally” was happening on British waters.

According to the organization’s website, the group was formed to represent the interest of its powerboat-rally-loving members at the local and national levels.

“Powerboat users make up a small but significant demographic of boaters,” said Mike Lloyd, a representative of the organization, in a quote on the site. “Up until now, there has been no formal organization with the sole purpose of advocating for powerboat rallies, a situation that has weakened the voice and negotiating power of individual users when dealing with the local and national authorities and other organizations. This is now going to change.”

Like poker run outfits in the United States, the U.K.-based Powerboat Rally Association has a complete set of safety rules and guidelines for its events. The group also is planning donate a portion of the proceeds from its events—according to the site—to Help For Heroes, a U.K.-based charity that provides assistance to wounded British Soldiers.