Don Bliss from Oregon is the proud owner of an MTI 340X, which he loves taking out on Poker Runs across the country. Whether he’s chatting with other MTI owners, exploring new shorelines, or simply seeing how fast he can take his MTI 340X, Bliss says he loves the camaraderie of Big Cat Poker Runs. In this article below, originally published on SpeedontheWater.com, we hear how Bliss’ MTI 340X fared at California’s Big Cat Poker Run this weekend, and how other MTI owners joined in on the party.
The usual suspects who make the Big Cat Poker Run one of the coolest events on the West Coast were on hand in Discovery Bay, Calif., once again this year. Folks like Karl Koster in his Cigarette Racing Team center console, Gary Colledge in his unique closed canopy Skater Powerboats catamaran, Ed Stewart in his MTI catamaran and the legendary Bob Teague of the event’s title sponsor, Teague Custom Marine, in his beautiful Skater catamaran.
The Poker Run will include stops at 8 members homes giving you a chance to indulge in fabulous food and cocktails. Discovery Bay, CA 94505. Call: 925-634-1210. 2016 Big Cat Poker Run Discovery Bay California More boats arriving at the Harbor.
Of course dozens of other loyal local participants—not to mention longtime organizer Glenn Hoffman, who participated in his Outerlimits Offshore Powerboats V-bottom—played a significant role in the positive atmosphere that was apparent during Thursday’s Sponsor VIP party, Friday’s lunch run and welcome party, and Saturday’s poker run and dinner/awards party that followed once participants returned to Discovery Bay Yacht Club that evening.
The familiar faces help make the poker run what it is today, but this year’s event also had a lot to do with the newcomers who had an amazing time at the event. Of the first-time attendees who had a great time and are likely to return, the Nordic Boats crew brought both an outboard-powered 28 SS sport cat and its latest 35 SS with twin Mercury Racing Verado 400R engines, as well as the Lake Havasu City, Ariz., company’s stunning 43-foot catamaran, and Randy and Cherell Scism of MTI made the trek from Missouri to California to show off the company’s demo 340X model powered by a pair of the all-new Mercury Racing 450R engines.
The team from Eliminator Boats also went all-in this year as the face of the new ownership group behind the iconic Southern California—Jake Fraleigh—attended the run for the first time in nearly a decade to support the dozens of Eliminator customers who made the trek to Discovery Bay. Fraleigh told me he had a great time and was impressed by the number of Eliminators in attendance.
On hand for Saturday’s festivities, I met first-time Big Cat Poker Run participant Don Bliss, who owns a gorgeous new MTI 340X catamaran. Bliss, who is from Oregon, said he enjoyed the camaraderie amongst the different boat owners as well the opportunities to really drive his 34-foot sport cat around the meandering California Delta waterways.
“You really get a chance to see how your boat turns when you come to Big Cat,” Bliss said with a laugh after rafting off at the stop in Pittsburgh Marina. “We’re having a great time. It’s cool to see so many different types of boats here.”
Complete and original article published on speedonthewater.com.
Discovery Bay Poker Run
On August 13-15, 2020, The Big Cat Poker Run returns to the California Delta presented by the Discovery Bay Lions Club. All boaters are welcome to participate. Help us to raise thousands of dollars for local charities.
The weekend of fun begins Friday, with lunch run to Smith's Landing in Antioch. A welcoming party and registration follows that evening. Saturday is the Poker Run allowing plenty of time to socialize. Poker draw and party follows.
We have two routes, a shorter run for slower boats and a longer run for larger and fast boats. The short run will be from Discovery Bay to Sugar Barge Resort, to Tower Park for lunch and then back to Disco. The longer run will be from Discovery Bay to Pittsburg Marina, Stockton Hotel for lunch and then Back to Disco.
The poker run would not be successful without the support of our many sponsors. Last year's sponsors are listed on our web site. On Thursday, prior to thr Run, there is a special Sponsor VIP party at Discovery Bay Yacht Club to recognize those who helped support this great event.
Discovery Bay Poker Run 2020
This Year's Bands
Thursday VIP Dinner - Mama Luke
Friday Evening Band at the Marina - The Undercovers
Saturday Lunch at Stockton University - Mama Luke
Saturday Evening Band at the Marina - 925 Party Dance band
Friday Evening Band at the Marina - The Undercovers
Saturday Lunch at Stockton University - Mama Luke
Saturday Evening Band at the Marina - 925 Party Dance band
Discovery Bay Poker Run
Where to stay:
Discovery Bay Poker Run 2020
Hampton Inn Brentwood
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brentwood
Best Western Brentwood Inn
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Brentwood
Best Western Brentwood Inn