The Leverick Bay Poker Run 2018 was dubbed a success as thousands of resident came out to show their support. Photo: Team of Reporters/File

Many residents flocked to Road Town Fast Ferry for the 2018 Poker Run and the expectation for the 2019 edition is much higher. Photo: Team of Reporters

Over 300 power boats, yachts, vessels, dinghy and ferries are expected to flood the sea lanes in the Virgin Islands’ Territorial waters between the islands of Virgin Gorda, Peter Island, Norman Island, Jost van Dyke and Tortola for the 2019 edition of the run. Photo: Team of Reporters/File

The selected charity this year is the Virgin Gorda Charitable Trust and according to Organiser Nick Willis, upon first conceiving the Leverick Bay Poker Run as an annual celebration, one of the purposes was to eventually help benefit charities with a sizable amount of funds and improve the quality of life for all residents.

18 Years and Growing 

"As the Poker Run launched back in 2001, we simply aimed for fostering a feeling of community through a fun activity and hoped it would continue to grow and gather enough support to keep going through the years," Mr Willis said.

He added, "Now entering our 18th year, excited and humbled by the great success of the Leverick Bay Poker Run, we are proud to announce the bestowed amount to charities continues to increase year after year due to the many people and businesses that support us."

For 2019, an even larger participation is expected with the addition of new raffles. This year's prizes include up to $15,000 in cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. There will also be special prizes for 4th, 5th, and 6th places. Prize money changes every year as it is dependent on entry monies and sponsorships.

Additional prizes this year include most original boat, best boat performance, best dressed crew, and best dressed lady. The best poker hand wins the grand prize of ‘big money’ based on the total number of entries.

More Prizes

"There also are generous prizes for the 2nd and 3rd best hands. The entrance fee money goes towards the prize money, so the more boats the bigger the prizes. More than one hand can be purchased per boat and per person to increase your chances of winning," Mr Willis noted.

The run moves off from Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda and makes the first stop at Foxy's Taboo with the second stop at Foxy's Bar.

The lunch and big party stop is Norman Island, then to the Tortola Pier Park and finally back to Leverick Bay for the 'Mr Nice Guy Fashion Show' and the prize giving ceremony.