Nyc Poker Run

The New York City Poker Run was held on a bright sunny day in June and we were very pleased to have Kurt Berger bring his 35 foot Cigarette DRY MARTINI to compete on the Hudson River. Extreme Boats Magazine Offshore Editor Ron Polli was the driver and Kurt throttled the boat on the run.

DRY MARTINI, a 35 foot Cigarette runs out to the start, with a 38 foot Cigarette, TOP GUN. The 35 was the basis for all the larger Cigarettes that were stretched in length, but retained an 8 foot beam. You can see the classic lines on both the older and newer boats that have become the standard of design for fast boats.

When the Kiekhaefer engines cranked up, people that have been around all types of fast boats took notice. Many said that they hadn't heard that type of exhaust sound before. The old boats had an exhaust with a presence. When we raced in Key West out of the old submarine base, the concrete piers would vibrate when all the boats started up for the beginning of a race.

The old style compasses that were used for navigation can be clearly seen behind the windscreen. GPS was an unknown factor in 1974. International racing rules required that a lifeline be on the forward deck in case a crew member needed to go up there. The switches for shifting fuel flow from the forward fuel tanks to the rear tanks can be seen on the dash.

Our on land display was provided by HORBA member, Dave Bennette, with the old INFERNO. This boat is the first 30 foot Sutphen. This design totally dominated the production class racers in the 70's.

INFERNO, now called NOTORIOUS, raced in the Sports class of APBA. It was throttled by Gene Whipp and owned by Stan Pike of Connecticut. The boat is being completely restored and is awaiting new engines.