The 15th annual Leverick Bay Poker Run will be held tomorrow, Sunday May 29, 2016. Photo: VINO/File

According to one of the organisors of the Leverick Bay Poker Run 2016, Monica Willis, the event has grown from a mere 12 boats in 2002 to an 'amazing' amount. Photo: VINO/File

Kenneth Chalwell Marina in East End on the main island of Tortola is offering gasoline and diesel specials in honour of the 2016 Leverick Bay Poker Run. Photo: Facebook

Mr Nice Guy will be returning with his models for this year's Leverick Bay Poker Run. Photo: VINO/File

Leverick Bay Poker Run has become one of the most popular boating events in the Virgin Islands, with most of the boats coming from the main island of Tortola. In addition, boats have entered the charity event from Puerto Rico, United States Virgin Islands, Antigua and Anguilla.

The event will get underway at 7:00 AM with registration and the official run begins at 10:00 AM, however, we are not sure if that is “island time or boating time” at the Leverick Bay Marina.

The Poker Run route includes stops at Harbour View Marina in East End, Scaramouche Restaurant in West End, Pirates Bight on Norman Island and Rendezvous Bar on Virgin Gorda.

While boaters are excited with their high end power boats and with turnout expected to be bigger than last year, the event is not a race and it returns at Leverick Bay Marina for the finish.

Many will be lining the coastlines from East End to West End to see the parade of boats, yachts and even a few fishing boats. While everyone on sea at the May 29, 2016 spectacle will not be participating in the Poker Run, it is for some residents just to get their boats in the water and party with friends and families.

From 12 boats to an 'amazing amount'

According to Monica Willis, Leverick Bay Poker Run started humbly in 2002 and has grown from year to year.

“Nick [Willis] and I started it in 2002 with just 12 boats and it has just been unbelievable, from 12 boats and now we have got an amazing amount,” Willis told Virgin Islands News Online.

She further said the event promotes clean fun for not only boaters.

“It is not just about the boats but also about the fun, going around the islands and everyone just enjoying themselves. We have the ferry services doing specials and serving food and providing band music. It’s good fun.

And just like last year, Willis confirmed there will be a fashion show promoted by Mr Nice Guy.

A percentage of the proceeds of Leverick Bay Poker Run 2016 will go to the Virgin Gorda Charitable Trust.

There will be prizes of up to $15,000 in cash for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place while other prizes will be awarded for 4th, 5th, and 6th place finishers. 

Cheap gas @ Chalwell Marina

Meanwhile, in honour of the Poker Run event, Kenneth Chalwell Marina in East End on the main island of Tortola is offering gasoline and diesel specials.

From today May 28, 2016 to May 30, 2016 persons can fill up their power boats, yachts and event dinghies for only $2.75 per gallon on gas and $2.90 on diesel.

Persons may find it hard to pass up on this offer but would certainly wish these kind of prices could be extended to automobiles on the islands!