Join 50 exclusive boats for the ultimate charity marine adventure on the 25th august
the South Coast’s premier charitable boating event on 25th August. Cruise the breathtaking Solent, collecting playing cards at classic British maritime checkpoints, and try your luck for a £600 prize while enjoying gourmet hospitality and live entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned skipper or enthusiastic newcomer, enjoy a thrilling yet relaxed day afloat, all in support of the RNLI and the spirit of the British powerboating community
What's a
poker run
Charitable
impact
Premium
hospitality
A powerboat poker run is a social boating rally, not a race, where crews navigate a pre-set course, stopping at checkpoints to collect playing cards. When the fleet reaches the finish, each crew reveals its hand and the strongest five-card poker hand wins the prize. Success is determined by luck and navigation, making the day welcoming to every skill level.
Key features
Register Now Date & Host - 25 August 2025, organised by the UK Powerboating Club.
Fleet & Categories - Limited to 50 boats split into three classes:
- Small Boats & RIBs (under 7 m)
- Medium Boats (7–12 m)
- Large Boats (12m+)
Course & Checkpoints - Crews depart after a safety briefing aboard lead vessel “Attitude,” then follow a scenic Solent route, drawing one card at each checkpoint. The best hand at the finish claims the £600 prize.
Charitable Mission - Every gaming entry fee supports the RNLI, so each card drawn helps fund lifesaving work around the UK coastline.
Focus on Camaraderie - Speed is irrelevant; the emphasis is on safe navigation, networking, and enjoying a distinctive day on the water with friends, family, or colleagues.
After collecting your final playing card at Yarmouth, the fleet converges at Colwell Bay for the ultimate floating celebration. Our boats raft-up together, creating a vibrant floating community where crews can socialise, celebrate, and enjoy premium entertainment on the water.
The lead vessel "Attitude" serves as the party's entertainment hub, featuring a professional DJ and sound system that creates the perfect atmosphere for celebration. Dance, socialise, or simply relax with a drink while enjoying quality music with stunning Solent views as your backdrop.
Sponsor prize
(ANNOUNCEd ON THE 23rd of Aug)
£ 600
UK Powerboating club membership
At the heart of the Solent Powerboat Poker Run lies a dedicated commitment to supporting the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)-the UK’s leading maritime lifesaving charity. Every entry, sponsorship, and celebration at our event fuels the RNLI’s courageous volunteer crews as they save lives along the south coast and beyond
Why the RNLI?
Make Waves, Save Lives
By choosing the Solent Powerboat Poker Run, you’re not just taking part in the south coast’s most exciting boating adventure-you’re championing a cause that matters. Stand with the RNLI, support lifesaving action, and ensure our waters remain safe for everyone
All powered boat owners; RIBs, small cruisers, and medium yachts are welcome! Regardless of experience, anyone with a seaworthy vessel, appropriate insurance, and the required safety equipment can join.
At each checkpoint, crews draw a playing card. At the final stop, everyone reveals their hand and the best standard poker hand wins a cash prize, no skill or boating speed required, just luck and participation!
All standard packages include poker run entry, BBQ lunch, mooring at the lunch stop, professional event management, live DJ party, and participation in the charity fundraiser. Premium and Elite packages add champagne, gourmet food, and exclusive gifts.
No. The poker run is a luck-based social event; the best poker hand wins, not the fastest boat! The focus is on enjoyment, charity fundraising, and connection, not racing.
All net proceeds from the event’s gaming fees and donations support the RNLI, the UK’s leading maritime lifesaving charity, helping save lives at sea and providing vital safety education.
