The Solent Gears Up for the Return of the Poker Run – A New 2025 Spectacle
The Solent Gears Up for the Return of the Poker Run – A New 2025 Spectacle
HAMPSHIRE, UK – After years in the wilderness, one of powerboating’s most entertaining traditions is roaring back to life on the South Coast. The UK Powerboating Club has confirmed that the inaugural Solent Powerboat Poker Run will be staged on 25 August 2025 — and already the buzz is spreading from Cowes to the Hamble.
For those new to the idea, a poker run is not about speed or horsepower alone. It’s a nautical treasure hunt, a test of navigation and seamanship laced with friendly rivalry and a good dose of fun. Crews steer their boats to a series of checkpoints scattered across the Solent, collecting a playing card at each stop. At the finish line, the best poker hand takes home the glory and prizes — but the real winners are those who savour the course, the camaraderie on the water, and the parties ashore.
Course & Highlights
This year’s event will wind through a carefully chosen route that blends classic Solent landmarks with hidden gems. Boats will check in at:
Yarmouth – the bustling harbour with its traditional waterfront pubs.
Buckler’s Hard – where a premium BBQ lunch will be laid out along the historic Beaulieu River.
Newtown Creek – the Solent’s serene backwater, a haven for wildlife and a spectacular checkpoint.
Lymington – with its lively marinas and salt marsh approaches.
The Needles – the Solent’s most iconic natural landmark and the dramatic turning mark for many a race.
After the cards are drawn,
the party continues afloat with a floating after-party at Hurst Castle, complete with a live DJ, sundowners, and views across the Solent that are as unbeatable as the soundtrack.
Limited Fleet – Big Atmosphere
Entries are capped at just 25 boats, with around 125 participants expected. That means exclusivity, manageable logistics, and a chance to keep the atmosphere tight-knit. Whether you’re running a high-performance offshore beast or a more modest day cruiser, the emphasis is on participation and enjoyment, not sheer horsepower.
Raising the Stakes for the RNLI
Beyond the spectacle, the Solent Poker Run has a serious purpose. Every pound raised will go directly to support the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and their life-saving work. Few organisations are held in such affection by the boating community, and the Poker Run provides the perfect blend of entertainment and fundraising for a cause that benefits everyone who takes to the water.
Voices from the Helm
Event Director Pablo Portela summed up the mood:
“We’re thrilled to bring the poker run format back to the Solent. It’s a fantastic way to showcase our boating community, enjoy one of the UK’s best watersports playgrounds, and raise vital funds for the RNLI.”
How to Take Part
Boat owners are urged to secure their spot early. With only 25 places available, demand is expected to outstrip supply. Registration is already open via ukpowerboatingclub.co.uk/pokerrun . So, on the August Bank Holiday weekend, expect the Solent to sparkle with spray, sound, and a festival atmosphere as the Poker Run tradition makes its long-awaited comeback. With cards to draw, checkpoints to reach, and stories to tell, this will be a day of powerboating where winning the hand is just part of the fun.