Click here to see all the photos from the Rockland Rendez-vous Event

FIRST PLACE WINNERS! Over $4000 in cash and prizes went to Doug Henstridge and Andrew Johnson

The Canada Day weekend Rendez-vous in Ottawa/Rockland is now in the history books and by everyone's account it was a huge success! Over 10,000 people showed up on Friday night July 1st to watch the boat parade from the beautiful Rockland waterfront to Simon Park where the "gladiators of the water" were put on display. Owners of these poker runs boats were more than happy to talk to viewers and enthusiasts alike about the boats and trailers before returning to the Rockland waterfront.

On Saturday, July 2nd the crowds arrived early to watch as one-by-one the boats were launched, engines started and safety systems tested. It was like being in the pits at NASCAR! After a delicious pancake breakfast put on by the Rockland Lions Club members, the mandatory Drivers Meeting ensured a safe and fun event for all by reviewing the rules and the route to be taken on the Ottawa River. Then it was "Gentlemen, start your engines!" and the shoreline spectators cheered with delight. Although this is not a race, the Rockland Mayor Mr. was on hand to drop the ceremonial flag. All the fun is in the boating and the fellowship of being on the water. The winning happens after, when all the boats return after lunch - at Le Pirate Rest'o'bord restaurant - to the checkin point and receive their fifth and final card to complete their poker hand.

Poker hands were revealed after a yummy dinner - again put on by the Lions Club - and winners and prizes were awarded.

FIRST PLACE: Doug Henstridge and Andrew Johnson won $4000 in cash and prizes including a $3000 Gevril mens watch, a Nautilus Marine portable booster pack, a 12V Koolatron cooler, and a free entry into an upcoming Rendez-vous event.

SECOND PLACE: Benoit Dallaire from Gatineau and crew won a 12V Koolatron cooler and a free entry into an upcoming Rendez-vous event.

THIRD PLACE: Bill Essex and family from Orleans won a free entry into an upcoming Rendez-vous event.

MOST ENERGETIC CREW: was awarded to Marcel Proulx and his crew from the host town of Rockland.

What's a Rendez-vous?

A Rendez-vous is a family friendly boating event on the water for boats of all sizes and speeds. Participants register their boat - everything from PWC's to pontoon boats, to aluminum fishing boats and homemade sea flees, to deck boats to cruisers and even an over forty foot yacht got entered last year! Everyone is given a number and the first of their five playing cards at registration. The next morning, there's a safety meeting for all drivers where we lay out the course we'll be cruising for the day including any hazards, slow speed zones and the all important lunch stop! Then the boats take to the water behind the official pace boat for the Rendez-vous event, stopping at predetermined locations and picking up their next four cards to make a poker hand. Back at the event that evening, the hands are revealed and prizes awarded by our famous MC for the best hand, best boat, best dressed crew, and much more.

I missed this one, but when are future events being held?

For the second event we head up to the beautiful Kawartha Lakes region of cottage country on July 15th and 16th. For the third event, we will return to where Poker Runs started some 25 years ago: Gananoque, Ontario. On July 22nd and 23rd we'll converge on the waterfront and cruise around the St. Lawrence river's in the well protected waters amongst the many limestone islands. The scenery is spectacular and it's a great spot to get that photo of you and your boat that you can blow up and frame! Just cruise on up to the pace boat and we'll snap a few for you to choose from later at the registration tent. Then we close out this summer's events with our forth Rendez-vous in Orillia August 5th to 6th.


How do I register?

By Mail: Complete the Registration Form Online and send it to Power Boating Canada, 1121 Invicta Drive, Oakville, Ontario, L6H 2R2 or email it to the address on the form.

By Phone: 1-800-354-9145 x252

By Fax: 1 -905-844-5032

Schedule of Events:

Friday

Registration

Truck Demos

Boat Displays

Live Entertainment

Saturday

Family Rendez-vous & Poker Run for all boats

Boat Parade

Boats and Accessory Exhibits

Poker Run Card Unveiling

Awards Ceremony

Live Entertainment

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a BIG thank you to all our

Sponsors

Snap-On Tools

Hurst Marina

Le Pirate Rest-o-bord

Belanger RV

Rockland Lions Club

Orleans Boat World

MD Insurance

Double R

City of Rockland

Golden Anchor Marina