With almost 100 powerboats participating in it, the fifth annual running of the Manhasset Bay Gold Cup Poker Run, hosted by Guy LaMotta and held on Aug. 22, continued to attract the finest machinery the boating industry has to offer, along with thrill-seeking captains that go along with them. Powerboats ranging from 28 feet to 50 feet and costing anywhere from $30,000 to $700,000 traveled at up to 100 m.p.h. in this boating extravaganza. Many locals came down to ooh and aah over the boats. In an interview before the run began, Guy LaMotta advised that several of the boats would incur big repair bills by the end of the day, some up to $30,000 for "blowing an engine."

Starting at Manhasset Bay, the boats shot through the Long Island Sound to Cold Spring Harbor, Bridgeport, Connecticut, and the Porchester Yacht Club and then returned to LaMotta's Restaurant/Manhasset Bay Marina. At each port, the captain picked up a sealed envelope with a playing card in it. After all the boats returned to LaMotta's, the skippers opened the envelopes and the one with the best poker hand won $5,000.

Of course, much partying preceded and followed the main event. But aside from the festivities and delicious day on the water, the camaraderie of the boaters generated a natural high for those participating in (and even those just observing) this exciting annual summer event on Manhasset Bay.