Flushing out cards in harbour

Santa Claus (Bruce Roberts), of Dunedin, points the way home for his Christmas trees (from left)...
Santa Claus (Bruce Roberts), of Dunedin, points the way home for his Christmas trees (from left) Robbie Ballantyne, of Dunedin, and Jeff Craig, of Wellington, at the end of the 2017 Port Poker Run on Saturday. Photo: Peter McIntosh
Smiley, windswept and sunburnt faces are not your typical poker faces.

Nevertheless, they were in abundance during the 2017 Port Poker Run on Saturday, especially given the sunny day.

The event is a large-scale version of the card game, poker, except boats are involved.

Co-ordinator Vicki Wilson said players had to use their boats to collect five playing cards from five checkpoints around Otago Harbour. At the end of the day, the boat crew with the best poker hand won several hundred dollars in cash.

There were also prizes for the best-dressed, which encouraged many to decorate themselves and their vessels.

Mrs Wilson said participants had to pay $20 to register in the event. She was delighted about $1400 was raised for the maintenance of the Quarantine Island wharf.

"Our goal is to raise funds that benefit current and future recreational users of Otago Harbour.

"We’re about promoting recreational boating and utilising our wonderful asset."

The event has been running for 11 years.

Last year, it raised more than $1000 for the Port Chalmers United Rowing Club.

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

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