Captain's Notes

POKER RUN 2024

GETTING HERE

Visitors to the BVI arriving by private boat can enter via two ports of entry, Road Town at the Road Town Ferry Terminal and Spher’s Hole, West End at the West End Jetty.

For more information, visit https://www.bvitourism.com/travel/arriving-by-sea

COVID-19 Entry Protocols

Fully vaccinated travellers

Fully vaccinated travellers are required to present proof of vaccination and negative covid test results (RT-PCR or approved rapid antigen SARS CoV-2) to be taken no later than 48 hours before arrival.

Partially or unvaccinated travellers

Prior to entry, unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travellers are required to register via the BVI Gateway Travel Portal www.bvigateway.bviaa.com, provide the relevant information, pay the applicable fee and download the approval certificate.

Upon arrival to the territory, travellers are required to:

Present a RT-PCR negative test result, taken within five days of arrival
Provide proof of being partially vaccinated;
Be administered a rapid antigen SARS CoV-2 test; and
If tested negative, will be allowed to move freely within the territory subject to adherence to the COVID-19 enactments and protocols.

It is important to note, within the BVI, physical distancing protocols, wearing of masks in public places and sanitisation measures are mandatory.

For more information, visit: https://bvi.gov.vg/travel-protocols

SAFETY REGULATIONS

Boat owners, mariners, participants and members of the public are advised that during the One Virgin Islands Poker Run event, the safety of all users of our pristine waters is of utmost importance.

Apart from sailing and powerboating, the BVI is host to many water sports activities such as swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding, diving, surfing, kite surfing etc. which may be happening simultaneously as the event. Safety measures must be strictly observed to avoid any accident or incident. Attention of the participants is particularly drawn to the following:

All participants must operate only within the designated area during the competition. Always lookout for persons in water and other users of our waterways.

All boats should be fit for purpose and fitted with the necessary equipment for safe navigation.

You should prepare for and practice your emergency response for accidents and incidents such as man overboard, drowning, collision and serious injury etc. prior to the One Virgin Islands Poker Run.

Responsibility for safe operation lies with the master of the vessel in question.

The general public and other water users are reminded to:

Be aware of boats sailing at full speed within the area of the One Virgin Islands Poker Run during the time of the activity.
If possible, AVOID water sport activities in the area of the One Virgin Islands Poker Run for the duration of the competition.

BVI IMMIGRATION/CUSTOMS

For information on clearing vessels, please visit http://bvi.gov.vg/content/clearing-vessels

PARTICIPANT (PLAYER) INFORMATION and GUIDELINES

Contains disqualification rules

Punctual attendance to the Captains' Meeting for captain and/or driver is MANDATORY.

The captain’s and/or driver’s undivided attention is expected at the Captains’ Meeting.

A roll call will be taken at the start of the Captains’ Meeting.

During the event, each vessel’s captain or driver must be capable of passing a 0.08 alcohol breathalyser test if required.

When navigating, marine-certified life vests must be worn by everyone aboard, including children, at all times.

High-impact (lifeline style) jackets are recommended for faster boats. “Fanny pack” type jackets/vests are not permitted.

Any boat travelling over 5 knots in harbours or anchorages will be disqualified.

At the start of the run, the pace boat (demarcated with 2 ORANGE Flags) will escort you out of Cane Garden Bay harbour

When boats are clear of the reef, the pace boat will swap the pair of orange flags for a pair of CHEQUERED ones signalling the start of the event. The Pace Boat/s must not be passed or “crowded” at any time when “pacing” with flag/s showing.
- At no time when the orange flags are raised shall any boats pass the pace boat.
- When chequered flags are raised, all boats are allowed to pass pace boats to port. Failure to obey these rules will result in disqualification and a forfeiture of registration funds.

All poker run participants, including passengers and crew, must wear identification wristbands at all times.

Participants, including all passengers and crew on the vessel, must sign the official event liability waiver.

A safe clearance must be maintained at all times among boats in motion. The clearance distance recommended is a minimum radius of 85 feet around each boat.

Cell phone and VHF radio devices for communicating with other boats must be available aboard and in working condition at all times.

Flag signals from pace boat/s, marshal boat/s, and other official event boats must be obeyed at all times.

At least one person aboard (and preferably everyone) must wave their arms overhead to signal to other participant boats the intention of slowing down.

A running lane must be chosen and adhered to. Changing lanes or direction must be done safely and after checking that it is not dangerous to do so. Boats will not “cut off” other boats, or be the cause of an emergency reaction on the part of other boats.

No one may sit and/or lie on top of a seat or sun pad while the boat is in motion.

THIS EVENT DOES NOT PERMIT ILLEGAL DRUG ACTIVITY OR USAGE. BE AWARE THAT BVI GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES ARE PERMITTED TO BOARD VESSELS FOR INSPECTION IF THEY DETERMINE PROBABLE CAUSE.

For any emergency, contact the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) at

284-494-4357 or channel 16 on your radio.

DISOBEYING OR BREAKING ANY OF THE RULES ABOVE, AND / OR ANY ADDITIONAL RULES OUTLINED AT THE CAPTAINS’ MEETING, WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE EVENT.

The One Virgin Islands Poker Run is not a race. At no time during the poker run will racing occur between/among participants.

PLACES TO STAY

Along with our pristine waters, sunny skies and great people, we want to make sure your visit to the British Virgin Islands is not only an unforgettable experience but a comfortable one. Here are some accommodations to get you started on your journey here with us:

Preferred Hotels

Quito’s Gazebo & Luxury Inn

Telephone: 1 284 495 4837

Email : reservations@quitosbvi.com

https://www.quitosbvi.com/

Discount code : PRUN22

Maria’s By The Sea

Telephone: 1 284 494 2595

Email: info@mariasbythesea.com

http://www.mariasbythesea.com/

Discount code : PRUN22

Here are some more options: