Once the model for a thriving regional go-fast boating group, the New Jersey Performance Powerboat Club released its agonal breath six years ago. But as Garden State rock-star Bruce Springsteen wrote and sang in his gritty ode to Atlantic City, “Everything that dies someday comes back.” And so it was with the NJPPC—at least in reunion form—in late June.
That the group reunion happened in Atlantic City was poetic beyond the song reference, as the Golden Nugget Resort and Casino there was the destination for the club’s most popular event. The weekend-long Atlantic City Poker Fun was the outfit’s signature event. No other reunion destination would do.
The reunion was organized by Dave Patnaude, a soulful and nostalgic gentlemen who ran the club his late father, Raymond, founded after the senior Patnaude retired. As with any group that eventually breaks up, NJPPC members mostly went their separate ways after the club shut down in 2020. But the memories of good times on and off the water and the many of the friendships built through those shared experiences remained
Some 40 to 50 former club members made it to the June event.
“It was absolutely great to see everyone who attended, especially at the Golden Nugget, which was where we held our premier overnight poker run every year for 20 years,” Patnaude recalled. “Weather-wise, it was the first nice weekend New Jersey had this summer. Mother Nature smiled on us.”
The event will return to the venue in 2026. Its June 26-28 dates are already set.
“Everyone said that many more people could’ve attended, but three months was short notice especially when the summer season is so short in New Jersey and everyone has so many things already scheduled,” Patnaude explained. “That was we decided to secure the dates for next year.
“We already have exceeded the number of attendees that we had this year based on hotel reservations already,” he added.
Springsteen had it right. At least in Atlantic City.