TOPPS Clear Lake Holds Their Annual Poker Run, 30 Years Running Strong!

The Texas Offshore Performance Powerboat Squadron (TOPPS) held their annual poker run last weekend in Clear Lake, Texas. This is the 30th anniversary of the organization, which boasts over 100 active boating members. 55 boats and over 300 people participated in the run which raises funds for local water-based charity organizations. The Calcutta auction generated over $34,000 on Friday night, which included a few participants having some “friendly” bidding wars, running up the total.

TOPPS was formed in 1985 by a group of boating enthusiasts that had a passion for speed on the water. Some notable pioneer members include Red Adair, Curtis Morris, Bill Westberry, Curt Harbor, and Rodney Rudell. TOPPS was also very instrumental in organizing and staffing many national offshore races, including race sites in Galveston, Corpus Christi, South Padre Island, Biloxi, New Orleans, and Key West.

This year’s poker run course featured stops in Seabrook, League City, Galveston, and San Leon all in and around the Clear Lake/Galveston Bay area. A lunch stop at the Galveston Yacht Basin boasted a pool party for everyone to cool off from the hot, but beautiful, Texas weather.

Poker run participants even come from out of town to join in on the fun. A few folks bring their boats down for the run and leave them, since the Texas Outlaw Challenge is only 2 weeks away. It allows them to get in a bit more boating before the upcoming event. For more information about the TOPPS organization, visit www.toppsclearlake.com.