Heading into their fifth year producing the annual Cigarette Racing Team Owners Rendezvous at the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri, the team members at Performance Boat Center aren’t worried about how much fun the event will be or how many participants will leave with lifelong memories of the four-day happening, set for June 13-16 this year. By all accounts from those who’ve enjoyed the event in years past, the Performance Boat Center crew has it locked in.

If the fifth annual Cigarette Owners Rendezvous tops 100 boats it will be a fitting tribute for the company’s 50th anniversary, which it is celebrating this year. Photo courtesy/copyright Pete Boden/Shoot 2 Thrill.

With RSVP-style registration via email now open, only one question remains: Will 2019 be the year that the event attracts 100 Cigarette sportboats and center consoles?

Last year’s rendezvous came up just 13 boats short. No one knows if the Cigarette fleet will eclipse the century mark this year, but as participants sign up the picture will become clearer.

“Honestly, if it’s 50 boats I’m happy and so is the rest of the PBC staff,” said Brett Manire, who co-owns the multi-brand full-service Osage Beach dealership with Mark Waddington. “We truly enjoy hosting this event. It’s a great group of people and it makes work fun.

“Now if we hit 100 boats I’ll be all smiles for sure,” he added.

Here’s a quick look at what’s on tap this year:

Thursday, June 13: Participant check-in from noon to 6 p.m. in the Performance Boat Center showroom followed by a pizza party at the adjacent Redhead Lakeside Grill.

Friday June 14: Drivers’ meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the Performance Boat Center Showroom, followed by a fun run to Coconuts (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Frankie and Louie’s (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.). A pool party at the Redhead Lakeside Grill begins at 6 p.m.

Saturday June 15: Drivers’ meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the Performance Boat Center Showroom, followed by a lunch (with lunch provided) run to Big Dick’s (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and a raft-off in Linn Creek Cove (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) All raft-off participants will receive a complimentary photo of the group assembled in the cove. A semi-formal dinner and awards center in the Performance Boat Center showroom begins at 6 p.m.

Sunday, June 16: Pool rehab day, starting at 11 a.m., at Backwater Jacks. Docks will be saved until 11 a.m.

The Cigarette Owners Rendezvous never fails to delight its participants. 

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