Finding a party in Miami, especially given the ongoing celebration that pretty well defines South Beach, isn’t difficult. But if you’re headed to the Miami International Boat Feb. 16-20 and you’re looking for something specific to you and your friend in the high-performance powerboating, you have two great options. Here’s a quick look at both:

A swimwear show will be just one part of the Florida Powerboat Club’s upcoming Miami Boat Show Bash. Photo courtesy/copyright Florida Powerboat Club.

Florida Powerboat Club 25th Annual Miami Boat Show Bash
When: Friday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m.
Where: Monty’s On South Beach/Monty’s Marina, 300 Alton Road, 305-672-1148

For 25 years, Florida Powerboat Club owner Stu Jones and his team have thrown a great party Friday night for FPC members and their guests, many of whom participate in the club’s Miami Boat Show Poker Run the following weekend. As it was last year, this year’s shindig will be at Monty’s On South Beach/Monty’s Marina.

“The flavor of South Beach is what we have provided since day one and I couldn’t see taking it out of there,” said Jones, who moved the event from its longtime Raleigh Hotel venue a couple of years. “Monty’s is a very central location for everybody who’s in town for the boat show.”

Jones said the party will include live entertainment, as well as its traditional swimwear show and drink specials. Though the event is open to the general public, FPC members can secure VIP wristbands at the club’s exhibit during the Miami Boat Show. Private poolside sponsor tables with “guaranteed” seating are available.

“Given that it’s our 25th Miami Boat Show Bash we are planning to have some special items such as door prizes to celebrate the anniversary,” said Jones.

Powerboatnation Fourth Annual Rock The Boat Show Bash
When: Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 p.m.
Where: E11Even, 29 NE 11th Street, 305-829-2911

E11Even is Miami’s hottest nightclub.

With celebrities Jennifer Lopez and Niki Minaj making the scene at E11Even this month, this almost-three-year-old nightclub presents the perfect opportunity for go-fast powerboat lovers to play hard until sunrise. For the past four years, Powerboatnation.com, has one-upped itself with its Rock The Boat Show affairs, but this soiree promises to be its biggest and best so far.

Well-known in the performance-boating community, Georgia’s John Woodruff, who owns the 48-foot Windship MTI catamaran and a matching Jet Ranger helicopter of the same name, said he plans to attend both parties, as he has for several years. He sees them as tremendous opportunities to spend time with friends made at poker runs and other events around the country.

“Good friends from around the nation gather at poker runs and Fun Runs to enjoy this pastime,” he said. “These events carry the friendships, even though meeting up could be months apart. As far as the Miami Boat Show goes, how lucky am I to have my birthday during the Show each year? I don’t buy myself a present at the show. My birthday gift comes naturally as these friends gather and we celebrate life.

“For performance boat enthusiasts, the Florida Powerboat Club Bash and the Powerboatnation gatherings have become integral parts of the Miami Boat Show,” he continued. “Where else can a person meet up with 500 of his closest friends three days in a row? Oh, and let’s not forget it is the warmest place in the country in February.”

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