A first-of-its kind cross country boating and motorcycle extravaganza is being planned for early May, 2013 for members of the boating community and their friends. The “Boaterz n’ Bikerz Across America: A Hull of a Tour!” is in its final planning stages, and will incorporate a multi-day motorcycle trip from Florida to California, with fun boating and sightseeing stops along the way.
“My top desire on my bucket list is to ride across the country on my Harley,” said B&B Tour Organizer Wanda Kenton Smith, president of Kenton Smith Marketing. “Some of my favorite people on earth to ride with are colleagues in the boating industry, so I thought … why not create a totally unique ride that encompasses the lifestyle sports of boating and motorcycling? It truly is going to live up to our tagline and be one hull of a tour!”
Kenton Smith is working with a small task force of seasoned industry riders including Regal Marine VP of Sales and Marketing Duffy Stenger, Regal Regional Sales Manager Jim Krueger and Chaparral Regional Sales Manager Gary Beck, to plan the tour. Departure will be Saturday, May 4 from launch partner Legendary Marine’s Destin, FL headquarters, and will run a total of 13 days. Dates were selected by the planning crew due to minimal boating industry conflicts at the time, coupled with best potential weather conditions on the ride route. There will be four legs to the tour, which will run from Destin, Florida through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, possibly Nevada, and conclude in San Diego, CA. Tour organizers are researching return motorcycle hauler options for potential group discounts.
Riders can choose to travel the entire cross country tour, or can join up and ride a leg or two of their choosing en route. At select locations, the group will participate in specially planned boating activities. Legendary Marine will host the kick-off captain’s meeting on Friday, May 3 at the Legendary Yacht Club in Destin, then provide an evening boating cruise to a popular waterfront restaurant. Additional boating destinations and activities are currently being researched along the route.
“I’m so excited about the enthusiastic response just through word of mouth,” said Kenton Smith. “This is going to be a blast! We hope to have final plans and itineraries ready to announce by early February. At the present time, I simply wanted to get the word out and let anyone in the industry who has an itch to ride know about the tour plans and dates so they can get it on their calendar.”
Kenton Smith is actively seeking boating stop sponsors to host the crew for a boating adventure, as well committee volunteers to further assist in event planning. She is also researching a potential charity beneficiary within the boating industry, as well as industry sponsors to participate and/or help defray hard costs associated specifically with support crew – transportation as part of the ride.
The Boaterz n’ Bikerz Across America: A Hull of a Tour is designed for experienced riders with group riding experience. The tour is restricted to those gainfully employed in the boating industry, and their sponsored friends; friends are welcome to join so long as an industry rider is participating.
To be kept apprised on tour developments, or to offer ideas for potential marine industry charitable organizations, boating destinations and/or to inquire about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, email Kenton Smith –wanda@kentonsmithmarketing.com and/or join the recently launched and designated Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/HullofaTour/
