Attention, Key West! The exuberant team from Maryland Offshore Performance Marine Center is approaching, ready to celebrate in style! This week marks the grand finale of the highly anticipated 2024 Teasers Tour, led by owner Andy Imhof and his dedicated crew, who are en route to the iconic Florida Keys—the vibrant location that hosts the renowned Teasers Gentleman’s Club. This club has been a steadfast supporter of Imhof’s sleek 36-foot Skater Powerboats catamaran and serves as an essential part of the Florida Powerboat Club’s thrilling Key West Poker Run.
To commemorate the successful fourth year of the ever-expanding Teasers Tour—an achievement that Imhof described as astonishing given the support from Teasers owner Dave Johnson—Maryland Offshore and Teasers Gentleman’s Club, located at 218 Duval Street, are gearing up to host an extravagant VIP Poker Run Party this Thursday night (November 7), running from 9 p.m. to midnight. This exclusive event will feature an open bar for attendees and a nominal $30 cover charge at the entrance.
Imhof affectionately dubbed the upcoming celebration a massive family reunion for the boating community.
“The Thursday night party is a colossal gathering for us—last year, we welcomed more than 1,000 passionate individuals from the boating community,” he elaborated, noting that Johnson hosts this festive occasion as a gesture of gratitude for the loyal boaters who support the club throughout the year. “It’s a mix of emotions, as this is our grand finale, but it undeniably stands as our most significant and exhilarating event of the season. After this celebration, the revelry takes a pause for a while.”
Imhof expressed excitement about returning to this year’s Friday night Duval Street Party, a vibrant event they missed in 2023.
“We’re exceedingly grateful to Race World Offshore for their unwavering partnership, which allows us to showcase our former raceboat in front of the club and extend the bar atmosphere to the lively crowd. If you haven’t experienced the street party, it absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list,” he encouraged.
“It’s remarkable that the Teasers Tour, which kicked off in early June in Sparrows Point, Md., with the exciting Tiki Lee’s Fun Run, has evolved into such a winning journey,” Imhof conveyed, reflecting on the fantastic camaraderie experienced throughout the events. “Our participation has attracted an ever-growing number of passionate boaters who join us at each event, with friends like Joe Erickson, Shane Jespersen, and Bill Nohle making the tour even more enjoyable.”
“For instance, while we encountered a setback during our first event, the Kuttawa Cannonball Run was rained out, forcing us to pivot and arrange a fun run with Tiki Lee’s on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay the following week. During that event, Bill Nohle’s Thunderstruck Cigarette experienced an engine mishap, snapping a cylinder head on his center engine. Thankfully, his powerful boat managed to cruise at over 90 mph on just two engines. Mitch and Brandon’s dedication ensured it was repaired and ready in just two weeks for the thrilling Rockin’ the Harbor Poker Run back in Baltimore,” shared Imhof.
At the Rockin’ the Harbor event, an occasion Maryland Offshore has proudly supported since its inception in 2019, Imhof proudly announced that Erickson’s 40-foot Skater, named Orange Crush, triumphed in seizing the Best Catamaran award, demonstrating the exceptional caliber of the Maryland Offshore-supported fleet.
“At the Tiki Lee’s Shootout On The River, Joe operated Orange Crush in the poker run on Friday, boasting excellent racing conditions, achieving nearly 140 mph for over 25 miles. The following day, he clocked in at an impressive 133 mph on the three-quarter-mile speed course,” shared Imhof with pride, reinforcing his crew’s dedication.
“With my guidance, Erickson marked his debut participation in the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, bettering his Maryland speed to a stunning 142 mph during the event’s competitive three-quarter-mile course,” he mentioned.
Reflecting on the vibrant experiences of this year’s Teasers Tour, Imhof expressed uncertainty about how to best next year’s journey, yet voiced confidence that his remarkable crew will devise an extraordinary plan, contingent on Johnson’s continued support for another season.
“This year has undeniably been a standout for us aboard the Teasers boat. Our strategic modifications greatly enhanced its performance, and it has delivered spectacular results throughout the year,” Imhof stated, reminiscing about the unforgettable unstructured fun run in Upstate New York during the extended July 4th weekend, organized by customer and friend Michael Tandoi as they navigated the captivating St. Lawrence River and the enchanting Thousand Islands region. “We proudly clinched the Fastest On The River award at Tiki Lee’s for the third consecutive year, achieving an exhilarating 158 mph, an improvement from our previous year’s 137 mph,” he gleefully concluded.
**Interview with Andy Imhof, Owner of Maryland Offshore Performance Marine Center**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Andy! It’s an exciting time for you and the team as you head to Key West for the grand finale of the 2024 Teasers Tour. Can you tell us what this tour means to you and the boating community?
**Andy Imhof:** Absolutely! The Teasers Tour has become such a significant tradition for us. Each year, it feels like a massive family reunion. We get to connect with passionate boaters from all over, and this year, we are ready to celebrate our fourth year, which is an incredible milestone!
**Interviewer:** That sounds amazing! This year’s VIP Poker Run Party at the Teasers Gentleman’s Club promises to be quite the event. What can attendees expect?
**Andy Imhof:** We’re pulling out all the stops! The party on Thursday night will feature an open bar and a vibrant atmosphere. Last year, we had over 1,000 people attend! It’s not just a party; it’s our way of showing appreciation to the loyal guests and boaters who support the club. It’s definitely going to be one of the most exhilarating nights of the season.
**Interviewer:** How does this event contribute to the sense of community among boaters?
**Andy Imhof:** It strengthens relationships! We’re all here for the love of boating, and this party brings everyone together. It’s a chance to share stories, celebrate our experiences, and talk about the season ahead. It’s not just about the boats; it’s about the friendships we’ve built along the way.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned missing the Friday night Duval Street Party last year. What are you looking forward to the most this time?
**Andy Imhof:** I’m really excited to be back at the Duval Street Party! It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our former raceboat, and it brings such a lively crowd. If you haven’t experienced it yet, you definitely should add it to your bucket list!
**Interviewer:** Reflecting on the journey of the Teasers Tour since June, what have been some challenges and highlights along the way?
**Andy Imhof:** We faced some setbacks, like when the Kuttawa Cannonball Run was rained out, but we adapted and created alternative fun events. One standout moment was our participation in Rockin’ the Harbor, where our friend Joe Erickson’s boat won the Best Catamaran award. It really highlights the exceptional talent and camaraderie in the Maryland Offshore family.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a thrilling journey, indeed! Before we wrap up, what message would you like to share with the boating community ahead of this exciting event?
**Andy Imhof:** Just a huge thank you for your support! We’re all part of this incredible boating family, and I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone in Key West. Together, let’s make this finale unforgettable!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Andy! We wish you all the best for the Teasers Tour final in Key West!
**Andy Imhof:** Thank you! See you there!