he network of converging nvers and crisscrossing channels which comprises the California Delta

otters 1,000 miles of navigable waterways. between the heart of Stockton and the San Franôisco Bay. Although principally used for shipping and irrigation the Delta served as avast playground this past May for an armada of 78 high-performance boats. The occasion was the 2nd annual Big Cat Poker Run,.a charity event benefiting the Lion’s Club of Discovery Bay.

Don’t be misled by the name: the Big Cat Poker Run is not restricted to big cats.

Hulls, of every size and kind are welcome to enter. The event was convened at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club by chief órganizers Allen Bellinghausen and Tony Adams and by principal sponsor Bob Teague, representing Teague’s Custom Marine. Registration was swift and effictent for the nearly 300 individuals in atten dance. After a buffet breakfast and a brief drivers’ meeting in this festive indoor setting, it was soon time to head for the docks and hit the water.

Bob Teague led the way. The veteran racers bright-yellow 40-foot offshore vee

hull Tham Woody equtpped with twin 1 1,1 00 HP supercharged motors servef as the conspicuoUS paceboat for the ttrst stretth of the course—a winding tourney through a slender channel that connects the community of Discovery Bay to the more open waters of the San Joaquin River. in the confines of the channel; the wakes of fast-moving boats hardly have room to dissipate. Instead, the waves ricochet undaunted off the nearby banks only to recombine and create uniquely turbulent water conditions. The results are aptly compared to the agitation of a