Positioned in the lovely yacht charter location – Turks & Caicos Islands, the IGY Marinas‘ Blue Haven Resort and Marina is delighted to announce its sponsorship of the 18th Annual Caicos Classic IGFA Billfish Release Tournament, running from June 28th through July 1st, 2013. Local as well as visiting anglers are invited to compete for the coveted first place spot, qualifying them to represent the Turks and Caicos in the 2014 IGFA Offshore World Championship, taking place in Costa Rica.

Fishing boats

Serving the TCI community for more than 17 years, proceeds from this year’s Caicos Classic will benefit The Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre as well as The Billfish Foundation (TBF). Last year’s event hosted Peter Chaibongsai, The Billfish Foundation’s Director of Science and Policy and again this year TBF returns, along with world renowned underwater videographer, Tony Ludovico. They will be available to meet spectators and guests during the duration of the tournament and Tony will be handing out signed prints of some of his incredible underwater shots.

The events kick off on Friday, June 28th with the reception at Blue Haven’s newly opened bar and grill, SALT. Registration begins at 5pm sharp, followed by the Captain’s Meeting and an evening of entertainment, all the while enjoying complimentary food and drink provided by SALT. Registered teams will fish the 29th, 30th and 1st – lines in at 8am and lines out at 4:30pm. Saturday and Sunday, social evenings will be held at Tiki Hut Island Eatery and Baci Ristorante.

The 18th Annual Caicos Classic IGFA Billfish Release Tournament to be sponsored by IGY's Blue Haven Marina

The event will culminate in an awards ceremony and after party, also hosted by Blue Haven Resort and Marina at SALT, on Monday July 1st at 7pm. Prizes will be awarded to the top three angling teams, top anglers, top captain and more, as well as largest tuna, wahoo and mahi mahi. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a welcome drink will be offered followed by music into the night.

Participants and guests will have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items and purchase raffle tickets from June 28th through to the awards evening on July 1st. Prizes have been graciously donated by many local businesses including Grace Bay Club, Panoply Sport Fishing & Charters, Island Scoop, The Atabeyra, The Regent Palms, Mudjin Harbour Bar & Grill, Tiki Hut Island Eatery, Beach House and many more. Winners will be announced following the presentation of the tournament awards.

Tournament Director Art Pickering stated, “We are very excited about Blue Haven’s sponsorship for this year’s Caicos Classic and the opportunity to continue to grow the tournament while preserving the history and tradition that surrounds it. This year’s event promises to welcome more boats and special guests as well as more raised funds for our charities. The support and commitment from Blue Haven, their newly renovated facilities and their plans for further development will certainly help the Classic on its way.”

TCI residents are invited to come join and learn about sportfishing and conserving the marine environment, share the excitement of watching the big catch weigh-ins, meet and greet the guests – The Billfish Foundation and Videographer Tony Ludovico, and hear fishing stories of the billfish released earlier in the day.

The 18th Annual Caicos Classic IGFA Billfish Release Tournament to start on Friday, June 18, 2013

Blue Haven Marina highlights include:
•    Hassle-free berthing in the Turks & Caicos
•    78 berths for yachts up to 220 feet, with a max draft of 8 feet at mean low tide
•    25 slips for boats up to 40 feet in the separated resort marina
•    Blue Haven Resort amenities available to marina guests including Salt Bar & Grill, showers and restroom facilities, chart room, pool, gym and more
•    Fifteen minute drive from the international airport (75 mins from Miami; 3-hr flight from NYC)
•    Marina concierge will cater to crews and guests with exclusive itineraries and planned activities
•    Highly secured marina docks to ensure privacy
•    Marina Operations Center featuring first-class crew and captain’s facilities
•    Black and grey water pump outs
•    Power 30/50/100 amp, 3 phase, up to 480V
•    Fresh water

Adam Foster, General Manager of Blue Haven Marina states, “The fishing grounds at our ‘doorstep’ are excellent this time of the year. We have just been awarded a certificate of appreciation by the Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs (DEMA) for our dedication to the island’s environmental sustainability so a billfish tag and release tournament sits very well with our environmental ethos.”