Following on last year’s success of the Caicos Classic IGFA Billfish Release Tournament, IGY‘s Blue Haven Resort and Marina, positioned in the fascinating Caribbean yacht charter location – Turks and Caicos, is thrilled to announce that it will be once again hosting the exciting annual event.
Caicos Classic IGFA Billfish Release Tournament IGY's Blue Haven Resort and Marina in the Caribbean yacht charter destination - Turks and Caicos
As part of the Turks and Caicos billfish community for 18 years, the Caicos Classic is now in its 19th year, welcoming local and international anglers to the nation’s strikingly blue waters. Taking place from July 3-7, 2014, the tournament holds a focus on marine conservation and education, with proceeds benefiting local charity, The Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre as well as the international non-profit, The Billfish Foundation.
Last year, 8 boats gathered at Blue Haven Resort and Marina to compete for the coveted win: a cash prize and entry as the Turks and Caicos representative team for the 2014 IGFA Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica. Last year’s tournament saw an impressive 7 blue marlin releases and over 20 raised over the 3 day event, as well as tuna, wahoo and mahi in the fish box. The winner was Captain Toby Wiener and his team on Spellbound who celebrated their second consecutive win.
While this year, the Classic is expecting a larger number of entering boats, the event will continue to keep its familiar atmosphere with many entrants leaving with a prize. Not only are prizes awarded to the winning team, but also to the Top Captain, Angler, Mate and Lady Angler, as well as the largest dolphin, wahoo and tuna. The event culminates in a celebration at Blue Haven Marina at which the winning team is awarded their invitation to participate in the 2015 IGFA Offshore World Championship.
The IGFA Offshore World Championship is one of the biggest sportfishing tournaments in the world. The winning teams from 64 IGFA OWC qualifying events worldwide will travel to Costa Rica to compete for the title of OWC Champions. This year, the Angolan team representing the Luanda Sailfish Classic won, and a world-record number of billfish (over 2,314) were released by the 64 teams over three days.
The schedule of the 2014 tournament events at the superyacht marina is as follows:
July 3rd – Captain’s Meeting
July 4th – Fishing Day and Evening events
July 5th – Fishing Day and Evening events
July 6th – Mandatory Lay Day and Daytime events
July 7th – Fishing Day and Awards Ceremony/Party
Other sponsors of the event include Bost Lures, Pelagic Offshore Performance Gear, The Wine Cellar, DJ Dayoh, Provo Turtle Divers, Miller Simons O’Sullivan, Graceway IGA Shout Media, Panoply Sport Fishing & Charters, PTS Equipment, Aquamarine Concierge, Ticket Solutions, SURFside Ocean Academy and Scooter Bob’s Auto Rental.
Blue Haven Resort and Marina offers preferential room rates, berthing rates and fuel prices to participants in the Caicos Classic upon request directly with the Resort or Marina.
