Following on last year’s success of the Caicos Classic IGFA Billfish Release Tournament, Blue Haven Resort and Marina is proud to announce they are again the hosting marina for the thrilling annual event. 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 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.
To register for the Caicos Classic IGFA Billfish Release Tournament, please contact:
E info@caicosclassic.tc
T 649.432.3566
caicosclassic.tc/registration/
To reserve your berth at Blue Haven Marina, contact:
Adam Foster, Marina General Manager
E afoster@bluehaventci.com
T 649.946.9910
www.bluehaventci.com
ABOUT BLUE HAVEN RESORT & MARINA
Located in Providenciales in the Turks & Caicos Islands, Blue Haven Marina is open to yachts up to 220 feet and a max draft of 8.5 feet at mean low tide. The brand new facility is positioned within the Blue Haven Resort, surrounded by nearly 20 acres of waterfront land on the exquisite northeast coast of the island. Marina guests have full access to the Resort, including a gym, fully serviced private beach, an infinity-edge swimming pool with lounge decks for entertainment. Also on property are several restaurants, bars, grocery store, spa and an array of watersport activities and day charters – both sail and sportfish. Boasting the third-largest coral reef system in the world, the islands are renowned for the finest tropical beaches. Turks & Caicos Islands’ fine-sand alabaster Grace Bay Beach is consistently voted one of the world’s Top 10 beaches by Condé Nast Traveler. Some of the best bonefishing is in Turks and Caicos waters. Bottom fishing enthusiuasts enjoy access to many species of grouper and snapper, among others. www.bluehaventci.com
ABOUT IGY MARINAS
With yachting destinations spanning the Americas, IGY has redefined the luxury marina experience. Founded in 2005, IGY focuses on acquiring, managing, and servicing luxury-yacht marinas and lifestyle destinations. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, IGY also has offices in New York, NY and St. Thomas, USVI. Island Global Yachting marinas operate under the signature Yacht Haven Grande Collection and the IGY series brands, as well as several private labels. IGY’s network of properties is setting new standards for service and quality in nautical tourism throughout the world. The company now offers an unprecedented collection of 14 marinas in the Caribbean, Pacific and the Americas, all catering to a variety of vessel types including sportfishers, cruisers, sailing & motor yachts, as well as being exclusive home ports for some of the world’s largest megayachts. IGY also participates in 10 of the world’s biggest and best sportfishing tournaments, making our marinas in Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, St. Thomas USVI, Turks & Caicos, Panama and Palmas Del Mar, Puerto Rico highly sought-after angler destinations. IGY is an affiliate of Island Capital Group LLC, a real estate merchant banking firm led and founded by Andrew Farkas, former chairman of Insignia Financial Group. For more information, please visit www.igymarinas.com.
