Register now! The 19th Annual Caicos Classic IGFA Billfish Release Tournament will take place out of Blue Haven Marina and Resort, an Island Global Yachting (IGY) destination, in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos from July 3-7, 2014. Up for grabs? Entry into the 2015 IGFA Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica, plus cash prizes and much more.
“We expect to welcome 10 to 12 boats from Provo as well as from the U.S. Given these numbers the odds are great for qualifying for the IGFA Offshore World Championship,” says Adam Foster, general manager of IGY’s Blue Haven Marina.
The goal for sports fishermen’s in this billfish tournament is to earn points by releasing the most marlin and/or sailfish over the three days of fishing. The tournament also recognizes the largest dolphin, wahoo and tuna landed, however, no points are awarded for ‘meat fish’.
All participating boats receive angler’s and captain’s bags packed with great gifts from tournament sponsors. In addition to the grand prize of entry into the Offshore World Championship for the winning boat, awards will also be handed out for largest dolphin, wahoo and tuna as well as top angler, top mate, top captain and top lady angler.
Organizers and marina hosts anticipate the Caicos Classic IGFA Billfish Release Tournament will grow back to where it was not long ago with 30 to 40 boats. Three great reasons should easily make this expectation a reality.
First, there’s fantastic fishing grounds. The beauty of fishing in the Turks and Caicos Islands is that it’s possible to release a blue marlin right outside Leeward Cut, which is a short 5-minute ride from IGY’s Blue Haven Marina. Further offshore, the fishing grounds offer anglers lots of structure, with contour lines, steep drop offs and sea mounts.
Popular billfish spots include:
- Northwest Point and the ‘humps’ about 11 miles offshore
- as well as off Three Mary Cays approximately 5 miles offshore
- and the North Caicos humps approximately 25 miles offshore.
Secondly, it’s easy to fly in and fish. Everything from tuna tower-topped sportfishers to center consoles are available with licensed captains and experienced crews.
Thirdly, this destination is WAY more than just a marina. Resort amenities include, a private beach, infinity pool with bar, gym, café and market, fine dining in Fire and Ice restaurant, Salt bar and grill in the marina and five-star rooms on site. In addition, IGY’s Blue Haven Marina offers 78 berths on state-of-the-art Bellingham floating docks for yachts up to 220 feet and up to an 8.5 foot draft, plus customer service focused staff that makes it one of the friendliest yet professional places to stay.
“Blue Haven marina was thrilled to host the tournament last year and grateful that the partnership will continue in the future to ensure the tournament goes from strength to strength. Our location is ideally suited to sports fishing and the fact that this tournament is a billfish release tournament also falls in-line with our commitment to the marine environment. We see this as a long term strategy to put the Turks and Caicos on the ‘must visit’ list for anglers,” says Foster.
The Caicos Classic IGFA Billfish Release Tournament benefits the local Edward C. Gartland Youth Centre as well as the international non-profit, The Billfish Foundation.
To register, visit: caicosclassic.tc/registration. For more information about IGY’s Blue Haven Marina and Resort, visit www.bluehaventci.com
