With 20 boats entered and 80 anglers on board, the A.H. Riise BVI Billfish tournament, hosted by the Bitter End Yacht Club, became the largest tournament to ever to be held in the British Virgin Islands.
“We are very happy that we are off to such a successful start,” said Tournament Director Lawrence Wheatley. “To become the largest tournament ever is an accomplishment we are very proud of.”
Boats entered range from 48 to 74 feet and include such notables as Perfect Parts, which recently won the Bermuda Triple crown. The fleet includes boats that have fished such high profile events as the Bahamas Billfish Championships, the San Juan International Billfish Tournament and other tournaments throughout the Caribbean.
“We look forward to a great tournament that combines all one could want to do ashore with some of the world’s best fishing,” said Sebastiano Paiewonsky-Cassinelli, vice present of title sponsor A.H. Riise, the official Rolex retailer in the Virgin Islands. “We look forward to hosting this event with our partners, the BVI Department of Tourism for many years to come.”
Following the Captain’s meeting, hosted by Murray Products, anglers and their guests were serenaded by the music of Reflections, thanks to cocktail party hosts, Mt Gay rum and Carib beer. This was followed by a sumptuous meal provided by Brown-Forman.
The A.H. Riise BVI Billfish Tournament is a qualifier for the IGFA Offshore Championships and a participant in the World Billfish Series.
Sponsors of the Event are A.H. Riise, the BVI Department of Tourism, Mainsail Management Group, Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Sonoma Cutrer, Five Rivers Vineyards, Johnnie Walker, Tanqueray, Jose Cuervo, The Crystal Shoppe, Waterford Crystal, Southern Boating magazine, Hatteras Yachts, Antilles Yacht Sales, Gregory Poole Marine Power, Mt. Gay rum, Carib beer, Clearpoint, Raffles Tortola First Bank, Murray Products, Mainsail Resort and Spa BVI, Island Global Yachting and the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association.
The A.H. Riise BVI Billfish Tournament will include three days of fishing and a lay day, so anglers and their guests can cruise the British Virgin Islands or get in a day of shopping in Road Town.
For more daily results and photographs at the tournament go to the event website at http://www.bvibillfishtournament.com.
