With the rising reports of swine flu in Mexico in late April, officials of the IGFA Offshore World Championship elected to postpone the annual early May event in Cabo San Lucas to November.
The decision was announced on April 30 by tournament director Dan Jacobs of the Bonnier Marine Group to give the 50 teams from 19 countries on six continents a chance to alter their travel plans. Bonnier is the publisher of recreational boating and fishing's most respected and well-known titles such as Marlin, Sport Fishing and Salt Water Sportsman, and is in partnership with the IGFA to manage the prestigious international offshore billfish event.
"The safety of our participants and staff came first," said tournament director Dan Jacobs in announcing the decision. "Our hearts and prayers go out to the citizens of Mexico who will be most affected by this virus. We hope everyone stays safe and healthy and that the epidemic passes quickly."
The new dates for the catch-and-release tournament are Nov. 8-13, 2009 with four days of on-the-water action. It had been scheduled for May 10 - 15.
"These new dates put the championship in the heart of Cabo's fall run of striped, blue and black marlin as well as giant dorado, tuna and wahoo," added the IGFA's chief operating officer Mike Myatt of one of fishing's most heralded and competitive global events.
Jacobs reported the Finisterra - the tournament's host hotel - was able to help make reservation changes.
"We have a fantastic lineup of fun events and an incredible amount of gifts and awards for the participants," he added.
Teams winning one of over 130 qualifying events held worldwide in 2008 were sent invitations to compete. The prestigious event also hosts the largest contingent of international teams to compete in a single catch-and-release fishing tournament.
For more information on the tournament or to find out more about registering a tournament as a 2009 qualifier, contact Lynda Wilson at Lynda.Wilson@Bonniercorp.com or call 407-571-4517, or Jacobs, at Dan.Jacobs@Bonniercorp.com or call 407-571-4680.
