A guaranteed $100,000 cash awaits the first-place team at the sixth annual World Sailfish Championship, scheduled Tuesday through Saturday, April 15-19, in Florida Keys waters. Second and third prizes are $15,000 and $10,000, respectively.
The tournament traditionally draws winners of prestigious South Florida sailfish tournaments and other elite anglers from around the world for three days of hard-fought fishing and a rich array of social events.
Celebrities too are on hand for the angling challenge and associated charity events. Legendary Miami Dolphins former coach Don Shula, retired four-star Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench are among those who typically participate.
The sailfish spectacular is scheduled to begin Tuesday, April 15, with final registration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at tournament headquarters in Key West's Mallory Square. A mandatory captains meeting is set for 5:30 p.m., followed by opening ceremonies slated to include a color guard presentation and a military flyover.
As well as competing for the tournament's top cash prizes, participants also can vie for a Spanish treasure coin valued at nearly $7,000 in a Key West treasure hunt. The rare 8-reale silver coin was discovered by legendary treasure hunter Mel Fisher and his crew on the wreck site of the Nuestra Seņora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon that sank in Florida Keys waters in 1622. Sponsored by Mel Fisher's Treasures, the hunt is to continue throughout the tournament. In addition, social events are planned to encourage relaxation and camaraderie after each day's fishing.
The tournament wraps up with the Florida Viking Yachts Dealers Awards Banquet, presented by Galati Yachts and HMY Yachts, slated for 7 p.m. Saturday.
The entry fee of $7,500 per boat enables five anglers and a captain to participate in the angling challenge. Six VIP social passes are included. Opportunities to fish with celebrities are available on a limited basis.
For more information and a downloadable registration form, visit www.worldsailfish.com. |
