World Sailfish Championship Set for April 13-17 in Key West
Event chairman expects the purse to exceed $1,000,000

Posted Wednesday, March 3, 2010

 
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KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Elite anglers from around the U.S. and other countries are to battle the mighty sailfish in Florida Keys waters during the eighth annual World Sailfish Championship, scheduled Tuesday through Saturday, April 13-17.

The tournament is characterized by three days of hard-fought fishing, a packed schedule of social and charity events, and participation from celebrities like Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs and wrestler “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.

According to tournament chairman and founder Chris King, the 2009 event’s purse was more than $1 million and he expects the 2010 purse to exceed that figure as well.

The sailfish spectacular is scheduled to begin Tuesday, April 13, with final registration from 1-4 p.m. at tournament headquarters in Mallory Square overlooking Key West Harbor. A mandatory captains meeting is set for 5:30 p.m., followed by opening ceremonies, a color guard presentation, military flyover and kick-off party.

Competition is to commence with lines in the water at 8 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, April 14 and 15. Lines-out is to be called at 3:30 p.m. both days.

After a nonfishing “lay day” on Friday, the battle for angling supremacy culminates Saturday with fishing from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Social events include the Sunset Key Seafood Extravaganza at Mallory Square, the Coach’s Party at Mallory Square featuring silent and live charity auctions, boat manufacturers’ dockside parties and more. The Florida Viking Yachts Dealers Awards Banquet, presented by Galati Yacht Sales and HMY Yacht Sales, follows Saturday’s fishing.

The entry fee of $7,500 per boat enables five anglers and a captain to fish, and includes six VIP social passes.

For more information and a downloadable registration form, visit www.worldsailfish.com. Information also can be requested by calling 866-550-5580.