Please select your home edition
Edition
Leaderboard FD July August September 2023

US sailfish season looming

by Bob Wonders on 26 Oct 2011
Wouldn't you just love to be in that cockpit? - Sailfish Pro Series Cox Group .
Preparations are underway for the forthcoming sailfish tournament season in the United States and Dania Beach, Florida, has been the scene for the so-called ‘season kick off.’

Dania Beach, in the Greater Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, is an obvious setting for the season launch as it is home of the world famous International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) Museum and headquarters.


Incidentally, with the massive Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show opening tomorrow (October 27), there’s all be some action at the IGFA HQ with new inductions to the Hall of Fame taking place.

One new inductee is John Chibnall, a life member, I believe, of New Zealand’s Bay of Island Swordfish Club.

Australian and New Zealand anglers have been heavily involved with IGFA since its formation in 1939.

That’s another story, however, for now we’re discussing the 2011/12 sailfish season, and this week Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World was transformed into the ultimate destination for sailfish knowledge.

The event naturally was timed to coincide with the Fort Lauderdale show and therefore ensures that many of the numerous professional skippers and past competitors, along with fishing industry experts, will be on hand.

As one of the organisers pointed out, the launch offers the public the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the top sailfish teams in the United States.

The 2011/12 Sailfish Pro Series comprises four events and is scheduled to begin November 14-16 with the Sailfish Cup, at Miami Beach.

Next is the Sailfish Open, at West Palm Beach (February 1-3, 2012), the World Sailfish Championships (Key West, April 17-21) culminating in the Sailfish Pro Series Finale in Miami Beach.


The gala launch at the Bass Pro Shop Outdoor World will include demonstrations by experts explaining tips and techniques for catching sailfish and will include a questions and answers sector for those keen to learn.

Danny Vinson, of Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, said the organisation was fully supportive of the series and looked forward to introducing 'these remarkable anglers to our customer base.'

Among the teams expected to attend is the defending champion boat ‘Sandman’ with its owner Sandra MacMillan and skipper Captain Neil Orange Jnr.



Captain Orange described the launch as a 'great opportunity' for local anglers to meet and mingle with many of the top sailfish teams.

'Last year was an amazing season for our team and I’m looking forward to getting underway and starting it all over again,' he declared.

Christopher King, Chairman of the World Fishing Tour, said there was 'great enthusiasm' with the fourth Sailfish Pro Series ready to go.

'This extraordinary collection of teams represents the best the sport has to offer and I am looking forward to following the action and seeing who will claim this year’s title,' he added.

For further information, visit the website www.sailfishseries.com





Maritimo M75Selden 2020 - FOOTERSydney Boat Show 2025 - Apply to Exhibit

Related Articles

2025 WASZP Pre-Games in Weymouth starts today
131 boats from 18 countries prepare ahead of the main event The 2025 WASZP Pre-Games in Weymouth has become a magnet for the international foiling community. With 131 boats entered from 18 countries, this event is more than just a tune-up—it's a snapshot of the class's spirit.
Posted today at 5:33 am
SailGP: Stands go up in Portsmouth
The grandstand is in place and prominent on the Portsmouth shoreline, in readiness for the weekend The grandstand is in place and prominent on the Portsmouth shoreline, in readiness for this weekend's SailGP event, which marks the start of the European circuit for the League's Season 5.
Posted today at 12:22 am
America's Cup: Azzurra Challenge
Azzurra's 1983 debut turned Italian sailing into a national interest. Italy has one of the most passionate and enduring histories in the America's Cup. Azzurra's 1983 debut turned Italian sailing into a national interest.
Posted on 15 Jul
The Ocean Cleanup's 30 Cities Program
A look at The Ocean Cleanup and its the 30 Cities Program The cliche goes that one should avoid meeting one's heroes, as there's always a chance that the flesh-and-blood person might not live up to expectations. While I've never met Boyan Slat, I'd gladly take this risk.
Posted on 15 Jul
Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta day 3
Mother Nature teases the competitors Mother Nature teased the competitors today and made them wait a bit, but she did not disappoint; the sun came out and a big westerly built to 18-20 knots!
Posted on 15 Jul
A century of human endeavour
The Fastnet Race is regarded as one of offshore sailing's most complete proving grounds For 100 years, the Rolex Fastnet Race has been regarded as one of offshore sailing's most complete proving grounds. It is a place where ambitions and dreams meet harsh reality, where skill, endurance and fortitude are severely tested.
Posted on 15 Jul
Martine Grael in Racing on the Edge
First female driver to win a Fleet Race captured in behind-the-scenes documentary Major milestone moment for SailGP captured in behind-the-scenes documentary series, which reaches 10 million total viewers since launching in 2021.
Posted on 15 Jul
Get ready to celebrate world's best sailing photos
16th edition of the Pantaenius Yacht Racing Image Award Professional photographers from around the globe are invited to submit their best yacht racing images captured between October 14, 2024, and October 12, 2025.
Posted on 15 Jul
Alli Bell & Restless crew to make Transpac history
On course to be the first woman skipper to win Transpac overall Alli Bell and the crew of her Cal 40 Restless took a winch handle to the notion that winning the Transpacific Yacht Race's top corrected-time prize requires membership in an old-boys club or a mighty war chest.
Posted on 15 Jul
Rolex Fastnet Race IRC Four preview
The pinnacle of grass roots sailing has 97 entries The very largest yachts, including the 100ft Ultim foiling trimarans and 60ft IMOCAs are an essential part of the spectacle of the Fastnet Race, however a critical element in the race's enduring appeal is that this is predominately a grass roots event.
Posted on 14 Jul