Virgin Gorda, BVI – Bitter End Yacht Club on sunny Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands is proud to announce dates for the 2012 BVI Billfish Tournament: July 30 – August 2, 2012. The all-release blue marlin fishing tournament, now in its fourth running, will once again be hosted by the Bitter End Yacht Club. Competitors will depart early each morning, fishing from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and return to the resort for image review and scoring and evenings of relaxation and great food.
All boats participating in the 2012 BVI Billfish Tournament will receive a complimentary membership to Bitter End’s Quarterdeck Club ($500 value), and those registering on or before March 31, 2012 will also receive free dockage during the tournament (utilities not included). The tournament size is limited to 20 boats and early registration is strongly suggested.
Traditionally the BVI Billfish Tournament is held immediately after the St. Thomas July Open. This year, the July 30th – August 2nd tournament dates were selected because of the two full moons in August (August 3rd and 31st). Additionally, these dates provide adequate travel time for boats coming to the Virgin Islands from the States or other areas in the Caribbean.
The recently renovated state-of-the-art Quarterdeck Marina at Bitter End Yacht Club provides another reason to visit the resort. Wider slips, improved decking surfaces, enhanced skirting, upgraded power, and a better dockage layout accommodate a wider variety of boat sizes and shapes. Addressing the needs and desires of the yachting community, the management team at Bitter End has leveraged their more than three decades of experience developing a world-renown waterfront experience to create a facility custom-tailored just for Bitter End guests.
“We’re committed to making the BVI Billfish Tournament a cornerstone event,” said Sandra Graham, COO of the Bitter End. “In addition to Blue Marlin fishing, specific to this particular competition, we have some of the world’s finest fishing, including inshore, tarpon and permit fishing, coupled with some of the best bone-fishing in the Caribbean, and we want more anglers to come discover Bitter End as a world class fishing destination.”
Pictured above is Team Therapy (George Lorton, Tampa, FL), winner of the 2011 BVI Billfish Tournament and three-time tournament participant, who looks to defend their title this year. “I’ve been to this event from the beginning, and this past year’s was extra special,” said Therapy’s George Lorton. “My grandson hooked the second blue marlin of his life and was our first fish of the tournament.”
To complement the great fishing, last year’s participants agreed that Bitter End was an exceptional host for the 2011 tournament, and all look forward to competing in this year’s tournament. “While I chartered a boat in 2011, I plan to return with my own boat next year,” said angler Doug Fabick (Fenton, MO). “The new docks were terrific and the place was awesome. Great food, fun and staff that aims to please.”
Love of the water, family tradition, great friends, and the generous Caribbean spirit are all in abundance at Bitter End Yacht Club, where BVI Billfishing Tournament participants and spectators can also take advantage of the resort’s Angler’s Bed & Breakfast Special. Starting at $325 per night for two, in a North Sound Suite, the Angler’s Special includes room and breakfast daily.
The Billfish Tournament also provides the perfect opportunity for a family getaway. Bitter End began as a family retreat, and anglers are encouraged to bring their loved ones and children along. Designed specifically for families, the resort’s Admiral’s Family Vacation Package includes water-sport and other exciting activities tailored to both parents and children alike, ensuring an unforgettable Caribbean vacation.
For more information or to register online, visit the 2012 BVI Billfish Tournament’s website at www.bvibillfishtournament.com, and Bitter End Yacht Club at www.beyc.com.
