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KEY WEST, Florida Keys - Fishing with celebrities including Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf and Evander Holyfield, anglers are to compete for an estimated $100,000 in cash and prizes during the second annual World Sailfish Championship, scheduled for Tuesday through Saturday, April 13-17, in Florida Keys waters.
Registration is now open for the tournament, which takes place during prime sailfish season and offers a guaranteed first prize of $75,000 cash to the team catching and releasing the largest number of sailfish. Tournament organizers also are offering a $15,000 second prize and $10,000 third prize.
As in the 2003 inaugural tournament, elite anglers from some of South Florida's most prestigious tournaments are to compete against celebrity challengers and other enthusiastic participants. In addition, 2003 champion Captain Ray Rosher plans to return with his "Get Lit" crew to defend his title.
The tournament benefits Camp Boggy Creek, founded by Schwarzkopf, actor Paul Newman and others as a permanent, year-round, no-cost camp for young people with life-threatening illnesses. The entire cost of staffing and operating the camp, located on 232 acres of woodland in Eustis, Fla., is covered by contributions from individuals and collaborating organizations.
The Coastal Conservation Association, whose goal is to conserve and enhance coastal fishery resources, also is a beneficiary.
Final registration for the World Sailfish Championship is slated for Tuesday, April 13, beginning at 11 a.m. overlooking Key West Harbor at Mallory Square, the tournament headquarters. Evening events are to include a captains meeting, kickoff party and a silent and live auction.
Fishing is set for 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, April 14 and 15; and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 17. A maximum of 20-pound-test line may be used, and all sailfish must be released. Each release scores 300 points.
Social events are to include a party hosted by Schwarzkopf, a live concert at Mallory Square, a charity auction and a dinner banquet and awards ceremony. A charity golf tournament also is planned to benefit Camp Boggy Creek.
The 2004 championship is limited to 125 boats. A $1,500 boat entry fee allows two anglers to fish all three days of the tournament and attend the social functions. Additional anglers may fish for $150 apiece, and additional social privileges are $225 per person. There is no maximum number of anglers per boat.
VIP registration is available for teams that want to attend social events with the celebrity anglers and, in some cases, fish with a celebrity teammate. The $4,000 per boat VIP entry fee allows entry for up to five anglers in the tournament, as well as six VIP social passes which provide for preferred seating at all social events, admission to private parties and full access to a VIP hospitality area with a nightly open bar.
For more information about the World Sailfish Championship and tournament registration forms, call tournament director Captain Mike Weinhofer at 1-305- 395-3474, e-mail info@worldsailfish.com or visit www.worldsailfish.com. For lodging information, contact the Key West Chamber of Commerce at 1-800- LAST-KEY, or explore this Web site.
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