Caicos Classic 2006 Press Release

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS, BWI – August 10, 2006

Down To The Wire At The Caicos Classic Release Tournament

The race to score the most big blue marlin releases came down to the wire recently as a dozen serious teams fought to the finish for the grand prize in the Caicos Classic, the renowned annual tournament of champions in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Twelve teams answered the call for world-class billfishing and not a single fisherman was disappointed with the results of 27 blue marlin releases over four days, running out of Turtle Cove Marina in Providenciales, Turks And Caicos Islands.

Day one was off to a slow start by Provo standards with only 5 blue marlin released. The Luna, a 61 foot Viking out of Miami, owned and skippered by Bruno Ramos, took an early lead and the daily with two large Blue Marlin releases. Salty Rinse, a 40 foot Cabo skippered by Jon Thoburn, which is no stranger to the classic and a tough competitor, released 1 blue as did Real Nauti and Rebaits to get on the board early.

The pace picked up on day two with nine majestic Blues released. Tico Time, a Texas based boat skippered my Mike Hester, released three blue marlin to take the daily prize. Luna got their third blue, squeezing them into the lead on time. Cool Runnings, Long Distance, Salty Rinse, Strike Zone and Rebaits each released one blue for the day.

The fish, perhaps encouraged by their layday, remained scarce as day three proved to be a rather slow one, even as the competition heated up. Stike Zone, a 55 Viking captained by Trey Pecor, released a blue at 8:06 to take the daily. Salty Rinse, after three hours and 47 minutes of fight on 50 pound line, released a blue estimated at 600 pounds to score their third Blue Marlin release, moving them into third place. Cool Runnings, a 55 foot Viking (no stranger to the Classic) and Tony DeMoya's 48 foot Viking (last year's winner) each released a blue before the day was done.

Going into day four the heat was on. Three boats scored three fish each. Luna was in the lead on time while Tico Time and Salty Rinse were running second and third. My Way, a 58 Egg Harbour started off the morning with their first fish. At 11:19 Cool Runnings released their third fish. At 1:49 Salty Rinse released their fourth fish to take the lead. But Luna wasn't finished yet. She released her fourth fish 10 minutes later to make her second on release time. Cool Runnings was not out of the race as she released her fourth fish an hour after Luna. With a mere ten minutes before lines out, Luna hooks up and releases her fifth Blue Marlin to win the 2006 Caicos Classic. Cool Runnings took the daily on release time. Not a bad finish, everyone agreed.

Rob Shawger, owner of Salty Rinse, was High Point Angler with four releases. Tom Largura, owner of Cool Runnings, took second High Point Angler with Nelson Fonseca landing third place angler on the Luna. Tico Time took the biggest Tuna at 77.5 pounds.

15 year old Amanda Clawges onboard Rebaits, her father's Ocean 52, won the Classic Junior. Angler Tournament this year with 62.3 pound Yellowfin Tuna.

Every boat had their shot at the title with quite a few pulled hooks and plenty of excitement throughout the week. And while they were not out on the water, the anglers and friends were kicking it up at parties every night at all the best restaurants and watering holes in Providenciales.

According to tournament organizer Art Pickering, plans are already underway for next year's tournament. "We'll be at the Miami International Boat Show in the Big Game Room again next February," said Art. "Come by and see us and learn why marlin fishing in the Turks and Caicos Islands is among the best in the world."

The Caicos Classic Tournaments are hosted by Turtle Cove Marina in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. The full service marina and international port of entry features a protected harbor with 65 deep water slips and all the amenities, including restaurants, bars, hotels, auto rentals and shops immediately on the premises. The events culminate with an outstanding awards ceremony and celebration hosted by noted sponsors and luminaries.

For complete details about the annual Caicos Classic tournament events, see the web site at www.caicosclassic.com or call Turtle Cove Marina at 649-941-3781. The fax number is 649-946-4350. Tournament Director Art Pickering can be reached via e-mail at info@caicosclassic.com.

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For more information, contact:
Art Pickering
Caicos Classic Tournament Director
Turtle Cove Marina
PO Box 594, Turtle Cove
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, BWI
Phone: 649-941-3781
Fax: 649-946-4350
http://www.TurtleCoveMarina.com
http://www.CaicosClassic.com
e-mail: info@caicosclassic.com