2017 Bermuda Billfish Release Cup Results

The Bermuda Billfish Release Cup benefits the Bermuda Sloop Foundation.

Bermuda Billfish Release Cup - Uno Mas | Michelle Makmann / Out Your Front Door

HAMILTON, Bermuda (July 11, 2017) — The Bermuda Triple Crown once again supported the Bermuda Sloop Foundation Adam Goodwin Master Mariner scholarship program this year with the Bermuda Billfish Release Cup, an easy-going, inexpensive tournament held between the first and second legs of the series.

The tournament kicked off with its traditional putting competition at the Bermuda Fun Golf course, where the top three teams received trophies from Island Glassworks. Team Just a Dog took first place, followed by Triple Play and Es Mucho in second and third place, respectively, after a putt-off tie-breaker. A record 17 teams participated in the competition, outdoor BBQ and captains meeting at the Caddy Shack.

The first day of fishing went well for Captain Tommy Lynskey on Uno Mas. Angler Maria Odila Magalhaes released a spearfish at 11:48 a.m. and owner Brooks Smith released a blue marlin at 2:03 p.m., giving Uno Mas the Day One Release Jackpot.

Smith bested a white marlin on the second day of fishing to help the team secure First Place Team and First Place Overall Release Points Jackpot honors for a total of $18,975 plus King Sailfish Mounts trophies, a Yeti cooler, Steve Goione artwork and a Soundview Millwork trophy.

Day two belonged to team Chaos, an all lady angler crew who scored a blue release for owner Nicola Slade at 10:24 a.m. followed by a white marlin release for Jenny West. This was enough to win Captain Brent Slade the Day Two Release Jackpot, Second Place Overall Release Points Jackpot and Second Place Team.

For the second year in a row, it was day two of fishing when the Chaos crew produced enough points to put them on the stage. “It seems like we party hard on the first day and then get serious on the second,” said angler Julie Thompson.

Bermuda Billfish Release Cup - Chaos | Michelle Makmann / Out Your Front Door

Team Chaos received $13,905, along with King Sailfish Mounts trophies, Steve Goione artwork and a Soundview Millwork trophy.

Sometimes, catching the first blue marlin of a tournament is the key to success, and that was the case for Captain Allen De Silva on Es Mucho. Angler Bill Elliot’s blue marlin release at 8:51 a.m. on day one earned the team Third Place Team and Third Place Overall Release Points Jackpot. They took home $5,070, plus King Sailfish Mounts trophies, Steve Goione artwork and a Soundview Millwork trophy.

Bermuda Billfish Release Cup - Es Mucho | Michelle Makmann / Out Your Front Door

The Top Gamefish Division winner was Captain Bryce Garvey on Flyer, a beautiful new Merritt built by owner Kevin Jaffee. Angler Mark Woodburry boxed a 41.10-pound wahoo to win $3,250 plus trophy and prizes.

It was a special tournament for Blank Check Captain Danny Hearn, as his wife Lynn and daughters Riley and Ashley were onboard with him. On day one, 15- year-old Ashley caught her first white marlin on her own to win the Top Junior Angler trophy. The family and many congratulators attended the ceremonial first marlin baptism at the Fairmont Princess docks.

Another special moment was enjoyed by Jenny Alexander, who caught her first blue marlin on day one aboard Treasure Isle with owner Allan De Silva. The catch gave Alexander Top Lady Angler honors and the traditional pink marlin trophy from King Sailfish Mounts.

The tournament culminated with an awards banquet dinner at Bonefish Bar & Grill, where participants watched a thank you video from the Bermuda Sloop Foundation kids, many of whom were onboard a kick-off evening cruise aboard the Spirit of Bermuda to the kickoff party with tournament participants.

This annual tournament takes place at the historic Royal Naval Dockyard and is fully supported by the West End Development Company. Additional sponsors include Garmin, Yeti, Ironshore Insurance, King Sailfish Mounts, Steve Goione Marine Artist, Lucas Oil, Soundview Millworks, CAT Engines, Starbrite, Ocean Blue Graphics and the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

Bermuda Billfish Release Cup - Junior | Michelle Makmann / Out Your Front Door
Bermuda Billfish Release Cup - Top Lady | Michelle Makmann / Out Your Front Door
Bermuda Billfish Release Cup - Sloop | Michelle Makmann / Out Your Front Door
Bermuda Billfish Release Cup - Flyer | Michelle Makmann / Out Your Front Door
Bermuda Billfish Release Cup - Awards | Michelle Makmann / Out Your Front Door