Safe Passage rules Port Antonio Blue Marlin tourney

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

Safe Passage and her anglers were crowned champions of the ninth staging of the Mayberry Investments-sponsored Superstars of Port Antonio Blue Marlin Tournament at an awards ceremony in Portland.

The tournament, which concluded on Saturday at the Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio, saw Safe Passage finish atop the standings with 1,800 points after tagging and releasing six blue marlins over three days of gruelling competition.

The event also faced challenging weather conditions influenced by the passage of Hurricane Isaias in the United States.

Other boats also recorded successful catches. Change My Mind tagged and released three marlins, while Fair Prospect and Still Keeping It Jiggy each tagged and released two to complete the top four.

Tournament Director and founder of the Superstars of Port Antonio Blue Marlin Tournament, Robert ‘Bobby’ Stewart, said anglers have already committed to next year’s event, which he expects will be bigger and better.

“Yes, it was a good tournament, which saw just about all the boats tagging and releasing at least one marlin. The 12 participating boats fished for the entire three days of competition, even during the heavy rainfall on Friday,” Stewart commented.

“Once again I must extend a big thank you to Mayberry Investments for their commitment towards this tournament, which will be entering its 10th staging next year. So one can appreciate the excitement and big celebration that will be happening come next year. Let me thank also all our other sponsors, who have stuck with us during this tournament, and we are looking forward to a better partnership next year.

“The spin-off was great for the people of Port Antonio, and rest assured that at our 10th celebration we will be doing something special for you. I thank the anglers for their sportsmanship and friendly rivalry, which was maintained throughout this tournament. I thank you all for turning out and looking forward to seeing you all in 2027,” he concluded.

Approximately $3 million in prize money was shared among the winners. Change My Mind, out of Honduras and owned by Ken McNab, governor of the Bay Islands, accumulated 1,380 points to finish second, while Still Keeping It Jiggy secured third place with 900 points.

Paulette Tai Chun of Still Keeping It Jiggy was named top female angler, while Dominic Neil Gordon of Safe Passage took top male honours. Adrian DeSilva of Safe Passage was recognised as the tournament’s top captain.