Jack Vitek joins The Marlin Group as new Editor-in-Chief
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
June 10, 2024 – WINTER PARK, FL – The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network, completes a senior management makeover nearly six months in the making with the appointment of Jack Vitek as its new Editor-in-Chief. Vitek joins Marlin after nearly 15 years of service to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), most recently as its Marketing Director.
“When we set out to find a new Editor-in-Chief who could help us elevate our content strategy across all Marlin Group activities, we were looking for someone who checked three boxes,” said David Ritchie, Marlin Group CEO. “First, we needed someone who has time in the cockpit and understands the big-game fishing industry. Second, we were looking for someone who had experience in the publishing of print and digital content. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we needed a good cultural fit for the team, someone who could represent Marlin out on the docks or at a boat show. That’s a tall order, but we found that and more in Jack Vitek.”
In taking on the new role with Marlin, Vitek will be charged with developing and executing a content strategy that fully integrates all four Marlin Group pillars – media, tournaments, expeditions and advocacy.
“Jack’s personal enthusiasm for big-game fishing, combined with his long experience at the IGFA, gives him a strong foundation to help us better leverage our tournaments and expeditions as content factories,” Ritchie said. “And given his wide-ranging efforts to promote the conservation of game fish, he will play a key role in helping us build out Marlin’s advocacy platform.”
At the IGFA, Vitek was responsible for all of the association’s media activities, corporate partnerships, tournaments, and world records, leveraging content to promote the association’s membership while also advocating for responsible stewardship of all pelagic species.
“For more than 40 years, Marlin has been the definitive voice of big-game angling and synonymous with excellence,” Vitek said. “I’m honored, humbled and excited to join the talented team at the Marlin Group, where we will work to raise the bar on Marlin’s tradition of excellence as we promote the lifestyle, culture and passion of big-game angling.”
The hiring of Vitek, effective July 1, follows new appointments for all senior management positions within the group, starting with Natasha Lloyd to Publisher & Vice President in January of 2024. Other recent appointments include Dave Morel as Sales Director, Jennifer Dudas as Tournament Director, Capt. Jen Copeland as Expeditions Director, and Andrea Winters as Marketing Director.
About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; and the Bermuda Triple Crown, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Marlin
The Marlin Group Enhances Leadership Team
- Andrea Winters joins as Marketing Director
- Search underway for Editor-in-Chief
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
May 21, 2024 – WINTER PARK, FL – The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network, is enhancing its leadership team in pursuit of ambitious growth plans across all activities.
Andrea Winters, a seasoned marketing professional from Newport, North Carolina, joins The Marlin Group team as Marketing Director, reporting to Natasha Lloyd, Publisher and Vice President of Sales.
Winters comes to The Marlin Group with a portfolio full of related experience, having led marketing and social media campaigns for Gregory Poole Marine since 2019. Prior to that, she worked as a freelance marketing and social media specialist in support of Cat Marine, Winter Custom Yachts, the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament and other marine clients.
“Working in the sportfishing industry has never been a job for me,” said Winters. “It is a lifestyle and a life-long passion that chose me well before I chose it. I grew up immersed in this sport, and around people and vessels that sparked many dreams. Those dreams are now coming true as I join the Marlin team.”
Lloyd and Marlin Group CEO, David Ritchie, hand-selected Winters from a crowded field of applicants, based on the ideal mix of strategic and operational skills she brings to the table.
“With both a corporate and freelance background in the big-game fishing industry, Andrea is a home run for The Marlin Group,” Lloyd said. “She knows how the business works, she knows how to speak to anglers and boat owners in an authentic way, and she has a brain full of great ideas to help us and our clients elevate our brands. I am excited to watch her succeed in her position in the coming months and years.”
Meanwhile, The Marlin Group is also seeking a new Editor-in-Chief who can lead a multichannel content strategy across all group franchises and activities.
“We’ve traditionally viewed content through the lens of the magazine first and foremost,” said Ritchie. “Going forward we’re seeking a content strategist who can help us develop a more integrated approach across all Marlin Group platforms. Tournaments and Expeditions are incredible content factories, and we’re in search of someone who can help leverage those opportunities, especially across our digital channels.”
Ritchie, who was editor of Marlin early in his career, will serve as interim EIC during the search.
About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; and the Bermuda Triple Crown, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Marlin
The 2024 Offshore World Championship a Success by Any Measure
Quepos, Costa Rica – April 14-19
This year’s running of the Costa Offshore World Championship in Quepos, Costa Rica was a huge success by any measure, with 42 teams from 24 countries and six continents competing to be named the globe’s Offshore Champion. The field of 198 anglers released 699 billfish over four days, averaging 16.7 billfish releases per team. The winning team, Marlin Rio from Brazil, released 33 sailfish for 6,600 points and the victory.
To win the OWC, competitors must best a field of anglers who are themselves champions, having qualified for attendance by winning or placing in a qualifying event within the prior year.
“The OWC truly is unique in this world,” Marlin Group CEO David Ritchie said to the assembled anglers on the event’s opening night. “You can’t buy your way here. You have to earn your way here. Each of you who are here today are champions already, and this week, one of you will fish your way to the top of this impressive field, a pinnacle achievement in big-game fishing.”
While Costa Rica is well-known for its vibrant culture, lush natural scenery and friendly locals—as well as the unrivaled excitement of its offshore fishing action—this Central American gem really pulled out all the stops for this year’s running. The Costa Rica Tourism Institute, Instituto Costarricense de Turismo, joined title sponsor, Costa, to host four days of head-to-head competition amid one of the most consistent billfish fisheries on the planet.
Once fishing commenced out of tournament host Marina Pez Vela each day, participants enjoyed a classic Costa Rican bite, with plenty of sailfish in the baits in virtually flat-calm tropical conditions. The fishing actually improved during each of the four days, with the fleet releasing 119 billfish on Day One, 124 on Day Two, 184 on Day Three and a whopping 272 on Day Four. For the tournament, there were 686 Pacific sailfish and 13 marlin released in four days of competition.
While Brazil has always fielded a strong contingent of teams for the Costa Offshore Championship, 2024 proved to be an exceptional one for the South American nation. Emerging victorious and representing the Iate Clube do Rio de Janeiro was the Marlin Rio team of Pedro Guimarães, Luis Felipe Guimarães, André Mattos, Alexandre Cabral and Alberto Lorenzo. Proving that consistency is a key component to victory, they steadily marched their way through the leaderboard. A slow start on Day One with just four sailfish releases led to an improvement on Day Two with six, then 11 more sails on Day Three. Saving their best effort for the final day, Marlin Rio vaulted to victory with 12 sailfish releases on the fourth and final day for a total of 6,600 points. In addition to a lifetime invitation to defend their title, tournament director Jennifer Dudas presented the team with gold Championship rings from VanMark Jewelry Designers and will also be the first team represented on the new OWC Perpetual Trophy, on permanent display at Marina Pez Vela.
In second place was another Brazilian entry, representing the Yacht Clube da Bahia. Hernani lopes de Sá Neto, Ricardo Uanus Balazeiro, Ricardo Harth Balazeiro, Breno Murai and Jose Roberto Martinez Do Canto combined to release 28 sailfish, good for 5,600 points. They brought home the prestige as well as armloads of trophies and prizes to their home port of Salvador, Brazil.
Finishing in third was the team representing the 2008 OWC Champions: Audrey Koocher, Matt McLean, Robert Collins and John Domanic. They released 26 sailfish and landed a 21.18-pound dorado for a total of 5,221.18 points. They also took home first place in the tournament’s new Billfish Release Points optional jackpot. With eight sailfish releases, Koocher was the event’s highest-scoring lady angler.
Representing the Spice Island Billfish Tournament, Adrian de Silva was the event’s top angler with one blue marlin and 15 sailfish releases, while Matthew Rose from the Sunshine Coast Game Fishing Classic weighed the heaviest dorado at 51.6 pounds. Christopher Spalding from the Bermuda Big Game Classic team landed the event’s largest yellowfin tuna at 92.6 pounds.
2024 Costa Offshore World Championship Sponsors
The Costa Offshore World Championship is sponsored by many industry-leading companies, including title sponsor Costa Sunglasses, The Marlin Group, Marina Pez Vela, Parador Nature Resort and Spa, Yeti, Salt Life, Garmin, King Sailfish Mounts, AFTCO, Flor de Caña, IGFA, Bodo Muche Studio-Foundry, Pacifico Travel Services, Seakeeper, Release Marine, 2Costa Rica Real Estate, VanMark Jewelry Designers, Coastal Carolina Cutting Boards, Starbrite, Penn, Guy Harvey, Big-T Lures, IWS ScaleMaster, Baby Je Creations and Adri Gyotaku Marine Life Prints.
- Published in Events
Bonnier Sells Marine Media, Doubles Down on Outdoor Adventure
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact
[email protected]
October 24, 2023 – WINTER PARK, FL – Bonnier USA has sold its marine media division to Craig Fuller’s Flying Media Group. The transaction was announced today at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.
Bonnier’s media division publishes the nation’s leading portfolio of iconic marine brands with Yachting, Boating, Sailing World, Cruising World, and Salt Water Sportsman, produces the award-winning SFTV television series, and hosts the Sailing World Regatta Series.
“The sale of our marine media division marks our fifth transaction in shaping a group with full focus on experiential outdoor adventure,” said Jens Mueffelmann, Executive Chairman of Bonnier LLC. “Craig Fuller has vigorously transformed aviation media. He is the perfect new owner of our marine media division.”
Bonnier remains the owner and operator of Marlin magazine and its series of big-game fishing tournaments in Costa Rica, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands and Mexico, while also leading curated fishing expeditions to Australia, Panama and other top offshore fishing destinations. In its Motorsports & Outdoor division, Bonnier operates an extensive series of nationwide motorsports shows and hunting expos.
“Our mission of fueling the passion of outdoor enthusiasts is playing out well,” said David Ritchie, CEO of Bonnier LLC. “Bonnier’s revenues have grown by more than 50 percent in the last two years, and I am energized to double down further on offshore fishing, motorsports, and hunting.”
About Bonnier
Bonnier is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for offshore fishing, motorsports and hunting. Bonnier operates the world’s premier offshore fishing magazine, Marlin, and its series of big-game fishing tournaments and expeditions across the US and in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia and the Virgin Islands. In its Motorsports & Outdoor division, Bonnier operates a series of nationwide motorsports and hunting events, including the Super Sands Sports Show, Off-Road Expo and Open Season Sportsman’s Expo. Bonnier is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating conglomerate with more than 200 years in publishing.
- Published in Corporate
Wolverine Wins 2023 Bermuda Big Game Classic
Hamilton, Bermuda—July 18, 2023—The team fishing aboard Wolverine, led by Capt. Rocky Hardison and based in Morehead City, North Carolina, landed in first place during the 2023 Bermuda Big Game Classic. Anglers Gary Fletcher, Wes Nardoni, and Worth Farrington released six blue marlin and one white marlin during the three days of fishing to earn a cash purse of $105,525 and an invitation to compete in the 2024 Costa Offshore World Championship.
When asked how owner and angler Gary Fletcher got into big-game fishing, he reminisced about reading an article in Marlin Magazine in 1999, which enticed him and his son to book their first marlin fishing trip. Fast-forward 24 years later, after Fletcher built a custom boat and has fished all over the world; he and his team are proudly accepting first place in the second leg of the prestigious Bermuda Triple Crown.
Day One saw a total of 30 blues and eight whites for the 40-boat fleet. But the highlight of Day One was when the local Bermudian team UnWined weighed a 510-pound blue marlin on the Island Construction crane and IWS ScaleMaster. Capt. Chris Osborne radioed in angler Joseph Vieira’s hook-up at 12:07 p.m., and the team persisted for more than five hours to boat the fish at 5:36 in the afternoon. The anticipation at Barr’s Park was evident when the scale tipped past the 500-pound mark and landed on 510 pounds, prompting the entire UnWined team to jump and backflip into the water. Their blue marlin ended up earning them the daily blue marlin jackpot of $33,300.
On the second day of fishing, the teams released a total of 27 blues and seven whites. No blues were brought to scales on Day Two, which doubled the stakes on Day Three’s daily blue marlin jackpot by rolling over the unclaimed $33,000.
The third day of fishing produced 26 blue marlin and nine white marlin. All marlin were released except one, which turned out to be the most lucrative fish in the tournament’s history. Amigo’s Capt. Brad Schoenfeld called in a boated blue at 2:28 p.m. by angler David Denbow. The team from Port O’Conner, Texas—Wyatt Denbow, Kyle Drushel, Chad Starr, Jeff Welch, and Chris Williams—was rightfully ecstatic when their blue marlin weighed in at 573 pounds. Ultimately, this earned them three of the optional jackpot levels: Day Three Daily Blue Marlin, which had doubled from Day Two, the Largest Blue Marlin Level One jackpot, and the Largest Blue Marlin Level Two jackpot. Combined, Team Amigo won $310,800, the largest amount the Bermuda Big Game Classic has ever awarded for a single fish.
The Bermuda Big Game Classic is the second leg of the Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship. Currently, Plane Simple is in first place with 6,600 points, with Builder’s Choice in second with 6,000 points and Wolverine moving into third with 4,700 points. The third and final leg of the Triple Crown series is the 2023 Seahorse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament, which takes place July 20-24.
- Published in Events
Plane Simple Wins the 2023 Bermuda Billfish Blast
BERMUDA — July 10, 2023 — The 2023 Bermuda Billfish Blast was won by the team fishing aboard Plane Simple, a 77-foot Spencer based out of Cape Canaveral, Florida, led by Jim Jensen and Capt. Chris Weeks with mates Derek Scherz and Anibal Moya. The team’s eight blue marlin and three white marlin releases gave them a total of 4,300 points, good for first-place honors, $115,275 in prize money and an invitation to the 2024 Costa Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica.
A total of 37 boats and 218 anglers fished the 2023 Bermuda Billfish Blast, which offered a total cash purse of $506,850 plus an additional $360,000 as part of the Bermuda Triple Crown series. There were 139 billfish caught in the Blast, including 108 blue marlin and 31 white marlin over three days of fishing. All but four of the blues and all of the white marlin were released.
Plane Simple won first overall team, followed by Builder’s Choice in second, and Waste Knot in third place. Top Angler was earned by Jim Jensen on Plane Simple releasing six blues and two whites. The Top Junior Angler trophy went to Jack Ricks, releasing five blues on El Cazador, led by Capt. Paul Alderman and mate Scott Behrhorst. Laura Russell won Top Lady Angler honors aboard De-Bait-Able, captained by KJ Zeher, with three blues and two whites.
This year, the tournament added new optional jackpots including a Winner-Take-All Blue Marlin Jackpot and a new Daily Blue Marlin Jackpot, so teams are now allowed to boat one blue marlin per boat per day. As part of the Bermuda Triple Crown series, new series jackpots were also added, including the Bermuda Triple Crown Big Three Marlin Jackpot and the Heavy Hitter Winner-Take-All Largest Marlin of the series.
The tournament culminated with a beautiful gala awards banquet in the Harbourview Ballroom at the historic Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.
About the Marlin Group:
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest network of big-game fishing brands. The group publishes Marlin Magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica, Los Cabos Billfishing Tournament, Scrub Island Invitational in the BVIs, and the Bermuda Triple Crown, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is an operating unit of Bonnier LLC, an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, boating, sailing, motorsports, hunting and travel.
- Published in Events
Los Cabos Tourism Board Partners With Bonnier to Operate Los Cabos Billfish Tournament
WINTER PARK, FLORIDA — June 29, 2023 — Bonnier LLC has been named the official operator of the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament for the next five years as part of an extended partnership with the Los Cabos Tourism Board.
The Los Cabos Billfish Tournament has long been a hallmark event for sport-fishing enthusiasts from around the world. With a media and events portfolio that includes Marlin, Salt Water Sportsman, Sport Fishing, Bermuda Triple Crown, Offshore World Championship and Scrub Island Invitational, Bonnier is uniquely positioned to attract a larger and more diverse pool of participants and generate exposure for Los Cabos as a premier sport-fishing destination.
“We take great pride in Los Cabos’ thriving fishing culture,” said Rodrigo Esponda Cascajares, Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. “The sport of fishing has always held a special place in our destination, attracting anglers from around the world who are enchanted by the abundant marine life and the thrill of landing trophy catches. Remarkably, in 2022, a notable 8 percent of the 3.7 million travelers who visited Los Cabos, totaling nearly 300,000 people, embraced the exhilarating experience of fishing. As we showcase the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament with Bonnier, our goal is to underscore fishing’s significance as a cornerstone of our identity. This prestigious tournament not only celebrates the sport, but it also highlights our unwavering commitment to conservation and sustainable practices, ensuring the preservation of our pristine waters for generations to come. Los Cabos truly stands as an angler’s paradise, inviting fishing enthusiasts worldwide to partake in the unrivaled excitement and bask in the natural beauty that our destination offers.”
Mauricio Salicrup of the Los Cabos Hotel Association added: “Bonnier’s extensive experience in managing global fishing tournaments aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our visitors. We look forward to working closely with them to ensure the success of the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament.”
“Bonnier is incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. We have been managing this event for over 20 years, and are excited for the next phase in the tournament’s history,” said Jonathan Moore, Bonnier’s Executive Vice President of Events.
Bonnier and the Los Cabos Tourism Board will work collaboratively to further enhance the tournament’s appeal, engage participants, and ensure an unforgettable experience for all attendees. The next edition of the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament is scheduled for October 15-19.
Registration for the tournament is now open. Interested competitors can visit loscabostournaments.com for more information. Prospective sponsors can contact Bonnier directly at [email protected].
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Jennifer Dudas, Tournament Director
407-533-0123
[email protected]
About Bonnier:
Bonnier is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, boating, sailing, motorsports, hunting and travel. Bonnier has the nation’s leading portfolio of experiential events and iconic media brands in the marine category and an extensive series of nationwide motorsports and hunting events. Bonnier publishes Salt Water Sportsman, Marlin, Sport Fishing, Boating, Yachting, Cruising World and Sailing World; produces the award-winning SFTV television series; and hosts world-class fishing tournaments, sailing regattas, and educational events across the US and in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia, and the Virgin Islands.
About Los Cabos Tourism Board:
The Los Cabos Tourism Board is an official independent body dedicated to promoting the region’s tourism facilities and assets, both nationally and internationally. The LCTB office provides visitors with information on the destination and its many facets, catering to the needs of the tourist or business traveler. The Meetings and Conventions team works with organizers and planners to structure meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions. The Los Cabos Tourism Board is ready to be your strategic partner and ensure that your event is unique, successful, and unforgettable for your clients.
- Published in Corporate
New Powersports Super Show Coming to Tampa, FL!
June 13, 2022 — WINTER PARK, FL — Get ready for a new adrenaline-filled extravaganza as The Powersports Super Show takes center stage at the Florida State Fairgrounds, Friday, November 17 through Sunday, November 19. Featuring the latest powersports machines, accessories, aftermarket products, wheels, tires, apparel, and much more. First of its kind, brought to you by Bonnier Events; organizers of the renowned Sand Sports Super Show, Off-Road Expo, 4-Wheel Jamboree, and more.
Florida residents, gear up for three action-packed days of thrills, excitement, and entertainment. The Powersports Super Show is not just any ordinary event; it is a groundbreaking experience that will leave attendees in awe. Whether you are a passionate off-road enthusiast, a motorcycle aficionado, or a watersports lover, this show has something for everyone.
Discover the cutting-edge advancements in the powersports industry as you get up close and personal with the latest ATVs, UTVs/Side x Sides, motorcycles, eBikes, personal watercraft, accessories, and apparel. Immerse yourself in a world of high-performance vehicles, top-of-the-line equipment, and innovative technologies that will elevate your powersports experience to new heights.
With its impressive lineup of exhibitors and industry-leading brands, the Powersports Super Show guarantees an unparalleled shopping experience. Explore the extensive array of products, from state-of-the-art machinery to trendy apparel and accessories, all under one roof. This is your chance to connect with industry experts, enthusiasts, and fellow powersports enthusiasts who share your passion.
“We at Bonnier Events, are excited to offer the largest powersports show in Florida. Tampa is a perfect fit for our first ever Powersports Super Show and we’re excited to see where this event goes in the future,” says, Tim Ramsberger, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development for Bonnier Events. “The Powersports Super Show will showcase all the top-of-the-line equipment and new technologies in the powersports industry, it’s a must-attend for all powersports enthusiasts this Fall.”
Mark your calendars! Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable adventure, filled with thrilling displays, interactive exhibits, and exclusive offers. Children under 13 are free! From now until October 1st, 2023 purchase discounted tickets in advance online!
For more information, visit our website powersportssupershow.com. Stay updated with the latest news and announcements by following us on Facebook and Instagram @powersportssupershow. #bonnierevents #powersportssupershow
- Published in Corporate