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2024 Bermuda Triple Crown Shatters Records

A sport-fishing team in the cockpit of their boat. Prizes and awards are arranged around them, and the middle anglers hold up an over-sized check.
  • +300 blue marlin caught and released
  • 1,268-pound blue marlin, world’s largest of 2024
  • +$4 million in prize money awarded
  • +5 million in social media reach 

For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]

July 31, 2024 – WINTER PARK, FL – Bermuda showcased its wonders during the 2024 Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship, producing a truly world-class experience highlighted by historic catches, record payouts, and an electric tournament atmosphere. Good weather, great fishing and a new suite of optional jackpots introduced for 2024 all contributed to the record results.

A fleet of 52 boats from the U.S. and Bermuda competed with a record of $4,127,250 in prize money awarded across the three-tournament series. Participating anglers caught 353 billfish during the championship’s nine days of fishing, including 310 blue marlin and 39 white marlin. Nine blue marlin were weighed during the series, the largest being a massive 1,268-pound fish that took the big-game fishing world by storm.

“We knew early in the spring that we had something special happening with this year’s series,” said David Ritchie, CEO of The Marlin Group, operator of the Bermuda Triple Crown. “Interest in our new jackpot structure was through the roof, the marinas were all reporting record bookings, and sponsor support had never been stronger. That monster fish was the cherry on top.”

The 1,268-pounder – the third largest in Bermuda history and largest marlin caught anywhere in the world thus far in 2024 – helped generate global interest in the Bermuda Triple Crown, as evidenced by the series’ organic social media reach of more than 5 million in the month of July.

For decades, some of the finest sport-fishing teams in the world have traveled to Bermuda each July in pursuit of world-class fishing and to compete in the prestigious Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship. The three legs of the Bermuda Triple Crown comprise the Bermuda Billfish Blast, the Bermuda Big Game Classic, and the Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament. The champion of the Bermuda Triple Crown is determined by the highest overall combined points of all three tournaments.

Led by Capt. Sean Dooley, Viking Yachts’ new demonstrator vessel, the Viking 82, won this year’s championship through consistent performance across all three legs. The team released 15 blue marlin and one white marlin, and weighed a 622-pound blue marlin, to accumulate 8,222 total points. The Viking 82 team headed home with combined winnings of $616,129 from their success throughout the series.

The 62-foot Spencer, Fender Bender, led by Capt. Colin Oxnard, finished in second place. Their releases of 15 blue marlin and one white marlin earned them top boat in the Bermuda Billfish Blast, and their second-place finish in the overall series brought their total series payout to $621,188. Sea Striker, a 61-foot Jarrett Bay with Capt. Pete Zook at the helm, took third place in the series and received $505,218 in combined winnings, releasing 14 blue marlin and one white marlin over the three legs.

Thanks to its 1,268-pounder, a local charter boat, the UnWined, claimed top blue marlin of the series, taking home a check for $482,240.

“I will never forget the 2024 Bermuda Triple Crown,” said Tournament Director, Jennifer Dudas. “Between the impressive fleet, that huge grander, massive payouts, incredible fishing, and the sportsmanship and camaraderie displayed by the teams, it was truly special.”

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.

Sample Bermuda Triple Crown Imagery | Credit: Michelle Gaylord / Out Your Front Door
For high-resolution images, email [email protected]

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Jack Vitek joins The Marlin Group as new Editor-in-Chief

Portrait of Jack Vitek

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.

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The Marlin Group Enhances Leadership Team

Portrait of Andrea Winters
  • 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.

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The 2024 Offshore World Championship a Success by Any Measure

A sport-fishing team celebrating at the 2024 Offshore World Championship tournament awards ceremony.

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.

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