TourismToday

Sport fishing yacht Sandman emerged as winner of the 2010 Custom Shoot-Out fishing tournament but Harbour Island was the weekend’s biggest winner for hosting the lucrative event.

Hotels, restaurants and other establishments did brisk business as the event brought more than 100 crew, boat owners, and their guests to the island. Business operators said the tournament was a boost for the entire island from May 13 to 15. The success of the event again proved why fishing tournaments are so important to Harbour Island, said Ann Ward, general manager of Romora Bay Club.

“The fishing tournaments typically come with around 40 to 50 boats, and based on the size and configuration of those sport fish boats, each marina gets a little bit of business from every entity involved with the sports fishing, from the different captains and yachts coming in,” Ms. Ward said. “In addition, we get lots of ancillary revenue, parties and so forth, with the food and beverage.”

Corwin Wilkinson, guest services and sales manager at Valentine’s Resort and Marina, agreed. He pointed out that the Custom Shoot-Out was a large factor in the resort being sold out for the weekend. In addition, all the marina slips were taken and patrons were flowing into other revenue-earning components of the resort.

“The boaters come here, they eat every day,” he said. “We host their functions. We host their welcome (reception). We take care of their drinks.”

Mr. Wilkinson said that several other establishments on the island were benefiting greatly from the fishing tournament as well.

Skip Smith, the Pompano Beach-based tournament director, pointed out that 23 boats were in Harbour Island for the tournament. The tournament is in its ninth year. Seven of those events have been in Harbour Island, Mr. Smith said.

“The first two years we were in Chub Cay,” he said. “Then once we found this beautiful island, we have been having it here ever since. It is very, very special here. The people love it. The island has been good to us. The people have been good to us, and besides that, the fishing has been great.”

The tournament, which was established after the attacks on the United States’ World Trade Center, raises funds specifically for charitable organizations. Mr. Smith said the tournament will definitely be back in Harbour Island for more fundraising and good fishing.

June Cartwright, acting manager of the Harbour Island Tourist Office, pointd out that many businesses look forward to fishing tournaments such as the Custom Shoot-Out. Tournament participants and guests contribute to the island’s economy through everything from patronizing restaurants to renting golf carts, she said.

Harbour Island’s next fishing tournament is the Bahamas Billfish Championship. The first leg of the championship is held in Harbour Island from March 19 to 22. The third and final leg of the championship will be held in Treasure Cay from June 23 – 26.