Vanuatu Marlin Classic releases dates for 2008 event

Press release: January 7, 2008 The organizing committee of the Vanuatu Marlin Classic has announced important dates for the 2008 event.  Calendar: A flexible fishing schedule has been developed to support both international and local anglers. This should help individuals and teams cope with the limitations of both air travel and their personal schedules. Competition fishing will take place over a seven day period from June 8th through June 14th. Each entry will be allowed to fish any three days, of their choosing, during this period with one important constraint; fishing days must be designated at the time of registration. Late entries will not be afforded the luxury of choosing dates but will instead fish dates set by the committee. A detailed schedule follows: April 1st  2008  – Entry Due date - Entries received after 1st April will be charged $2000 AUD and will be appointed fishing dates by the committee. June 4th 2008  – Observer Briefing – A second briefing will be scheduled if necessary to accommodate international anglers and crew that might not be able to attend the briefing of 23rd May. June 5th 2008  – Angler Briefing, Registration. Each team must attend or have a representative in attendance. June 6th 2008  --   Calcutta and Sponsor night. 8th – 14th  June 2008 – Competition Fishing Days – Each team will fish 3 of the seven available days. 14th June 2007 – Awards Dinner. Observers: In 2008, each participating boat will be responsible for providing a qualified observer, to be placed in the observer pool, each morning before being allowed to compete. Although the VMC organizing committee will endeavor to raise a pool of volunteers to assist as observers of the event the responsibility of providing a qualified observer rests with the participating team.  Rules: Tags to be turned in by 5:30. Also any Marlin that is a Vanuatu record or World record to be awarded full points.  Any Marlin brought in dead that is not a record will receive half points. Prize Money: As in previous years the committee will strive to raise as much prize money as possible. In 2007 there will be special cash prizes given for most meritorious captures for: 1) Tagged Sailfish 2) Mahi Mahi 3) Wahoo 4) Yellow Fin 5) Spearfish Toyota Grander Challenge – Sponsored by Asco Motors: The first 1000 lb marlin captured in the competition will win a new Toyota Hilux. 4th Place Prize: Tinny with outboard and trailer This will once again be sponsored be Roger from Vila Marine. Fees: Entry Fee is $1600 AUD* per team (up to 4 anglers) and includes 4 tickets Awards Dinner and 4 competition shirts. Breakfast is provided for all registered anglers each day of their competition. 2004 VMC Scott Waters - 500 lb (est.) blue marlin on 50 lb stand-up ***The 2008 Vanuatu Marlin Classic is*** a qualifying event for the 2008 IGFA Rolex Off-shore Championship *Late entries (after April 1st) will be charged $2000 AUD and will be assigned fishing dates by the VMC committee. *Additional News: The 2008 VMC will be our 5th Anniversary so we hope to see everyone back to make this the biggest and best year ever. Charter Boats: You can go to our website or the Vanuatu tourism website to find addresses and accommodation. On behalf of the VMC organizing committee we hope to see you all here in Port Vila, Vanuatu in 2008.  If we can be of any assistance or answer any question please feel free to contact us via email. Tight Lines, Troy Neel Treasurer Vanuatu Marlin Classic