Note From the Director
May 4, 2011 | Shawna Meisner | It's hard to believe that 2011 marks the ninth anniversary of the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin—time flies when you're having fun, and we've certainly had our share of fun over the years.
The event was conceived as a showcase for the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. While the resort has always been known as a 
world-class vacation spot for fans of golf, tennis and the beautiful beaches of the Destin area, we wanted to add sportfishing to that mix. The ECBC quickly became regarded as one of the best of its kind in the country, ranking among Marlin magazine's "Top 10 Big MoneyTournaments" and receiving notoriety in the international sportfishing media. Along the way we've witnessed some outstanding billfishing and presented millions of dollars in prize money. And Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is now firmly on the map as a sportfishing destination.
We started that first year with just a handful of sponsors, people that were willing to take a risk on a new tournament in a world of ever-tightening marketing budgets. Galati Yacht Sales, Viking Yachts and Florida Detroit Diesel are among the many great sponsors that have been with us since day one, and we're ever thankful for their continued support. Thanks are also in order for each and every one of our sponsors, large or small. Without their support, this 
event would not be possible.
This year we're pleased to bring Mojo Sportfishing Gear aboard as our Presenting Sponsor. Mojo is bringing their 40-foot RV to the tournament along with the Mojo Girls which will certainly add to the excitement for the competing anglers, captains and crews as well as the spectators enjoying the nightly weigh-ins.
I would also like to thank the billfishing community for your continued support. We continue to attract boats and teams from the four corners of the sportfishing world to our small corner of the Gulf and that's a tribute to the support from the teams that fish with us every season.
Mark your calendars now for June 21-26, 2011. It's going to be an action-packed week of fun and fishing, and we hope to see you here at the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin.
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