| Event Outline | Event OutlineTimed to coincide with the peak of the Gulf Coast’s blue marlin season, and located at the South’s number-one ranked resort destination, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin® sets the new precedent for world-class sportfishing tournaments. This annual event offers something for everyone. Most importantly, for the angling teams, there’s the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, red-hot billfish action, and cool green cash. While on-shore, both the teams and their families can enjoy the wide variety of recreational activities offered at the Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort and The Village of Baytowne Wharf. The spectacular night time weigh-ins are held at the Baytowne Marina at Sandestin® and are open to the public. The competition takes place in one of the most productive fisheries in the United States. In the past several years two blue marlin “Granders” (blue marlin weighing over 1,000 lbs.) have been weighed in the Gulf, and state records for blue marlin and both bluefin and yellowfin tuna have been broken. The ECBC is a “modified-release” tournament and led the Gulf Coast tournament circuit in setting high minimum lengths for blue marlin. Blue marlin are the only billfish that may be weighed. Release points are awarded for blue marlin also, in addition to white marlin, sailfish and spearfish. The three heaviest weighed blue marlin, dolphin, tuna and wahoo are eligible for cash awards, as are the top three teams entered in the Release Division, and the top three Crews entered in the Crew Division. Awards are presented to the top overall, release, lady and junior anglers, and the top overall release team has its name engraved on the Magnificent Blue Perpetual Trophy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current & Future Dates | Current & Future DatesThe Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic starts on a Tuesday, and ends the following Sunday. 2010 — June 22-27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Location & Directions | Location & DirectionsThe Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic takes place every June at the Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort. All tournament activities take place at the resort either in the Conference Center or at the Baytowne Marina. Local AirportThe closest airport to Sandestin® is the Northwest Florida Regional Airport (Ft. Walton/Valparaiso VPS). Airport to Sandestin®It’s about 25 miles from the airport to Sandestin®. Expect to pay approximately $50 for a taxi from the airport to the resort. Rental cars are available at the airport. Directions to Sandestin®Sandestin® is eight miles east of Destin and 12 miles west of Seaside on Emerald Coast Parkway West (Highway 98 West). The Village of Baytowne Wharf and Baytowne Marina are through Sandestin®’s North (Bayside) Gate. ParkingThere is a parking lot as you enter the resort from which you can take either the complimentary water shuttle or Sandestin®’s trams. Limited parking is also available at The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Limited parking will be reserved at Baytowne Marina for sponsors, participants and staff. Google Map to Sandestin®Sandestin® Map
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| Schedule of Events | Schedule of EventsLast updated May 30, 2010
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| Entry Levels & Fees | Entry Levels & FeesLast updated May 30, 2010 7% Florida State sales tax is added to all fees. Tournament Base EntryThe Tournament Entry Fee is $5,000 per team. On the day of Registration the Entry Fee is $5,500. Teams receive six event tickets and merchandise four team members. Additional tickets and merchandise may be purchased at the event. Release Division (optional)The Release Division is $2,000 per team for teams entered in the Tournament Base Entry with an 85% return. You may enter the Release Division only for $2,500. If entered in the Release Division only, you may enter any of the Optional Jackpots EXCEPT the Blue Marlin Jackpots. Billfish releases must be video verified. Crew Division (optional)The Crew Division is $300 with a 100% return. Jackpots (optional)There are twenty-five optional Jackpots with a 90% return, five each ($250, $500, $1,000, $2,000 and $5,000) for weighed Blue Marlin, Dolphin, Tuna and Wahoo, and for Billfish Release Points. Release Jackpots must be video verified. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tournament Awards | Tournament AwardsLast updated May 30, 2010 Tournament awards are based on Tournament Base Entry Fees. Of the amount allocated to awards, sixty percent (60%) goes to billfish awards and 40% goes to gamefish awards (split evenly between the three gamefish species). 
The amount allocated to tournament awards is split 50/30/20 between the three heaviest fish in each species category (blue marlin, dolphin, tuna & wahoo). If only two qualifying fish are caught in a category, the split is 60/40 and if only one qualifying fish is caught, the winner takes all. If there are no winners in an entire species category, the cash allocated for that species rolls evenly into the remaining species categories. Release DivisionThe amount allocated to release awards is split 50/30/20 between the three teams accumulating the most release points. If only two teams qualify in this division, the split is 60/40 and if only one team qualifies, the winner takes all. You must be entered to win. Crew DivisionThe amount allocated to crew awards is split 50/30/20 between the top three crews accumulating the most total weight and release points. If only two crews qualify in this division, the split is 60/40 and if only one crew qualifies, the winner takes all. You must be entered to win. Optional JackpotsThe amount allocated to jackpot awards is split 60/25/15 between the three heaviest fish, or three teams with the most release points, in that jackpot category. You must be entered in the jackpot category to win. If there are only two qualifying winners the split is 65/35 and if there is only one qualifying winner, the winner takes all. Other Tournament AwardsTrophies, plaques, and/or merchandise are awarded in the following categories. Top Overall Release Team (Perpetual Trophy)
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| Tournament Entry | Tournament EntryLast updated May 30, 2010 
Index
1. Entry Application and Early Bird Drawing 1. Entry Application and Early Bird DrawingEntry forms in PDF format may be downloaded from the ECBC website and may also be requested by calling 850.267.6168 or emailing shawnameisner@sandestin.com. Teams may also register online. Entries received by May 31 are eligible for the Early Bird drawing for a chance to win $1,000 plus five nights of free dockage at Baytowne Marina during the tournament. 2. Payment MethodsFees may be paid by check, wire transfer, cash in US Dollars or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express). Personal checks and business checks are not accepted after June 1. Email shawnameisner@sandestin.com or call 850.267.6168 for wire transfer procedures. Make checks payable to “Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic” and mail with entry form to: 3. Entry and Payment Deadlines
May 31: Deadline for entry into the Early Bird Drawing. 4. Withdrawal from the TournamentAll withdrawals must be submitted in writing. If the withdrawal is received by May 31 a full refund of all fees is made. Between May 31 and the day of Registration only the portion of base entry fees allocated to cash awards is refunded (100% of optional fees are refunded). After the day of Registration there are no refunds. All or a portion of any refund may be rolled to the following year’s tournament. 5. Team Contact (Also relates to refunds and prize money distribution.)Please carefully read the following and choose your Team Contact accordingly. The Team Contact is the designated team leader; there can be only one Team Contact per Team. The Team Contact must know how to reach each member of the team, and the contact information for the Team Contact must be complete and include a cell or local phone number and email address. Any instructions, confirmations or requests for information are sent to this person. In addition, the Team Contact signs the Disbursement Order designating how cash awards are distributed and is the person to whom any refunds are made payable. We suggest you discuss how any prize money won is to be distributed before the tournament. 6. Anglers, Captains and MatesThere is no limit to the number of anglers per team, but you must sign up all anglers during Registration. It does not matter on which day the angler fishes as long as no more than six anglers fish at one time. Captains and mates may also be anglers, but must be registered as anglers on the Entry Form. At a minimum, you must provide a First Name, Last Name, City and State for all team participants. 7. Team Check-InAll Teams must check in on the day of Registration to verify team information, pay entry fees and collect team bags. 8. Prize DisbursementTrophies—Trophies are handed out on stage during the Awards Brunch. Additional trophies may be purchased after the event. If you are unable to attend the Awards Brunch, please call Shawna Meisner at 850.267.6168 or email shawnameisner@sandestin.com to arrange for pick-up or delivery of trophies. Cash Awards—Cash award winners receive a Cash Distribution form and should be prepared to provide full name, mailing address and FEIN or SSN. The Cash Distribution form must be filled out completely and signed by the Team Contact as recorded on the Entry Form. In addition, all payees must fill out a W-9 before a check can be issued. There will be someone at the Awards Brunch to collect completed forms. If you cannot attend the brunch, call Shawna Meisner at 850.267.6168 or email shawnameisner@sandestin.com. Cash awards are paid by check and mailed within two weeks following the event. A 1099-MISC is issued for all prize money to the person or company to whom the check is made payable. Decisions pertaining to the distribution of a team’s total purse are the sole responsibility of the team members, regardless of whether an award is published as an individual or team award. Tournament Officials will not participate in decisions regarding cash distribution. All or a portion of cash awards may be rolled to the following year’s tournament. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tournament Rules | Tournament RulesLast updated May 30, 2010 Rules, including published rules in print or on the ECBC website (www.FishECBC.com), are subject to change without notice. Current instructions are given at the Captain’s Meeting where attendance by at least one team member is mandatory. By entering the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin® and paying the entry fee, participating anglers, captains, crews and guests (“Participants”) agree to abide by the Tournament Rules. The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin® expects the highest level of integrity and sportsmanship from its Participants. Refer to Schedule of Events for time and location of Captain’s Meeting. 1. Rules AcceptanceIt is the sole responsibility of the participating anglers, captains, crews and guests (“Participants”) to know and abide by the Tournament Rules as published and as amended during the Captain’s Meeting. Participants agree to accept all Tournament Rules and accept that decisions made by the Rules Committee are final. 2. Nature of TournamentThe Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin® is a fishing competition. Participants enter at their own risk, and understand the possibility exists that there may be no winners if no qualifying fish are caught. 3. Permits and LicensesRegistered boats and anglers must comply with all Federal and Florida state laws regarding fishing licenses, size limits, bag limits and any other regulations that may apply. For information regarding Florida Saltwater Fishing Licenses refer to www.myfwc.com/License/Index.htm or call 850.487.0554. For information regarding Federal HMS Permits refer to www.nmfspermits.com or call 888.872.8862 for automated renewal. 4. Dockage at Baytowne MarinaSlips at Baytowne Marina are reserved on a first come, first served basis only for those boats that have sent their entry form and $1,000 deposit. Dockage fees are not included in entry fees, but special tournament rates are offered. To reserve a slip call Shawna Meisner at 850.267.6168 or email shawnameisner@sandestin.com. 5. Tournament Start—Departure Location, Time and Check-OutTournament boats may depart from any location they choose, but must depart through the East Pass in Destin no earlier than Thursday, June 24 at 7:00pm. The departure demarcation is the end of the Destin East Pass Jetties. Tournament Officials are stationed at the East Pass between 7:00pm and 8:30pm in a boat flying an ECBC flag and will fire a flare at 7:00pm to indicate the start of the tournament. As you pass you must check in with the ECBC Boat on VHF 72. Boats docked at Baytowne Marina are asked to leave in the Boat Parade which is led by the yacht Solaris and signaled by flare at 6:00pm. Please do not leave ahead of the Solaris. Boats wishing to depart after 8:30pm should call Tournament Headquarters at 850.267.6168 to check out. Other details are given at the Captain’s Meeting. 6. Fishing Days and TimesTournament fishing starts at 7:00pm on Thursday (as soon as boats depart through the East Pass in Destin). Overnight fishing is allowed Thursday and Friday night. No lines or teasers may be in the water before start of fishing. 7. Weather and “Complete Tournament”The Rules Committee may cancel any tournament fishing day if, in their best judgment, unsafe conditions exist at sea. Resumption of fishing is announced by 6:00am the following morning on VHF 72. A resumption of fishing announcement by the Rules Committee does not ensure the safety of any Participant. Whether or not to fish must be based solely on the team’s own judgment taking into consideration the prevailing conditions, the seaworthiness of their vessel, and the crew’s seamanship skills. One day of offshore fishing or any part thereof, by at least one-third of registered boats constitutes a complete tournament. 8. Cancellation of Entire TournamentIn the event a tournament is canceled by the Rules Committee prior to any portion of the scheduled fishing days, the portion of base entry fees and optional jackpot monies that were allocated for cash awards are refunded by check within four weeks to the Team Contact—one check per team. Teams may choose to roll their refund to the following year’s event. 9. No Qualifying Fish CaughtIn the event no qualifying fish are caught during the tournament, the portion of optional jackpot monies that were allocated for cash awards are refunded by check within four weeks to the Team Contact—one check per team. There is no refund of base entry fees. Teams may choose to roll their refund to the following year’s event. 10. BoundariesThere are no boundaries. 11. Communications and Tournament StandingsECBC Officials monitor VHF Channel 72. Backup communication numbers are announced at the Captain’s Meeting. Leaderboard announcements are made throughout the Weigh-In at the top and bottom of every hour on VHF 69. 12. Equipment and Angling RulesIGFA Saltwater Equipment and Angling rules apply with the exception of any special instructions given in these rules, and any instructions or changes that may be given during the Captain’s Meeting. Copies of the IGFA rules are handed out during Registration. PLEASE NOTE: As of January 1, 2008 the Federal Government requires the use of non-offset circle hooks in billfish tournaments when using natural baits (dead or live) or natural baits in combination with lures or skirts. 
13. Eligible Species & PointsRefer to diagram at right. If a fish can clearly be identified as a billfish during video verification, but the species cannot be determined, the billfish is awarded 175 points. 14. Billfish ReleaseA billfish is considered released when the leader connection is wound to the tip of the rod, or the mate or other crew member touches the leader. If your intent is to release the billfish, do not remove it from the water—if you do (as recorded on the video) the billfish is disqualified. Tagging is not required for tournament points. 15. Recording Billfish on ScorecardsScorecards must be filled in legibly and completely, and signed by the Boat Captain and anyone who caught a billfish indicating they agree to the information as recorded (instructions are also printed on the scorecard). Scorecards are handed out during Registration. All billfish released or boated must be recorded on the Billfish Scorecard. Do not record gamefish on the scorecard. Please use a separate scorecard for each day and record the time as AM or PM, or use 24 hour time. Any team intentionally recording wrongful information on the scorecards for the purpose of altering tournament standings or results is disqualified from the event, and forfeits any and all entry money, prizes or prize money. If you did not catch a billfish you do not need to turn in a Scorecard. If you did catch a billfish, you must turn in the Scorecard regardless of whether you are entered in the Release Division or Release Jackpots. See Rule 19. 16. Billfish Release Video VerificationIn addition to returning a signed Scorecard, teams competing in the Release Division or optional Release Jackpots must turn in a video recording of each billfish released. The video must show the billfish next to the boat, identify the billfish species, and include the tournament’s verification object. In addition, as soon as the billfish is released the team must record a shot of the boat’s GPS showing date and time. Teams are expected to provide their own video cameras and video cassettes. 17. Check-In Deadline and
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| Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort | Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort
Located on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast in Destin, Florida, Sandestin® Golf and Beach Resort is a 2,400-acre premier destination resort located between Pensacola and Panama City. Sandestin® invites guests to enter its world of 30 charming village neighborhoods featuring rental condominiums, villas, town homes and a wide variety of luxury beach hotel accommodations. Tournament SpecialCall 888.406.0527 or Reserve Online. Use Group Code 22C0UP. The Sandestin® Beach Resort boasts more than seven miles of sugar-white sand beach and bayfront property, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 98-slip marina, marina dockage facilities, water sports, children’s programs, a fitness center and spa, 65,000 square feet of meeting space for weddings, family reunions, corporate meetings, retreats and more, and a pedestrian village complete with shopping, restaurants, ice skating, zip lining, and vibrant nightlife. For your convenience, Sandestin®’s 1,500 accommodations and luxury vacation rentals are grouped into four resort areas: Beachside, Village, Lakeside and Bayside. Each of the four Florida resorts offer a unique locale, secure environment, and a lodging rate range designed to suit your style and accommodate your budget. Learn More About Sandestin’s Florida Vacation Rentals. Book Your Sandestin Trip. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Baytowne Marina | Baytowne MarinaMarina staff will provide personal marina concierge service, arranging tee times, restaurant reservations, tram service and much more upon request. Golf Cart rentals are available exclusively for Marina Guests. Dockage During the TournamentSlips at Baytowne Marina are reserved on a first come, first served basis for boats that have sent their entry form and $1,000 deposit. Special tournament rates are offered. To reserve a slip call Shawna Meisner at 850.267.6168 or email shawnameisner@sandestin.com. Final slip assignments are made about a week before the tournament. The marina docking facilities can greet vessels ranging from 30 feet to 140 feet. Sandestin has a total fuel capacity of 20,000 gallons to service all boaters in this area. Short-term dockage is available at a daily rate of $2.75 per foot and a monthly rate of $19.50 when available. For information or to reserve a slip for all times except during the tournament, call 850.267.7773 or email dockmaster@sandestin.com  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FAQS | FAQSComing Soon! If you would like to submit a question email our Webmaster. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Useful Links | Useful LinksWeather
Weather Forecasts Latest Information on the Gulf of Mexico
Charts, Graphs and other Facts from NOAA. Other Gulf Coast TournamentsMay June July August September | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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