The ECBC has added a new event for 2008— the MarineMax Jackpot Brunch.

The Jackpot Entry that normally takes place on Thursday following Registration at the Baytowne Marina Office is being moved to the 125 ft. luxury yacht Solaris. You'll be able to stroll down the dock and sign up for Jackpots in a spacious and relaxed atmosphere—and be treated to brunch at the same time!

Gulf Coast Hatteras will be extending a warm welcome to all as the host of this year's Kick-Off Party which takes place at the Baytowne Conference Center during Registration, and, as they have from the start of the ECBC, Galati Yacht Sales and Viking Yachts will be our Presenting Sponsors and will host their traditional Dock Party on the day before Registration.

Sandestin is once again offering discounted room rates to the sponsors and participants of the ECBC. Simply go to the Sandestin website, www.sandestin.com, click on the Reservations button, and enter Group Code 21W07C.

One of our favorite parts of getting ready for the tournament each year is seeing the illustration Steve Goione creates as our annual artwork.

This year Steve has created a brilliantly hued illustration featuring our signature species, the blue marlin, along with the traditional Sandestin sand dollar.

Steve's art will be featured on our tournament merchandise and on the front cover of the tournament program. This is the sixth illustration Steve has created for the ECBC. You can see the originals hanging at the Ballyhoo Bar in the lobby of the Grand Sandestin in The Village of Baytowne Wharf.