The Tribune

GRAND Bahama Shipyard’s 4th annual Youth Benefit Fishing Tournament had a “fantastic” turnout this year with increase in fishermen and spectators alike.

This year, 32 boats registered for GBS’s tournament, and the crowd watching and participating in the family fun day was bigger than ever.

“It is encouraging to see how the event is growing year after year,” said Carl Rotkirch, Chairman and CEO of GBS. “The turnout was great this year and everybody seemed to have a good time. I would like to especially recognise Reuben Byrd from the yard, who is the founder of the tournament, and all those hard-working men and women that participated to make this such a wonderful happening. The things we can all accomplish for the kids in the community thanks to the tournament will help take our community to new heights.”

Father Harry Bain from the Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King gave the blessing of the fleet and the boats headed out at 7am, returning before 5pm for the official weigh-in to take place.

Although the competition was extremely tight, with the auditor believing that two boats would share the winning prize, both with a 41-pound fish, it was team Executive Marine that achieved a “three-peat” victory with a 54-pound wahoo.

While the weather was a little rough for fishing, and prevented some boats from going out, it made for a great family fun day. There were over 30 raffle prizes given out, including the grand prize of a 47” flat screen TV.

Additionally, BTC gave away a Samsung S4 phone, valued at over $900, at their booth during the tournament and donated all funds to the fundraising efforts.

The wives of Shipyard executives also helped to make the day a fun one by dunking their husbands quite competitively in the dunk tank.

The CEO’s wife, Mrs Rotkirch, was quick to line up and eventually dunked her husband to great fanfare.

Team Executive Marine won both the most total points and biggest fish categories. In the individual fish categories, AJ Hookers caught the biggest barracuda, Dey Hittin’ caught the biggest grouper and the biggest snapper, Gone Nuts had the biggest tuna, Last Blast had the biggest kingfish, Lady Fish caught the biggest mahi-mahi, and Reel Action caught the biggest wahoo.

Overall winners were determined by the two largest catches on the boat.

During the fishing competition there was lots of entertainment starting with the GB Gymnastic Association, new band First Taste, which showcases young fresh talent, and well-known Bahamian entertainer Stileet.

Stileet got people of all ages to come on stage and dance with him during his performance, including Ed Pavey, Tournament Director and Director of Technical and Planning at the Shipyard, and Reuben Byrd, VP of Operations.

“All funds raised today will go again to local schools,” said Ed Pavey, Tournament Director and Director of Technical and Planning. “This year we will help McLean’s Town and Sweeting’s Cay all-age schools as well as West End Primary. In addition we will assist the GB National Youth Choir and the Freeport Library. When funds are totalled we hope to have reached $75,000” .