Fifth Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic to be Held at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Destin, FL (PRWEB) May 26, 2007 -- Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort reels in family fun with the fifth annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin (ECBMC), Destin's only event sanctioned by the World Billfish Series, on June 19-24, 2007. The ECBMC is the first big-game fishing tournament in the area and is now a qualifying event in the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Offshore World Championship, an invitation-only event.

The ECBMC is a modified-release tournament, meaning only blue marlin can be weighed. Release points are awarded for white marlin, sailfish and spearfish. The three heaviest weighed blue marlin, dolphin, tuna and wahoo are eligible for cash awards. The ECBMC boasts one of the highest minimum lengths for blue marlin on the Gulf Coast at 103 inches, four inches over the federal minimum length.

"In just four years, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin has had phenomenal success, with a record-breaking $1,030,900 in cash prizes for the 2006 tournament," said Shawna Meisner, the Florida deep sea fishing tournament director. "We look forward to another successful year and many more to come."

According to Meisner, the ECBMC offers something for every member of the family. "Outside of the fishing tournament, families can enjoy resort-wide offerings including live entertainment, shopping and movie nights in The Village of Baytowne Wharf," said Meisner.

The boat parade on Thursday, June 21 at 6 p.m. marks the official start of the Destin deep sea fishing tournament. On Friday, June 22, guests can browse sponsor exhibits and the shops of the Village. Starting at later that evening at 6 p.m. the band, Square One, will perform at the Village Events Plaza. Nightly weigh-ins will take place on Friday, June 22 from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 23 from 4 to 10 p.m.

The ECBMC donates all meat from fish weighed during the tournament to the Harvest House, a local non-profit food bank. The Florida fishing tournament also supports the Billfish Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the conservation and enhancement of the billfish populations worldwide by donating cash funds raised through raffles, auctions and other activities.

The Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin is presented by Galati Yacht Sales and Viking Yachts.

For entry forms and more information about the Destin, Florida fishing tournament, contact tournament director, Shawna Meisner at (866) 505-4458 or find information online at www.fishecbc.com. For more information about Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, call (800) 470-7389 or visit www.sandestin.com/pr.asp.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a 2,400-acre premier destination resort located in Northwest Florida, between Pensacola and Panama City. Sandestin invites guests to enter its world of 30 charming village neighborhoods featuring 1,800 condominiums, villas, town homes and a wide variety of hotel accommodations. The Destin beach resort boasts more than seven miles of sugar-white sand beaches and pristine bayfront, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 98-slip marina, water sports, children's programs, a fitness center and spa, 65,000 square feet of meeting space and a pedestrian village featuring a host of boutique shops, casual and fine dining restaurants, nightclubs and bars that come alive with strolling musicians, street performers, dancing fountains and lively festivals and events. In this complete vacation world, guests can create their own, one-of-a-kind memorable experience. For more information, visit www.sandestin.com.

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