On January 14th, the top sailfishing teams in the country will head to Miami to compete in Sailfish 400, leg 2 of the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series. An estimated purse of $500,000 will drive these teams to perform at the top of their game as the cold temperatures push the sailfish south to the waters off Miami. In the spirit of the tournament’s race driven theme, the top team will fly riggers full of checkered release flags to commemorate their victory.
The Sailfish 400 arrives in Miami on the heels of a tremendously successful first leg in West Palm Beach out of Sailfish Marina in early December. That event, Operation Sailfish, hosted 46 teams and delivered a cash purse of near $550,000 to the winning teams. Bar South claimed the top spot with 12 releases and a paycheck for over $157,000!
The large payout isn’t the only reason teams will be battling the high seas in hopes of releasing the most sailfish. Sailfish 400 offers another chance for these teams to move closer to earning the coveted Crest Jacket and the title of the ‘#1 Sailfishing Team in the World.’ In addition to multiple prizes, this 2-day tournament also offers a way for teams to give back to the local community. Driving for a Cause, the official charity of Sailfish 400, operates under the umbrella of the NASCAR Foundation to provide support for South Miami youth and educational programs.
Also coinciding with the racing theme is another fantastic prize: a NASCAR Championship Weekend for 6! Teams that place in the top 8 of the tournament standings will be entered in a drawing to attend the Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead Miami Speedway. This package includes 6 tickets for the entire Ford Championship weekend, a VIP parking pass, pre-race pit pass, post-race victory lane access and a pace car ride all compliments of Homestead Miami Speedway.
For all the local fishing teams attending Sailfish 400, the Area Code Challenge is going to heat things up. Teams from Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade County will compete against teams within their own area code for a chance at extra prize money and a little friendly smack talking. There are also extra payouts of $2,500 each for the heaviest dolphin, wahoo, kingfish, cobia and tuna of the tournament.
The kick off party will take place at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 14th at host venue DoubleTree Grand by Hilton Biscayne Bay. This supreme location has so much to offer, including standard rooms, suites and condos, along with retail shopping and several restaurant options inside the hotel. The competition days will be January 16th and 17th followed by a party bus excursion to the Clevelander bar on Miami Beach Saturday night and an awards brunch on Sunday, January 18th back at the DoubleTree hotel. Credentials are required for access to all event activities. Early entry for the tournament is $3,750 (plus tax) valid through December 30th, 2014. After December 30th, registration is $4,500 (plus tax). For more information on the Sailfish 400 visit wwww.sailfish400.com or call 954-725-4010.
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