In case you missed our live video last Friday at the Viking VIP Show, here’s some exciting news.. Viking Yachts is entering the Outboard Center Console market! President Pat Healey introduces the new line “Valhalla” V-series in 33′, 37′ and 41′.
Final Results: 56th Annual Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Tournament
De-Bait-Able takes the Win in a Field of 39 Boats
The 56th Annual Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Tournament was held January 23 to 26, 2019 in the Palm Beaches. This year an additional fishing day was added to the format giving teams the choice to fish any two. With two days of near ideal conditions, and a much-anticipated bite pushing into the area from the north, teams were rewarded with steady fishing. After the entire field of top competition teams taking a lay day on Thursday, all 39 boats hustled to release 180 sailfish on Friday and Saturday, The prize, a purse in excess of $352,000, the prestigious and beautiful Buccaneer Cup trophies for the top three boats and anglers, and bragging rights for placing in one of the oldest and most enduring billfish tournaments in the world. Add to that the knowledge that the tournament proceeds benefits the Recreational Fishing Alliance and The Billfish Foundation, there was a lot at stake.
Courtney Bowden, currently in her sixth year at the reigns of the Buc Cup, did a spectacular job running one of the best organized and classiest billfish tournaments on the coast. Along with her team of volunteers, including staff from TBF and RFA, she has made the Buc one of the most exciting and talked about tournaments of the season. The comradery displayed by the teams in attendance proved to everyone that the Buc is most definitely back!
The 56th Buccaneer Cup opened with the Captains meeting on Wednesday held outdoors at the recently completed Tiki Bar at the Sailfish Marina. The meeting was sponsored by the Viking Yacht Company and HMY Yacht Sales. Robert “Fly” Navarro emceed the meeting and went through the rules which included a few changes in 2019 to give the teams more flexibility and fishing options. The meeting included raffle items provided by the long list of tournament sponsors included such as items as Engel Coolers filled with goodies, Costa del Mar sunglasses, Maxel Reels, Tsunami rods and lures, Caza Offshore knife kits and gear donated by Atlantic Marine Electronics (AME), AFTCO, Hi-Liner Offshore Tackle, Grand Slam Sport Fishing, Outrigger Yacht Products, and Mustad.
The competition teams made the unanimous decision to lay on Day One, opting to fish Friday and Saturday which, based on the forecast, held the best conditions of the three available fishing days.
Day Two opened with grey skies, and light east winds and a strong bite with 14 sails being released within the first hour. Martha D called in the first release of the tournament just 17 minutes after lines in at 8 AM. The live baiters seemed to have the edge as Old No. 7, and De-Bait-Able took an early lead, but dead baiters Polarizer and Krazy Salts also made runs to claim the top spot for the day and the Calcutta dailies. By lines out, Old No. 7 racked up 10 releases on live bait for 2,000 points, followed closely by De-Bait-Able just 200 points off the leader. The top dead baiters filled out the leader board with Polarizer and Krazy Salts in the 3rd and 4th spots aided by a late bite that saw six releases in the final 30 minutes of fishing before lines out at 3:30.
Day Three saw a drop in the wind and accompanying slowdown in the action, but the live baiters continued to push their advantage. Based on radio chatter, fishing was best in a small area to the north of Jupiter Inlet. De-Bait-Able, with Capt. KJ Zeher at the helm, put on an astonishing clinic the final day amassing a total of 4,200 points by lines out bringing their two-day total up to 21 sailfish releases and leaving the competition in their wake.
Tournament staff utilized Reel Time Apps for accurate, up-to-the-minute scoring that was available to teams and tournament enthusiasts by simply downloading the free app. The program was linked to the official radio room computer scoring team and updated minute-by-minute allowing teams to follow the leader board throughout each fishing day. At tournament’s end the radio logs were matched against the boat’s catch logs and Reel Time Apps and then verified by video confirmation.
The winning boats were De-Bait-Able on top, Old No. 7 securing second place, with Sandman just 200 points behind in third. The competition was a nail biter between the top boats and was capped by a great run by Wrapped-Up breaking out of the pack in the final hour of the tournament trying valiantly to catch the leaders. In addition to several Calcutta categories, Old No. 7 also won the Charity Calcutta which includes an entry fee to the 2019 Buc Cup. They have been a regular in the tournament the past few years and no doubt the crew will be back next year trying to top their second-place finish.
The top angler trophies went to Bill Bryan on the Old No. 7 in first, beating Chris Weaks on the De-Bait-Able in second by time (both had 1,400 points), and Sandra MacMillan on the Sandman taking third as well as the Top Female Angler, which was also a tie broken by earliest catch.
The Buccaneer Cup Tournament cash award for the Most Points on Live Bait ($10,000) went to the De-Bait-Able team, which pocketed $110,800. Most Points on Dead Bait ($10,000) went to Polarizer, the team receiving a check for $66,610 in total purse for their win. The InTheBite Top Captain loving cup was awarded to Captain KJ Zeher, who skippered the De-Bait-Able to victory.
New for 2019 and created in memory of a long-time participant in the Buccaneer Cup, the Walter Johnson Award trophy for the largest meat fish went to the Bertram 61 for their 34-pound dolphin landed on Day 2. Pat Healey explained that the award was created as a posthumous honor that recognized his love of catching meat fish, and for his contributions to the development of the MTU engine, which has become the standard in sportfishing boats, during his tenure as the top executive at Johnson & Towers.
The awards banquet was held at the Sailfish Club of Florida and sponsored by MTU Marine Power, Florida Detroit Diesel Allison, and Johnson and Towers. The awards dinner was emceed by Robert “Fly” Navarro. Pat Healey, President of Viking Yachts and member of the RFA Board of Directors, presented Ellen Peel of the Billfish Foundation with a $5,000 check to aid the organization in its ongoing efforts to advance the science used for billfish management and assessment.
This event would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors including MTU Diesel, Florida Detroit Diesel Allison, Johnson & Towers, Viking Yachts, HMY Yacht Sales, Yamaha Outboards, Jupiter Beach Spa & Resort, Contender Boats, American Custom Yachts, Akzo Nobel-Interlux Paint, Seakeeper, Garmin, Cummins Marine Power, American Venture Boats, Bahama Boat Works, Christi/Travelers Insurance, Atlantic Marine Electronics, American Fishing Wire/Hi-Seas, Release Marine, Viking Service Center, The Buccaneer Marina & Resort, Reel Time Apps, Sailfish Marina, and Outrigger Marine Products.
We look forward to seeing all our teams and more next year for the prestigious 57th Buccaneer Cup where we can make sportfishing history again.
“Last Dance” Wins 55th Annual Islamorada Sailfish Tournament
Congratulations to Captain Robert Collins and the crew of the Last Dance on their win at the Islamorada Sailfish Tournament. Robert, fishing Janet and Erik Akin’s Viking 52, led anglers Matt McLean, Mark Wodlinger, Ken Longaker and Robert Helms to 14 sailfish releases. Ten of those releases were on the last day, creating a lot of action in the pit. Matt released seven of the sails earning the title of High Point Angler. Robert received the High Point Captain award. Brandon Hopper and Dallas Hopper on the Last Dance took home High Mate awards.
The Islamorada Sailfish Tournament is the first leg of the Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. This win puts Last Dance at the top of the board. The next leg in the series is the Islamorada Fishing Club Sailfish Tournament beginning on January 24, 2019.
Santa Reading His Favorite Magazine at Viking Yachting Center
Viking documented a jolly gentleman that visited the New Gretna production facility.
We’re pleased to see he’s found a moment to kick his boots up and read his favorite magazine during his busiest time of year!
Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a Merry Christmas from all of us!
November Sportfish Sales
Here are some boats of interest sold this November. Congratulations to both the buyers and sellers.
Note: Final selling prices are not displayed.
SLO-FIGHT
2011 42’7” Viking
Engines: Cummins QSC 8.3 Zeus
Hours: 633
List Price: $695,000
Sold Date: 11/9/2018
OUTLAW
2013 50’ Viking
Engines: MAN
Hours:
List Price: $1,395,000
Sold Date: 11/15/2018
Sold By: HMY Yacht Sales
JOLLY ROGER
2000 55’ Viking
Engines: MAN 2842LE
Hours: n/a
List Price: $539,000
Sold Date: 11/27/2018
Sold By: HMY Yachts
Anticipation Growing for the Viking 38 Billfish Unveiling
The new 38 Billfish will debut at the VIP Preview in Riviera Beach, Florida, February 1st and 2nd. Viking’s John Leek IV shares a sneak peek of the Billfish along with the 38 Open, which will be introduced later in 2019.
Viking 58 Convertible Making Her World Debut
Sourced by Viking Enews – 58 Wows Them at the Big Show
The Viking 58 Convertible made her world debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, drawing visitors non-stop throughout the five-day event. Click here for scenes from Viking‘s awesome 16-yacht Fort Lauderdale display.
Viking Announces 38 Billfish Unveiling in February
The Viking Yacht Company is proud to announce the addition of three new boats to its industry-leading sportfishing fleet: the 38 Billfish, 38 Open and 46 Billfish. The 38 Billfish is an evolution of the highly successful 37 Billfish and another example of Viking faithfully carrying out its mission to build a better boat every day.
Viking President and CEO Pat Healey delivered the news to the Viking dealer network moments before the gates opened for the first day of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
The 38 Billfish was designed and built with the same DNA as its predecessor. As owner/operator vessels, they offer simplicity and ease of maintenance, serving as ready-to-go fishing machines as well as versatile cruising boats with reliable inboard diesel power.
Like her convertible brethren, the 38 Billfish’s flybridge is designed with a tournament-style center console walk-around helm. One helm chair is standard and two are optional.
The 38 Billfish’s command deck holds a salon-like living area that includes a port-side U-shaped dinette and a fiberglass hi-lo table. The cockpit is the largest in its class-109 square feet with mezzanine seating. Below, there’s a large forward stateroom available with either a single queen bed or optional crossover bunks and two hanging lockers; an L-shaped galley; and a head with enclosed shower.
The 38 Billfish and 38 Open share the same hull, cockpit and have a similar mechanical arrangement but differ in command deck and bridge configurations.
The 38 Open’s command deck also has ample seating, with port and starboard L-shaped lounges and storage below. A raised centerline command station gives the driver excellent sightlines. Accommodations include a forward stateroom with a lower double bunk and upper single and a hanging locker; a starboard-side sofa with storage; a port-side galley; and a head with enclosed shower.
Soon to join the 38 Billfish and 38 Open is the 46 Billfish, another exciting new model with sharp styling, exciting performance and legendary Viking quality. During the 37 Billfish‘s 2-year run of success, demand grew for this style of a Viking in a larger size. “The 46 was a natural progression for the Billfish,” says John Leek IV, General Manager of Viking Mullica where the Billfish series is being manufactured. “Our customers really grasped onto the philosophy behind these boats.”
The 38 Billfish will make her debut at the Viking VIP, hosted by the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida, February 1st and 2nd. Introductions of the 46 Billfish and 38 Open are slated for later in 2019 and both will debut during the fall boat show season.
October Sportfish Sales
Here are some boats of interest sold this October. Congratulations to both the buyers and sellers.
Note: Final selling prices are not displayed.
SECOND WIND
2006 68’ Viking
Engines: MTU 16V2000
Hours: 2030
List Price: $1,495,000
Sold Date: 10/3/2018
Sold By: Galati Yachts
SEAGUAPA
2001 47’ Cabo
Engines: MAN 800 hp
Hours: 1100
List Price: $329,000
Sold Date: 10/10/2018
Sold By: HMY YACHTS
MOESY ON
2010 54’ Viking
Engines: MAN V12 1550hp
Hours: 1900
List Price: $1,299,000
Date: 10/16/2018
Sold By: HMY YACHTS
REEL RODEO
2008 70’2” Jarrett Bay
Engines: 2400hp MTU
Hours: n/a
List Price: $3,399,000
Date: 10/15/2018
WAYNES WORLD
2005 57’ Dean Johnson
Engines: CAT C-18
Hours: 7449/5966
List Price: $1,079,500
Date Sold: 10/15/2018
DOS AMIGOS
2004 45’ Viking
Engines: MAN 800hp
Hours: 3600
List Price: $399,000
Sold Date: 10/12/2018
Sold By: Galati Yachts
62’ WINTER
2008 62’ WINTER
Engines: CAT C-32 1550 hp
Hours: 2400
List Price: $1.7 mil
Sold Date: 10/11/2018
Sold By: MacGregor yachts
KAHUNA
2007 45’ Viking
Engines: MAN 900hp
Hours: 1250
List Price: $599,000
Sold Date: 10/4/2018
Sold By: HMY Yachts
ABSOLUT
2015 42’ Viking
Engines: Cummins QSC-600
Hours: 190
List Price: 969,000
Sold Date: 10/18/2018
Sold By: HMY
MY CHRISTINE
2008 62’ Titan Yachts
Engines: CAT C-32 1650
Engine Hours: 2800
List Price: $2,150,000
Sold Date: 10/24/2018
Sold By: HMY
GRAND DUKE
2015 70’ Viking
Engines: MTU 2600 hp
Hours: 1797
List Price: $5,095,000
Sold Date: 10/26/2018
Sold By: Denison
The Young Guns of Sportfishing: Captain Deane Lambros
by Capt. Jen Copeland
When the owner of Canyon Runner Charters, Captain Adam LaRosa, sends a message nominating one of his captains be featured in a future Young Guns expose’, it’s quite an endorsement. Rarely does an owner have the time to read such features, but to have him take the time to describe his captain is inspiring. Originally from Westport, Connecticut, Captain Deane Lambros, one of our younger guns, runs and oversees much of the Canyon Runner operations – from maintenance to charter trips. Deane has worked for the company since he was 19.
Six years ago, Lambros was in the middle of an oil change when Mr. LaRosa approached him with an opportunity that changed his life. One of the Runner’s captains was unable to make a scheduled trip and LaRosa asked if 22-year-old Deane was comfortable running the boat. Without hesitation, his answer was an unequivocal, “Yes.”
With three years of training fresh in his mind, Captain Deane took the helm of his first Canyon Runner charter. Banking on the confidence LaRosa had in him, and remembering the old adage “safety first,” Lambros managed to keep it together enough to produce a successful trip. “Being totally in charge for the first time was a real challenge,” says Lambros. The young captain recalls being a bit out of his comfort zone on his first trip. “I was dealing with fog and trying to keep the anxiety at bay, all the while smiling and producing bites,” he recalls. Lambros’ pep talk to himself that day was a familiar one to anyone who makes a living in this line of work – one that we all have to occasionally remind ourselves of. “We’re just going fishing.”
Today with 300+ giant tunas to his credit, some 15,000 hours of wheel time, and over ten top three tournament finishes under his belt, Captain Deane has put the work in by fishing hard, fishing fast and having fun while doing it. All traits of a great captain… traits he learned at Canyon Runner. At 28, Captain Deane Lambros names nearly all past and present Canyon Runner captains as his professional influences – each bringing certain philosophies and skills to Deane’s attention. From the knowledge he’s gained at Canyon Runner, he is able to understand the needs of his charters and is confident in the critical decisions that must be made day after day. As importantly, Lambros reads between the boss’ lines in order to compliment his personality and smoothly run a business in the aggressive northeast charter industry.
No matter how grateful he may be to the “A” list of qualified professional influences, Deane gives the first and foremost credit to his parents for the example they’ve set. According to Lambros, it was his parents who “rigorously reinforced” a strong and honest work ethic during his childhood. His father, who still works full-time at age 86, continues to lead by example to this day.
Lambros takes his job very seriously – something all prospective captains should aspire to do. He believes young men need to prove themselves to others by demonstrating they are polished, conscientious and driven. “It’s refreshing to see a young person wanting to be part of a team and asking questions with a willingness to learn, and if you put in the effort, you will succeed.”
Mates who put safety first and represent themselves in a manner which is non-threatening to the charter guests are an important part of the customer experience. For a charter operation, those who can’t relate with people put themselves out of the running for advancement. Whether charter or private, a young mate’s attitude toward his job is a direct reflection of himself. According to Deane, “There isn’t a single boat owner who wants a reckless, unprofessional captain running their boat.”
Captain Deane Lambros’ professional philosophy is one that sets him well for decades to come. His outlook is characterized by a high level of organizational skill, situational awareness, and an ability to “play well with others.” He executes a meticulous maintenance schedule that ensures tools and spare parts for repairs on the fly are readily available, keeping the program seamless and uninterrupted.
Mature and well-spoken, Lambros’ level-headed personality has allowed him to rise up quickly in LaRosa’s army of Canyon Runners. “I have been able to accomplish in ten years at Canyon Runner what may have taken me 30 years in the private sector,” he says. “Joining a charter program will plain and simply give you a fast learning curve.”
For a young man not yet 30, Lambros’ candid understanding of what it takes to succeed in his line of work is impressive. “Charter fishing is an industry of customer service,” Deane insists. “We are expectation managers. You must know what is expected of you by the owner, the guests, and the crew. You then draw from past experiences when the weather gets dicey, the fish get finicky or the boat breaks down.” Captain Deane fully understands the many facets that go along with charter fishing. There is little doubt that owner Adam LaRosa is thankful for this—perhaps that encouraged Deane’s nomination.
