About the Grand Hotel & Casino Vanuatu Marlin Classic - 2010
The
Vanuatu Marlin Classic is the first and only marlin specific
fishing tournament in Vanuatu. The tournament was created to
promote the sport of game fishing and conservation of fisheries
through the practice of tag and release fishing. The rules have
been purposely designed to promote the release of healthy
marlin. Points are awarded based on marlin-only caught on 30 lb,
50 lb, 80 lb and 130 lb line class tackle.
Organizers
of the tournament have given generously to create this cash
prize tournament. The first year saw prize and calcutta payments
in excess of $40,000 AUD. The second year managed over $60,000
AUD paid out and each year since has been successful.
We have been blessed to receive great support from the local and
international community with scores of sponsors.
Over the last several years, Vanuatu has quickly become a proven
World Class marlin fishing destination The VMC is a great
opportunity to get in on the pioneering edge of one of the
world’s best kept game fishing secrets. Don’t miss the
opportunity to compete for cash in the marlin rich waters of
Vanuatu!
The VMC has received the distinction of being an IGFA Offshore Championship qualifying event. This means the winners of the VMC will be eligible to compete in the prestigious IGFA Offshore Championship Tournament the following year.
Changes for - 2010 - It's Going to be Even Better
2010
will see a few changes in both the rules and overall format of
the Vanuatu Marlin Classic.
The first 6 annual VMC competitions have all been based upon the best score over three days of fishing. Feedback from participants and from some local fishing enthusiasts has led us to modify our approach. Starting in 2010 there will be 4 major prizes rather than the 3 (first, second and third places) we have always featured in the past. The 4th major prize will be awarded based on the most points scored on a single day of fishing. This will allow for single and double fishing day entries as well as the full three day entry. Fees are expected to be 150,000 vatu for a full 3 day entry, 100,000 vatu for a 2 day entry and 50,000 vatu for a single day entry. Included in the entry fee is 10,000 vatu for each fishing day to be made available as a cash prize for the team that has the best day on the water.
Rules regarding inspection of hook rigs have been modified. There will be a much greater reliance on the ability of the observers to check and verify the legality of the hook rigs. Thus, assuming the observer feels that everything was in order, lost hook rigs will not result in the disqualification of the fish. In cases where a fish is caught, tagged and released and where the hook rig is broken or somehow lost while trying to recover the rig, we will rely on the judgment of the observer as to the legality of the rig and award points accordingly.
We expect these changes (of rules and format) to increase participation in the event and to result in more points on the board at the end of the competition.
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Check back here often as this page will be updated to provide the latest news from the organising committee.
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THE TOYOTA GRANDER CHALLENGE IS BACK!!!
The 2010 Marlin Classic will again feature the Toyota Grander Challenge - You catch a 1000 lb marlin or larger and you will drive home a brand new Toyota Hilux Pickup truck. This prize has a value of over $40,000 USD and gives us all a good reason to sharpen those hooks.
Each registered team will automatically get a free entry to the
VMC Poker chase. Just visit our selected sponsors anytime during
the tournament and draw your cards. Bring your cards to the
awards dinner and play a hand of poker against the other teams
for even more $$$. Final rules to be announced in the next few
weeks.
The First Annual VMC Poker Chase is here