CubaPLUS Magazine

The American competitors were the main winners in the 65th edition of the Ernest Hemingway Billfishing Tournament, once again a major success according to participants and organizers.

The competition took place on the Havana seashore, from May 25 to 30 with about 25 boats and more than 100 participants from across 8 countries, predominantly North American, who walked away with most of the top awards.

First place and Absolute Champion title went to U.S. Team No. 19, on the Billy the Kid" boat, followed by Team No.15 on the Tripe F" boat and Team 6 aboard the Unclaimed".

Other awards were given to the Unclaimed", Imagine", and Triple F" boats in the Capture category.

The Award for the First Capture in the Female category went to Sheila Reynolds Knowles, also from the United States, who sailed aboard the Blue Heron".

Other awards for First Capture went to Canadás Team No. 21, sailing the Costa Azul", and the biggest Wahoo weighing 10.5 kg, to Team 22 on the American yacht Tormenta Ramera".

The Prize for biggest Tuna, weighing 8 kg, was also won by a Canadian Team on the Costa Azul".

The fishing event took place from the beaches Baracoa west of Havana up to the Guanabo resort to the east where 136 fisherman divided in 25 teams attended. This represents the second largest attendance in the last decade with competitors from the U.S., France, Canada, Swtzerland Puerto Rico, Lithuania, Italy and Cuba. This traditional tournament is one of the oldest of its kind in the world, and follows the guidelines of the International Fishing Federation (IGFA) of Tag-and-Release method in order to protect the environment. In addition, this competition is one of the recreational nautical attractions organized by the Ministry of Tourism.