“This is overwhelming,” Port Division Manager Larry Sablich says of the array of million-dollar boats now tied up at Point Cadet Marina for this weekend’s Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, which actually begins Thursday at 11 a.m.
“We must have between $100 and $200 million worth of boats down here right now, and it’s a sight to see,” Sablich declared. “They range in size from 38 feet to more than 110 feet long, and it’s all kinds, Viking, Hatteras, all top of the line.”
The vessels, 122 in all and from along the Gulf and East coasts, will depart in a water parade down the Biloxi channel Thursday at 11 a.m., “from Point Cadet Marina, past the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor, and they’ll turn south at the Biloxi Lighthouse,” Sablich said, “and that’s when you’ll see the rooster tails and boats headed to the east and west.”
The anglers will head a couple hundreds miles into the Gulf, seeking billfish – and money. Last year, a record $1.76 million in prize money was awarded. Weigh-ins will be Friday and Saturday afternoons, with prizes awarded Sunday.
The sight to see, though, is tonight, with the dozens of boats all lit up, above and below the waterline.
“Tonight is a mandatory captains meeting, so all of the boats in the tournament must be in the marina tonight,” Sablich said, “After that, you might not see them here all at once.
“It’s a sight to see in the day, for sure, but last night I stopped by and it was beyond dramatic, to see all of these million-dollar boats and the multi-colored lights, all right here in Biloxi, at Point Cadet Marina.”
See the tournament website
See images of the boats at the Point Cadet Marina
See nighttime video of the billfish armada at Point Cadet Marina
News and notes
Hold on, there: Scratch that idea of a Friday, June 30 inauguration ceremony. That’s the launch of the Fourth of July weekend. The administration is working with the City Council on possibly a Wednesday, June 28 night inauguration at the Biloxi Saenger. Details to come. Also, the council’s first meeting of the new term will be on Wednesday, July 5. An earlier Bmail incorrectly said July 5 was Tuesday.
Nominate now: If you know of someone who has significantly contributed to the betterment of athletics in the City of Biloxi, either through exemplary performance as a player or coach, or in any supporting role of superior accomplishment, you have until Friday, June 30 to nominate them for the Biloxi Sports Hall of Fame. To see more about Sports Hall of Fame and to download the nomination form, click here.
