To Members & Team & Boat Captains
Some of you are aware of changes we have been forced to make to this year’s 28th Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic, due to the enormous damage done by Cyclone Ita when it struck with full force on Lizard Island in April. A $40M rebuild is under way and our early advice was that we would still have Tournament Base at Lizard Island Lodge with our functions catered out of the Lodge kitchen and held in the Lodge Dining Room and Bar. No rooms would be available for Anglers who would have to live aboard or mother ship. The Marlin Centre “Barn” is not available as this is the canteen for the 120 workers engaged on site in the rebuild, which will not be finished until March 2015.

Earlier this week, we were advised that due to the extreme damage to the Lodge, the kitchen has had to be pulled out and thus would not be available to cater for the Tournament.

The Tournament will go ahead with the same Rules and same fishing grounds anywhere on the Outer Reef, but Tournament Base and venue for Calcutta Briefing and Presentation Dinners will be Cooktown Fisherman’s Wharf where special and first class catering will be provided.

On Saturday 11 October & Saturday 18 October, the majority of our fleet will be able to raft up at Fisherman’s Wharf pontoon or the Public Wharf, which will be reserved for us and for those who choose to anchor out in the River we will provide a tender service.

The “SailPast” will take place in the Endeavour River at 0800 Sunday 12 October and after clearing the heads vessels will proceed to their selected fishing grounds as they normally would when starting at Lizard with “start fishing” being called as usual at 1100hrs and “stop fishing” at 1730hrs for the first 6 days. On the last day, Saturday 18 October, “start fishing” will be called at 0800hrs and “stop fishing” at 1300hrs with cut off time of 1930hrs for tag cards to be handed in at Cooktown Wharf to qualify.