Viking Yacht Co. reported that its annual Key West Challenge tournament drew more than 50 boats and 500-plus people. Additionally, a pair of tournament-record fish were caught.
“It was a Key West Challenge like no other,” Viking president and CEO Pat Healey said in a statement. “This event continues to amaze me — the camaraderie, the fishing, the fun and, best of all, the smiling faces.”
The tournament, which ran April 12-16, is open to Viking and Valhalla boat owners.
For the third consecutive year, the top boat was the Viking 50 Roenick, which released 10 sailfish. Second went to the Viking 44 Miss Peggy Sue II, with two tournament-record swordfish. The Viking 58 Bimini placed third, with four sailfish and a pair of tuna.
Miss Peggy Sue II’s David Heeter earned top angler honors with record 340- and 245-pound swordfish. Rosalie “Roe” Apostoleres of Roenick was the top female angler for the third consecutive year.
Steve Rodgers, aboard the Viking 72 Bid Time, hauled in a record 131.6-pound Allison tuna, and Nadia Bayless was the top junior angler, fishing aboard the Viking 80 Rachel Anne.
