August 13, 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kim Bennett
252-726-8857
252-241-4000
Tickets on Sale for BOCC Events
Nicolas Sparks This Year's Celebrity
Click here for Biography
Tickets for all three Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic Events are now on sale in several
Beaufort Stores and Restaurants.. As of press time the following locations are carrying the tickets which are $30 each for August 27, 29, & 30: CCBS Sign Shop, Clawson's, Beaufort Trading Company, Handscapes Gallery, Cousin Martha's and Scuttlebutt Nautical Books.
Tickets may also be purchased by mail by sending a check payable to BOCC for the total amount & adding $2.00 for shipping and handling. Mail to Kim Bennett 111 Ricky Lane Newport, NC 28570.
All events are 7:00pm-10:00pm & will be held in the same location: Front Street Village 2500 Front Street Village in Beaufort North Carolina. A limited number of tickets may be on sale at the gate depending on availability. For each ticket sold, the BOCC will donate $5.00 to the Beaufort 300th Anniversary Celebration.
"We will definitely sell out. The food, bands, silent auction, exhibits will be unbelievable" stated Kim Bennett, BOCC Development Director. "We have designed this 4 day event to become a special part of everyone's Early Labor Day Celebration year after year," Bennett concluded. Silent Auctions will be held each evening from 5:00pm-9:00pm. Among the items available are NASCAR Tickets, an autographed 1986 Baseball Jacket worn by Nolan Ryan, original art by Steve Goione and Stephen Moore along with Dom Perignon Champagne, beautiful jewelry and many dining packages.
The first 7pm event on Wednesday Evening will feature the Tropical Sounds of the Island Party Band-Panyelo Steel. Joining the festivities on that evening will be the 2008 BOCC Celebrity & world renowned author Nicolas Sparks. Mr. Sparks will be fishing in the Bluewater Division of the tournament along with son, Miles aboard the Hatterascal. Sparks and crew will not only compete in this division, but have also been tapped to represent Hatteras Yachts in the First Annual Boat Builders Shoot Out.
Another well known local celebrity, Curtis Strange, will join Sparks in the competition as Strange is fishing for Jarrett Bay Yacht Sales in this first-ever big game tournament.
The BBSO is a tournament within a tournament featuring teams representing some of the world's best & fastest Sportfishing Yacht Manufacturers vying for bragging rights and a giant perpetual trophy which will belong to the winning team for one year. The Bluewater Registration begins that afternoon at 4:00pm on site. Within the "fish two of three" Bluewater All-Release Division will be a Ladies Layday Tournament which allows the Captains to fish on their Layday. "This is a format that will take some getting use to because it's so different than any other Ladies Big Game Tournament," explained Mrs. Bennett.
" It was designed to give the Charter Boats another day of income during the August 27-30 event.
It's really a great idea that will help our struggling fleet. Fuel costs have affected them all," stated BOCC President Dan Webb.
Friday Evening kicks off the Jarrett Bay Big King Party with the popular band Big Drink.
The one day King Mackerel Tournament held on Saturday only will open registration at 4:00pm to all anglers. The Four Knights, a regional beach band sponsored by Pepsi, will play for the Saturday Evening Awards Party.
The menu line up for the BOCC looks like this: Wednesday "Grill Gone Wild" featuring grilled steak, pork, chicken and an array of salads, pasta, fruits & cheeses.
Guests will dine on "Good Old Fashioned North Carolina Barbeque" on Friday Evening with a full blown "Italian Buffet" scheduled for Saturday. "Even if you're not fishing in the tournament, you'll want to enjoy these wonderful parties as we raise money for our charities," added Dan Wagner with the BOCC Development Team.
Charity recipients for this year's offshore competition are the Carteret Community Foundation, United
Way of Coastal Carolina, the Beaufort 300th Anniversary and the Fellowship program of the North Carolina Division of marine Fisheries. Volunteering during the week will be both the Raleigh Saltwater Sportfishing Club and the Carteret Sportfishing Association. Both organizations will receive funds from various divisions within the tournament.
For more information on all events & details visit www.fishBOCC.com
Menus & Bands Set for BOCC
From Grilled Steak & Artesian Breads to Antipastos & Eastern NC BBQ....the BOCC food will be off the charts! Tickets to all events are $30 each & available on line
BOCC Fishing Tournament
Front Street Village
Labor Day Weekend 2008
| Quick Navigation | |
| Menu | Bands |
| Wednesday, 8/27 | Panyélo |
| Thursday, 8/28 | Big Drink |
| Friday, 8/28 | The Four Knights |
| Awards Party | |
| Bar Service | |
MENUS
© 2008 BGC Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Bluewater Captain’s Party
7:00-10:00 PM
“Grill Gone Wild”
Grilled Steak, Pork Loin, Chicken and Mahimahi
Carved and served off the grill with an array of sauces
Caesar Salad
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
New Potato, Green Bean and Roasted Corn Salad
Artisan Breads and Spreads
Thursday, August 28, 2008
No Events
Friday, August 29, 2008
King Mackerel Captain’s Party
7:00-10:00 PM
“American BBQ”
Western BBQ Brisket
Eastern BBQ Pork
Hamburgers
Hot Dogs
Cole slaw, potato salad, baked beans, assorted relishes and condiments
Any Donated Butter Ball Products
Awards Party and Dance
7:00-10:00 PM
Italian Buffet
Assorted Anti Pasti Salads
Tomato & Mozzarella Mostaccioli
Spaghetti with Meatballs
Chicken Cacciatore with Farfalle
Gemelli Prima Vera
Garlic Bread
Tropical, Beach, Rock n Roll, Party Music will Delight BOCC Guests for 3 Full Evenings of Entertainment!
Panyélo features the steel drum, an instrument from Trinidad made out of a 55-gallon oil barrel. The band is comprised of five professional musicians including two steel drum players, one guitar player, a bass player, and a drumset player. Combined with lead vocals and backup harmony from every member, this chemistry is sure to make your event a successful one.
Panyélo is available for almost any event from private parties, nightclub and country club functions, to music festival events and featured concerts. Free pre-event consultations are available and recommended to ensure that your event goes off with success. For more information please check out our website at www.panyelo.com or contact:
Andy Wright
1504 Marsh Pointe
Morehead City, NC 28557
(252)222-4370
email-andy@panyelo.com
Panyélo Personnel:
| Andy Wright | Double Second Pans/Lead Vocals |
| Scotty Sells | Lead Pan and Triple Guitar Pans/Vocals |
| Mike Davis | Guitar/Lead Vocals |
| Alex Danilowicz | Electric Bass/Vocals |
| Todd Proctor | Drumset/Vocals |
Big Drink is a local Crystal Coast band that formed in May of 2007. The band is made up of three members all from Eastern North Carolina. They are:
Jay Tyndall – Deep Run, NC on Percussion & Vocals
Jon Wood – Emerald Isle, NC on Bass & Vocals
Chris Whitaker – Newport, NC on Guitar & Vocals
The guys that make up Big Drink are good friends and thoroughly
enjoy playing together and it definitely bleeds through into each and every
performance. They play a wide variety of music spanning five decades so
there is something for everyone to enjoy. Their songs are filled with two
and three part harmonies and you really never know what to expect next or
who is singing. They are currently in the studio putting the finishing touches
on their first CD project of 11 original songs that should be released in
the fall of 2008. They are available for Private Parties, Wedding Receptions,
Company Events, Festivals and of course you will come across them playing
at your favorite Restaurant or Bar somewhere on the Crystal Coast. To get
live schedules, booking information, song lists or more contact info, please
log onto www.bigdrinkmusic.com.
Some veteran bands seam ageless. As many fans would attest, The Four Knights Band fits into that catagory.
With their new studio CD heating up the Beach Music charts, 4KB continue to deliver the lush arrangements & tight performances you'd expect from these classic musicians.
It's been 8 years, but the group says it feels like yesterday.
Harold says "the group is most proud of the fans that have supported us for all these years, and giving us the opportunityto do what we love to do-most definitely.
For more information, visit The Four Knights website: www.fourknightsband.zoomshare.com
BOCC Paying Ten Places in King Mac Tournament!
Cash prizes will be awarded
to the top ten King Mackerel Anglers in this year's new & expanded Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic slated for August 27-30, 2008.
Both the Raleigh Saltwater Sportfishing Club and the Carteret County Sportfishing Club will be on hand to register boats on Friday August 29
in the King Mac Division of the BOCC.
Registration begins at 4:00pm
at Front Street Village (FSV) located at 2500 Front Street on the east side of Beaufort. FSV will be the site of all BOCC events from Thursday through Saturday evening.
Visit www.fishBOCC.com for all details
Tickets To Events $30 each
Bands & Parties are scheduled for Wednesday August 27 Friday August 29 Saturday August 30 On sale now by mail.
Send check payable to BOCC 111 Ricky Lane Newport, NC 28570 Add $2.00 for shipping & handling to total order.
Sales outlets will be announced in August.
BOCC Tournament Shirts Flying Off Shelves
Design by Well-Know Artist Steve Goione
With the Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic still 2 months away, the official tournament t-shirts are already showing up at marinas and on charter boats. This shot was taken at Chef 105 during a Friday evening fireworks show on the Morehead City Waterfront.
Nine area retailers are already selling the shirts with the event still two months away. "We've already started our second order", stated Michelle Emery of Gregory Pool Marine Power, the BOCC's Title Sponsor. "They are so popular that we can't keep them in stock. We have four more stores waiting for their orders to be filled! This is crazy," added Ms. Emery. The tournament shirt design features the artwork of Steve Goione of Wilmington North Carolina.
Goione, a graduate of the Ringling School of Art in New Jersey, is best known for his detail in marine art, using vivid watercolors with pen and ink stippling.
The artist has produced hundreds of Big Game Big Time Tournament Shirts all over the world. Landing Goioine for the brand new BOCC was quite an accomplishment for Gregory Poole. "Once we had commissioned him, we knew the design would be off the charts.
Nationally acclaimed Offshore Artist Steve Goione signs four BOCC tournament t-shirts for Army Officers that fished aboard the Hatterascal in June.
Once discovered in the fishing books, the requests for commissioned work came pouring in including the job of painting for a high-profile boat builder.
Goione explains his success in a simple yet elegant manner. "I just think you have to be yourself, be honest and things will come to you." As of press time, the art of Steve Goione can be purchased on the BOCC t-shirts at the following locations. More stores are being added each week.
In Beaufort, Radio Island Marina, Town Creek Marina and Beaufort Trading Company. In Emerald Isle, Emerald Isle Surf Shop. In Morehead City you can purchase shirts at West Marine, EJW and Morehead City Yacht Basin. In Atlantic Beach, Marshes. In Swansboro, Dudley's Marina.
BOCC Shirts will be sold on site during this years event slated for August 27-30, 2008 at Front Street Village in Beaufort. For more information on the BOCC visit their website at www.fishBOCC.com
Ladies Layday Tournament
Gregory Poole Ladies Team fished aboard the Sensation in early June and landed a 30 pound dolphin & had a billfish shopping through the baits.
Jordan Harris, a rising Junior at UNC Chapel Hill fights a nice sized dolphin. Ms. Harris boated the gamefish that weighed in at 24 pounds. A crew of 3 Ladies fished on the Gulf Steam Charter Boat captained by Geoff Flynt about 40 miles offshore on a picture perfect day in May.
For more information on the BOCC visit their website at www.fishBOCC.com
Army Officers Enjoy First Day Offshore
Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic Pulls Corporations Together to Host Officers Home from Iraq in the 50th Big Rock
The unique crew aboard the Hatterascal on the final day of the 50th Big Rock
is all smiles as they return to the dock with plenty of gamefish in the cooler.
The trip was arranged by the Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic Staff and Gregory Poole Marine Power.
The group of four Army Officers were in Morehead City for special operations training
when they decided to visit the downtown weigh-ins for the 50th Big Rock.
Over hearing the conversation about their life-long desires to go big game fishing,
the Gregory Poole Team introduced themselves & proceeded with making the soldiers dreams come true.
All four men had just returned from Iraq in soaring temperatures that topped 120 degrees.
Pictures l to r are
Sergeant First Class Tony Pittman, Major Brad Wallace, Captain Ryan Hanson,
Captain Dave Henning, Debbie Thephilus and Hatteras President Keri Theophilus.
As Captain Ryan Hanson reflected upon his offshore fishing trip aboard the Hatterascal, he said often "This is a dream come true. I still can't believe it. I think we're all still sort of in shock." On Tuesday June 10 the lives of four US Army Officers, recently returned from Iraq, changed. Maybe not forever, but certainly for the summer of 2008. Over heard that evening discussing the training of the day & the dreams of the night to go big game offshore fishing one time in their life was Hanson along with Captain Dave Henning, Sergeant First Class Tony Pittman and Major Brad Wallace, Special Commander. When the officers' comments intrigued the Gregory Poole Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic Staff, a full blown conversation was eminent.
"It just struck me so hard that night. Here were are laughing, fishing, enjoying great friendships, food...free to do whatever we want this week. And here are the men that fight so we can." offered Dan Webb, BOCC President for Gregory Poole Marine Power. Our company along with Hatteras Yachts has long been a supporter of our men in uniform. But on this night it seemed to be time to do something so outrageous for these guys that they'd remember it forever" added Webb.
Following an hour conversation, names and business cards were exchanged, schedules for the week confirmed and indeed promises were made that had to be kept. Hatteras Yachts and Gregory Poole were going to take the four soldiers fishing in the 50th Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament....no matter what. Webb along with David Ritchie BOCC Board Member and Eric Cashion Hatteras Marketing Director received the request and went to work on the dream day only to produce the final arrangements in a matter of hours. Cashion, with deep military ties as a former marine, was determined to produce an unprecedented experience for the four men in uniform. He lined up the date, boat, captain, mate, departure, return, photography and threw in one more surprise moments before the crew finalized all plans."I'm real happy to inform you that the President of Hatteras Yachts, Mr. Keri Theophilus and his wife Debbie, will be a member of your crew for the day. Good luck & tight lines". Cashion clearly displayed signs of emotion and pride as he shook the hands of the four visiting strangers.
Army Officers stare into the hot morning fog as they prepare for their first-ever offshore fishing trip.
The men were hosted by Gregory Poole Marine Power & The Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic
aboard the Hatterascal, a 70 foot Sportfishing Yacht made in New Bern, North Carolina.
Pictured are (l to r) Captain Dave Henning, Major Brad Wallace, Captain Ryan Hanson
and Sergeant First Class Tony Pittman. The crew fished on the final day of the 50th Big Rock Tournament.
"This is so great. Isn't it just like our community to reach out & do this stuff! Kenny and I will deliver coolers filled with all they'll need...snacks, beverages, sandwiches,cookies. I'll go home and start cooking now." A generous offer indeed from an incredibly busy woman named Carol Lohr. Mrs. Lohr sits on the Board of the Big Rock and serves as the Director of Tourism for Carteret County. She and her husband own a busy convenience store located in the heart of big boat country, adjacent to Jarrett Bay Industrial Park in Beaufort. As if she didn't have enough to do during the 50th Big Rock, she added this task to her long list of "to-do's and somehow found the time to give back just like she always does.
With a few pats on the back, wishes of good luck, a few clothing and safety tips the visiting officers were off to bed in preparation for their final day of special operations training in Morehead City, North Carolina. On Saturday morning at 5:00am in ninety plus temperatures, the group of officers, representing over 50 years of service to the United States of America, climbed aboard the beautiful 70 foot Hatterascal in a dazed-like manner. Moments later President Theophilus and wife joined the crew and they were off to the deep blue for their debut search of Billfish, Gamefish and memories.
In true tournament style, upon returning to the dock, the men greeted the Gregory Poole folks anxiously waiting for them, with suntans, smiles and zipped lips. "You know. What's done & said on the boat stays on the boat. " said Captain Hanson jokingly. The crew had a couple of billfish in their baits and loaded up on nice sized Dolphin for the day. The catch, the camaraderie, the education & relaxation produced a surreal experience of divine order. "We had a perfect day" offered Theophilus. "A really good one for sure."
Later that evening, the proud fishermen attended the 50th Annual Big Rock Awards Dinner at the Crystal Coast Civic Center. Throughout the evening the soldiers all robed in Hatteras Corporate attire, reviewed their successful fishing experience many times over. "You just can't talk about this stuff enough. This fishing thing. I'm tellin' you this is unreal" said Major Wallace. "I don't know if we can go home. We're all talking about buying a place down here & I'm sure you see us again. Even talking about retiring here. We've never been treated like this in our lives." Without Gregory Poole, Hatteras and the Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic we would have never been able to do this."
At the close of the evening four Army men, turned fishermen, hugged a few folks, shook some hands and strolled through the exhibits at the Civic Center before offering a final wave to the people that changed their lives for a summer. Hatteras & Gregory Poole officials both agreed that long-term friendships were sealed and lifetime memories were designed on a very hot day in June."But probably not nearly as hot as it is in Iraq" concluded Webb. "We feel honored to have been a part of their cooler day here back in the states."
Note...The Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic slated for August 27-30 has established a military division in their all-release big game event to be held at f Front Street Village on the Beaufort NC Waterfront. For more information visit www.fishBOCC.com
Gregory Poole Ladies Take 1st in Best Dressed Colors Weigh in 2nd Place Dolphin
Big Rock was big success for GPMP!
The Gregory Poole Offshore Classic Tournament Team fished in the 50th Big Rock on Saturday June 6, 2008.
The all ladies team was on the leader board for a few hours after they weighed in a 23 pound first place dolphin.
That catch soon became a second place fish when the Sea Hag came to the scales with a 25 pounder.
The Gregory Poole Ladies have fished together for 11 years and represent over 150 total combined years in offshore experience.
"It's like Christmas, an Anniversary and a Family Reunion all rolled into one", stated Crew Member Valinda Coates.
In 2007 the team won third place in the Best Dressed Contest. This year they came in first
for their excellent color coordination of black & pink.
The Gregory Poole Team fished aboard the Sensation, Captained by Dale Britt.
Gregory Poole & Hatteras Team up to Honor Military
The officers recently returned from Iraq and are in Morehead City North Carolina for Special Operations Training before being deployed again in mid July.
The men were overheard by GPMP discussing their life long dream of big game tournament fishing while watching the Big Rock weigh-ins on the Morehead City Waterfront.
Once the Gregory Poole Staff introduced themselves, the planning began to honor these men who are fighting for our freedom.
"We contacted Hatteras Yachts and they were on board with the idea immediately" stated Dan Webb, President of Gregory Poole's new fall tournament, The Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic(BOCC) "When these men shared their stories with us, we knew we had to make this happen. Every one of them said this would be a dream come true."
Hatteras Director of Marketing, Eric Cashion is coordinating the Saturday Offshore Trip for the group and informed the soldiers that Hatteras Yachts President, Keri Theophilus, will be joining the crew for the day offshore.
"This is working out great. We have already discussed a Military Entry Level in the BOCC for crews that that include active or retired military personnel." explained Cashion. "This just gives us a jump start on GPMP tournament plans."
Meeting at the GPMP trade booth at the Crystal Coast Civic Center to iron out the details of the fishing trip are (l to r) Gregory Poole BOCC President -Dan Webb, Captain Ryan Hanson,Sergeant First Class Tony Pittman, Major Brad Wallace, Captain Dave Henning, Eric Cashion-Hatteras Marketing Director and Deane Zurawski- Board Member-Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic. Meals for the crew are being provided by Kenny & Carol Lohr.
Ms. Lohr is the Executive Director of the Carteret County Tourism Bureau. A full story of the Military Outing will appear following the Big Rock Tournament.
Gregory Poole to Kick Off Boat Builders Shoot Out At BOCC in August
This custom made sportfishing yacht by Spencer Yachts of Wanchese, North Carolina is one of over twenty boats invited to fish in the first ever Boat Builders Shoot Out to be held during the Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic August 27-30, 2008. Gregory Poole Marine Power created the new level of competition to showcase the numerous high-end boat manufacturers in this region. The BBSO, like the BOC Classic Tournament is 100 % billfish release.
Over twenty invitations were issued to custom and production manufacturers of sportfishing yachts that roam the big-game tournament circuit. Gregory Poole Marine Power, GPMP, believes that this competition has excellent long-range staying power since the program is structured much like that of the Stanley Cup. "Each year the winning boat will take home the spectacular one-of a-kind trophy to keep until the next year's competition. We want the winner to take the trophy everywhere they go and capture photographs of the team, owner and captain with their prestigious prize" said Tyler Bowery, BOCC Tournament Director.
"This will enable us to portray the history of the Shoot Out Series from the very beginning of the competition" he added.
The unique prize is being designed by Hanes Hoffman, well-known in the tournament world for his unique approach to fishing trophies. Having designed perpetual trophies for other Eastern US events, Hoffman will unveil his work of trophy art at the BOCC Kick Off Captains Party on Wednesday August 27th at Front Street Village on the Beaufort Waterfront.
His design for the big boat competition will include the capability to engrave the winners name year after year directly on the art. "Not only will we have the names of every BBSO winner, but we'll have all the photography to go along with it" Webb explained.
As of press time, several boat companies were already making commitments to fish in the First Annual Boat Builders Shoot Out sponsored by Gregory Poole Marine Power.
For more information on the entire BOCC event, visit their website at www.fishBOCC.com
Raleigh and Carteret County Sportfishing Clubs Team up for Gregory Poole BOCC Tourney
Fundraising for Artificial Reef and Charities
The two most active saltwater fishing clubs in Eastern North Carolina will enjoy
a big presence this fall during the Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic August 27-30.
Slated for the week prior to Labor Day, this new big game all-release event is sponsored by Gregory Poole Marine Power and will be held annually at Front Street Village in Beaufort North Carolina. Both enthusiastic clubs will be on hand to register fishermen in the King Mackerel and Gamefish divisions and hold auctions to raise money for their respective charities.
For the Carteret County Sportfishing Club, their efforts will focus on their artificial reef program now in its fifteenth year. Over 2.5 million dollars have been raised to date to place edges and ledges on the ocean floor.
"The artificial reef program is vital to the health & development of offshore species.
It's like Habitat for Humanity, except it's for fish" explained Club President Eddie Cameron. "We real excited about working with Gregory Poole and the BOCC in keeping this effort alive."
The Raleigh Saltwater Sportfishing Club, with over 200 members through out the Triangle, is equally as pleased with their role in the newly expanded big game tournament. "We already have a great relationship with Gregory Poole Marine Power. To join them in promoting this event is an honor" explained John Martyn, RSSFC member & owner of Marty's Sea & Stream in Durham. "We'll be handling the tournament within a tournament on the King Mackerel side & feel good about this opportunity." The RSSFC raises money annually for the Take-A-Kid-Fishing Program and supports scholarships to students interested in a marine related career.
The BOCC kicks off on Wednesday August 27 with the Bluewater Captains Party at Front Street Village. For more information visit the website www.fishBOCC.com
East Carolina Bank On Board with Gregory Poole Bluewater Tournament
ECB Tapped as Official Bank of the BOCC
ECB Corporate Executives joined forces with Gregory Poole Marine Power this week to become the Official Bank of the Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic. The Tournament will be held August 27-30 at Front Street Village. For more information visit www.fishBOCC.com
Mike Morelli, ECB's Vice-President and City Executive in Morehead City, echoed Webb's comments. "The BOCC's efforts to contribute to a worthy cause was a primary factor in the bank's decision to support this Labor Day Week event .ECB's community style approach to banking includes giving back to the communities we serve," stated Morelli.
"It is our hope that the charities associated with this event, the United Way and Carteret Community Foundation, receive substantial benefit from the BOCC. We are proud to help our community in any way we can."
The BOCC is a greatly expanded version of the former Strike It Rich event held on the Beaufort Waterfront in 2006 and 2007. Several new divisions have been added to the August 27-30 competition, including a Gamefish and the All-Release Billfish Level, Junior, Senior and Lady Angler Categories along with a Beard and Bald opportunity for Captains and Mates. "What's most important about this new format is the all release billfish level" commented Tyler Bowery, BOCC Tournament Director. "We will be using the honor system accompanied by official forms, polygraphs and signatures to be sure the winning teams are in full compliance with the no-kill rules." Well-known local businessman, Captain Howard Basnight, is serving as the Rules Committee Chairman and is joined by Tom Bennett, Diane Locke, Vince Johnston, and Ann Maxwell in this oversight capacity.
Mike Morelli, ECB Vice President checks out the BOCC website on his computer. East Carolina Bank is located at 168 Highway 24 in Morehead City.
In most Billfish-Release events, a varying scale is used to award points per species with Blue Marlin having the highest value, followed by White Marlin and Sailfish respectively.
"Without species identification or confusion and without photography requirements we may well be the most conservation driven release tournament on the East Coast", Bowery concluded.
According to Morehead City ECB Vice-President, Mike Morelli, the BOCC format was a primary factor in the bank's decision to support this Labor Day Week event.
"The BOCC has the right complexion for our needs. We are very aware of the need to focus on conservation of the fisheries. We are equally aware of the need to give back to our communities and help those less fortunate", stated Morelli. "This is an exceptionally good fit for both ECB and the Gregory Poole Board of Directors and tournament organizers."
Charities selected to receive proceeds from this years Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic are the United Way of Coastal Carolina and the Carteret Community Foundation. Both groups will be providing manpower and support services for the 4 day event. As of press time other major sponsors signing on with the BOCC are Front Street Village the Official Host and permanent home to the tournament, Eastern Carolina Nissan, Tommy Simpson Construction, West Marine, Atlantic Beverage, Jarrett Bay Yacht Sales, Choice Wineries, Johnson's Jewelers, Harvell & Company CPAs, Moen, Bluewater Supply LLC, Boardwalk Screen Printing and Best Buy. The BOCC kicks off with registration on Wednesday August 27 at 4:00pm followed by the West Marine Bluewater Captains Party at 7:00pm. All events will be held on site at Front Street Village, 2500 Front Street in Beaufort, North Carolina. For complete information on the tournament, visit their website at www.fishBOCC.com.
Gregory Poole Marine Power is please to announce that Marin Magazine is now running the Story of our Tournament live!
Randy Gregory to Serve as Official Weighmaster of the BOCC
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries will provide the Official Weighmaster for the Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic to be held August 27-30, 2008 at Front Street Village.
Tapped to serve in this important capacity for Gregory Poole Marine Power, the events' title sponsor, is Randy Gregory a well-respected recreational fisherman and DMF employee.
Gregory was a former age & growth lab coordinator with the division and has assisted with Recreational Fishing Tournaments through-out North Carolina.
"He was extremely helpful with input on our rules and our organization. We look forward to his advice & guidance during the week of our event", Webb concluded.
The NC Division of Marine Fisheries is responsible for the stewardship of the state's marine and estuarine resources and has jurisdiction over all coastal waters up to 3 miles offshore. Division policies are provided by the nine-member Marine Fisheries Commission and the Secretary of the Department of the Environment & Natural Resources. For more information on the Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic and the Division of Marine Fisheries visit their respective websites at www.fishBOCC.com and ncfisheries.net.
Gregory Poole Expands Tournament Adds New Charity
Now Includes Billfish & Gamefish Emphasis on Fuel & Fish ConservationPuts Down Roots in Waterfront Development
Gregory Poole Marine Power (GPMP) as the Title Sponsor of the BEAUFORT OFFSHORE CELEBRITY CLASSIC has been the driving force behind the expansion of the former Strike It Rich King Mackerel Tournament now in its third year. Once a 24 hour event, the BOCC will now begin every year on the Wednesday evening before Labor Day with three days of hard core fishing off the Crystal Coast. The newly added Bluewater division includes Billfish and Gamefish during a fish 2 of 3 Captains' Choice Format. King Mackerel competition will be held on Saturday only as in years'past. Events are planned for all four days, including a Wine & Dine Out in Beaufort Restaurants on Thursday and the second Captains Party & fireworks on Friday Evening.
Carteret Community Foundation President, Richard McIntyre makes a lively presentation on his charity to BOCC Tournament Officials. Title sponsor Gregory Poole Marine Power has announced that the CFF will join United Way as the recipients of tournament proceeds this year.
Pictured (l to r) are BOCC Board Member-Deane Zurawski, Tournament Director-Tyler Bowery, Beth Jenkins-North Carolina CCF Executive, Brigg Harris-BOCC Rules Committee and Mr. McIntyre.
"Every year, we hope tons of anglers will schedule the week before Labor Day with us. We want to be on their calendars for the last big week of summer & show them such a great time that they'll come back year after year" Bowery concluded. A unique format has been developed on the Billfish Division for this newly expanded fall event. Traditionally, release tournaments award points that vary among species. Blue Marlin are normally worth more than White Marlin with Sailfish worth less than both. In the BOCC, all billfish count the same. According to the Tournament Rules Committee, if it has a bill on it, you count it, release it & go catch another one!
"We feel really good about this rule." said Dan Webb, President of BOCC and Gregory Poole Marine Power Executive. "It will really be a fun tournament to fish!"
Sam Sellars (l) of Front Street Village, the BOCC permanent home, explains architectural renderings for the planned conference center and marina. Present for the meeting was (l to r) Dan Wagner- Gregory Poole Development Team, Ann Maxwell-Rules Committee-BOCC, Ashley Sellars-Beaufort Business Woman and Tom Bennett.
The use of circle hooks is also promoted by the BEAUFORT OFFSHORE CELEBRITY CLASSIC. Knowing the day is coming soon, when tournaments will be required to stop killing billfish, this catching technique is a safer and gentler way to reel in the big ones and release them all in a healthy condition quickly.
The Gamefish division includes Wahoo, Tuna and Dolphin. Awards and prizes are scheduled for Junior and Senior Anglers along with Junior Anglers in all species levels.
Greensboro visitors to the Crystal Coast were on hand to discuss the newly expanded Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic during a recent meeting at the Dunes Club in Atlantic Beach, NC
Known as the Beard & Bald Level, this interesting category is open to all mates and captains who are either bald and or bearded on the day they register for the tournament and on the day of the Awards Ceremony. Hair dressers will be on hand to shave heads should any participant feel a pressing need to qualify for this level. "This is nothing but fun! This will help us raise more money for charity & provide some great entertainment during registration." Commented Michelle Emery, GPMP BOCC Marketing Director.
Tyler Bowery (l) discusses tent logistics and technical requirements for the Beaufort Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament with Front Street Village Developers (l to r) Bucky Oliver, Wendi Oliver and Jay Peregoy.
The BOCC, sponsored by Gregory Poole Marine Power, has named FSV as their permanent home. The blue water tournament, scheduled for August 27-30, 2008 features an all release bill fish divisions along with standard Gamefish and king mackerel levels. Junior, Senior and Lady Anglers will receive awards in addition to the cash purse pay out announced on Saturday August 30 during the Awards Ceremony.
All events during the four days will be held at Front Street Village at 2500 Front Street, Beaufort, North Carolina www.frontstreetvillage.com
For more information on the Beaufort Offshore Celebrity Classic visit their website www.fishBOCC.com or contact Tyler Bowery- Tournament Director at 252-504-5113.