On The Horizon: The Chivas Regal Aruba Caribbean Cup



One of the most popular events on the Presidential Challenge schedule is the Chivas Regal Aruba Caribbean Cup, slated for October 20-23, 2011. The beautiful island nation of Aruba, located in the southern Caribbean Sea, will once again host this international sportfishing tournament for the second consecutive year.



The organizers of the Presidential Challenge tournament series have recently returned from Aruba and are pleased to report that nearly all sponsors from last season have renewed and several additional sponsors have been added to the roster. This means the entry fee can remain at a very reasonable level and yet the tournament can provide all the amenities of a truly world-class sportfishing event.



Chivas Regal returns as the title sponsor of the event--there will be plenty of Chivas flowing at all tournament functions, including the famous after-fishing cocktail parties, as well as selections of rum and vodka. Chivas--Live with Chivalry!



The host hotel is the Aruba Renaissance Resort and Casino, centrally located in downtown Oranjestad. With several terrific restaurants, a large casino, full-service spa and pool area, the Aruba Renaissance has quickly become a favorite with visiting anglers and their families. Guests also have the option of boarding a small motor launch in the hotel lobby for a quick 10-minute ride to the hotel's exclusive private island, where watersports, a bar and a beautifully secluded beach await.



The host marina facility is Varadero Marina, which is also sponsoring the Top Team cash prize for the event: $10,000 USD will be presented to the winner of the Top Team/Boat/Crew division, with $6,500 going to second place and $3,500 for third place. Varadero will also host the afternoon cocktail parties--with a different theme and snack menu each night, these have also become a favorite with attending anglers.



The Aruba Surfside Marina will host the gala Awards Presentation and Dinner, with live entertainment, open bar and great food. The Aruba Surfside is located just a short distance from the Renaissance, and there will be transportation available from the marinas and hotel to the dinner.



The Tropical Bottling Company of Aruba has stepped up to sponsor not only the beer, soft drinks and water but also the transportation from the hotel to the marina. Each participating boat will receive complimentary Balashi Chill beer, Coca-Cola and AWA water, and the open bars will also be stocked with plenty of the same. We look forward to a great working relationship with Tropical Bottling.

Observers are always an important part of Presidential Challenge tournaments, and Aruba is certainly no exception. This year, the Aruba Tourism Authority will sponsor the observer hotel rooms--we will offer free lodging based on double occupancy for these 15 rooms to our observer corps on a first come, first served basis.



Angler bags are a popular addition to the tournament, and this year they will be sponsored by Capt. Harry's Fishing Supply, based in Miami, Florida. The Capt. Harry's team had a great tournament last year with Harry Vernon winning second place in the angler standings.

Dollar Rent A Car will be assisting with the transportation by supplying the tournament with complimentary minivans. This will enable the tournament to shuttle anglers more effectively from the marina cocktail parties back to the hotel in the evenings, so their contribution is greatly appreciated.



Otis Elevator has offered to sponsor the Angler Division trophies and prizes--Aruban angler Andy Thijzen will be on hand to present these trophies on behalf of his company, and we thank him for his support as well.



As with all Presidential Challenge tournaments, a portion of the proceeds from the Chivas Regal Aruba Caribbean Cup will go directly to funding vital conservation projects both in the southern Caribbean and around the world through The Billfish Foundation. Also, this year's tournament will support the Adopt-A-Billfish Program's white marlin tagging research through the purchase of a PSAT satellite tag. Phase II of the program, involving the simultaneous tagging of white marlin in the mid-Atlantic and southern Caribbean, will take place in early September of this year, so stay tuned for the results from that trip.



OTHER PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE EVENTS FOR 2011:

Presidential Papagayo Cup, Costa Rica: June 22-25, 2011

Chivas Regal Aruba Caribbean Cup: October 20-23, 2011

Presidential Challenge of Guatemala: November 10-13, 2011



For more information on these world-class sportfishing tournaments, please visit www.preschallenge.com.


Observers Needed for Aruba Caribbean Cup

There are still a few observer spots open for the Chivas Regal Aruba Caribbean Cup event. The Aruba Tourism Authority will sponsor 15 complimentary rooms at the Aruba Renaissance hotel, which will be filled on a double occupancy, first come first served basis.

Any observers interested in participating should contact tournament coordinator Joan Vernon as soon as possible via email, joan@preschallenge.com for more information and to reserve an observer assignment for this event.