All set for the 72nd edition of the Ernest Hemingway International Billfishing Tournament

By Daily Pérez Guillén

The Ernest Hemingway International Billfishing Tournament, the most important in Cuba and one of the most famous in the Caribbean area, will begin its 72nd edition on May 27 at its historic venue, Havana’s Marina Hemingway.

Teams from South Africa, the United States, France, Chile, Canada, Bulgaria and Spain have already confirmed their presence, according to Leidy Parra Rodríguez, assistant commercial director of the Marlin Marina Hemingway Office, who offered details at a press conference.

The competition, which is dedicated to the US writer and Nobel laureate as he was one of the promoters of this activity in Cuba, is held in the modality of catch and release over four days, with one day of rest, under the rules of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA).  The champion is decided by points based on the number of billfish caught and released. Other species such as wahoo, dorado and tuna are also allowed.

In addition to the competition days scheduled for May 28 and 29, there will be other special activities organized by the sponsors of the event, which will close with a performance by an emblematic Cuban group.

All logistical conditions are in place at the Marina Hemingway, including sufficient fuel, to ensure that the 72nd edition can be enjoyed by billfishing enthusiasts, as noted at the press conference.

Every year the organizers of the event reserve a special award and for this year, surprises are also expected, as revealed by Yanet García, deputy director of Operations of the Marina.

It was also reported that José Miguel Díaz Escrich, commodore of the Hemingway International Nautical Club, is among those collaborating in the organization of the 2024 event.

The Ernest Hemingway International Billfishing Tournament, which shows Cuba’s potential as a nautical and recreational destination, is organized by the Cuban Ministry of Tourism, the Cubasol Business Group and the Marlin Nautical and Marina Company.