Gareth Davis Sr., Freelance Writer
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

Two marlins were landed early on day one of the 44th Port Antonio Blue Marlin tournament at the old marina in Portland, which has attracted 37 boats.

Home-based coordinator, Betty Keifer, pointed out that angler Nichlas Satt aboard the boat Onyva landed the first marlin, while the second was landed by an angler who goes by the name 'Mr. Mac' - aboard the vessel One Love. She pointed out that up until 3:15 p.m yesterday afternoon, two marlins were also tagged and released.

"The weight of both marlins will not be known until day one of the competition ends," she said. "The two releases are from the vessels Mac's Aul and Daddy's Dream, respectively. Precious Cargo with its angler, Chris Levy, also landed a sail fish," she added.

It was Governor-General, Professor Kenneth Hall, who declared the event open at about 8:00 a.m. yesterday morning during a brief opening ceremony, held at the Port Antonio Marina. He was accompanied by his wife, Rheima Hall, Portland's Custos Roy Thompson, Cynthia Perry of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), along with commanding officer for the parish, Superintendent Dudley Scott.

"From all indications this is going to be a wonderful tournament," Professor Hall said. "Let me commend those who have managed to organise this wonderful tournament and best wishes to all participants."

Last year's tournament was won by the crew aboard the vessel No Problem, which tagged and released four marlins. However, no marlins were landed during the tournament.

A rule change for this year's competition has allowed any first-time catcher of a blue marlin the privilege of landing that fish. Any angler who lands a marlin weighing 100 pounds or less will receive a penalty of minus two marlins, along with his crew.

The competition will take a break tomorrow to accommodate the 23rd staging of the Port Antonio canoe tournament, a one-day event. The Blue Marlin tournament will resume the following day and climaxes Friday afternoon. All accounts are to be settled on Saturday and the prize-giving ceremony will be held later that afternoon.