New Zealand Crew Claims Historic Win in Prestigious Tournament

In a remarkable achievement, New Zealander Tom Francis has led his team to victory in the Blue Marlin World Cup, marking the first time a Kiwi crew has claimed the title. The triumph came aboard the 92-foot Ultimate Lady, a New Zealand-built vessel that played a pivotal role in the win.

A Historic Catch

Francis and his crew, which included New Zealanders and Tahitian locals, successfully caught a 312.6kg blue marlin just a few miles off the coast of Pā’ea. The fish, which took 45 minutes to reel in, secured the team the top spot among 160 global competitors. The victory was made even more special by the presence of Fred Lewis, the 84-year-old Auckland-based boat builder who constructed the Ultimate Lady in the 1990s. Lewis was on board and even hooked the marlin himself.

A Nervous Wait

Despite the impressive catch, the victory was not guaranteed. Francis revealed that another team had also landed a large marlin, and the competition in Kona, a frequent winner of the event, was still ongoing. The wait for confirmation was tense, but the team eventually received the call from the World Cup headquarters, confirming their win.

A Generous Gesture

The winning marlin was donated and distributed through a local church to families in need, showcasing the team’s commitment to community. The crew also received a prize of over NZ$2 million for their victory. This marked the 12th time Francis and his team had competed in the event, but the first time they had successfully landed a marlin for the competition.

Conservation and Research

Francis, who is based in Tahiti, emphasized the importance of conservation in the sport. Most of the fish caught during the tournament are tagged and released, and his team is actively involved in marlin tagging research through Stanford University. The event, held annually on July 4 since 1985, is unique in that it is fished for one day only, with participants competing in their local time zones.

A New Chapter for Kiwi Sailing

This victory not only highlights the skill and dedication of the Ultimate Lady crew but also marks a significant milestone for New Zealand in the world of big-game fishing. With a blend of local craftsmanship, international collaboration, and a deep respect for marine conservation, the win is a testament to the spirit of Kiwi ingenuity and teamwork.