While the 62nd Port Antonio International Blue Marlin Tournament has officially lowered its flags, the legacy left by the crew of Safe Passage is still sending ripples through the Jamaican angling community.
Their victory wasn’t just a win; it was a statistical rarity that has redefined the "gold standard" for competitive offshore fishing in the region.
The Sir Henry Morgan Angling Association (SHMAA) has seen its fair share of legendary battles, but what Safe Passage achieved over three days in Portland is being hailed as a historic first. By successfully releasing nine blue marlins, the crew didn't just win—they dominated; as they accounted for 75% of the total marlin released during the entire tournament.
This performance is believed to set a new record for the most releases in a single Portland tournament, signaling a rare synergy between a world-class crew and a thriving local fishery community.
The victory marks somewhat of a "double-double" for the team, proving that last year’s success was no mere fluke. The trophy cabinet for Safe Passage is now remarkably crowded Top Boat Overall: for the second consecutive year, The Tony Myers Award, and Top Marlin Boat of the Year-solidifying their status as Jamaica’s premier offshore team.
At the heart of the team’s success is Chris Berry, Chairman of Mayberry Group Limited, who secured the Top Angler prize. By successfully defending his title, Berry has established himself as the man to beat in the Caribbean circuit. His ability to remain calm under the high-pressure stakes of a three-day tournament—releasing four of the team's nine marlin—was the engine behind the crew’s record-breaking run.
"It’s one thing to have a good day on the water, but to maintain that level of focus over three days—and to release nine marlin—is a testament to the crew's chemistry," said Chris Berry. "Defending the Top Angler title is an honor, but seeing the boat take the Tony Myers Award again is what matters most. We’re out there to show that Jamaican angling is world-class, and this year, the fish and the conditions gave us the perfect stage to prove it."
As the momentum from Port Antonio continues to build, the focus shifts to whether any crew can disrupt the Safe Passage momentum in the coming season.