SFA derby postponed due to hazardous surf

Mother Nature again found a way to make headline in the local sports scene and her rough waters yesterday resulted in officials of the Saipan Fishing Association postponing the much-anticipated 21st Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament.

This according to SFA member and Marianas Visitors Authority employee Frank Tudela, who told the Saipan Tribune that the two-day tournament has been rescheduled and is now expected to unfold on Sept. 10 and 11.

A special weather advisory issued by the Emergency Management Office and the National Weather Service on Guam showed that due to monsoon winds flowing into Tropical Depression 13W will result in more wet weather, gusty winds, and isolated thunderstorms.

With the depression located just west of Rota, wind waves were expected to build, resulting in hazardous surf to the Marianas for the next few days.

With that, small craft and high surf advisories were issued early yesterday morning for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. In addition, lighting risk is in effect and residents are urged to refrain from venturing near reef and expose beaches.

Winds from the south are expected at 30 knots with gusts to 40 knots and wind waves are nine to 11 feet.

Meanwhile, SFA issued a statement explaining that all participants who are interested in getting their entry fee refunded can do so as long as a receipt is provided.

All interested must bring their receipts to the Smiling Cove Marina between 6am and 9am this morning.

Refunds can also be claimed after today at the MVA between 8am and 5pm. For refunds at MVA, contact Mary Muna at 664-3200.

Also, information on side bet group refund can be attained from Tony Scragg at 483-1112.

The information came as a blow as it was reported that Guam’s Hoa Nguyen of the Charlie Cat was returning for a second chance at bagging the big fish in the CNMI’s waters.

Last time around, Nguyen and the crew of the Charlie Cat walked away with the Governor’s Cup and $10,000 in prize money for the biggest catch of the tournament with a monster marlin that tipped the scales at 519.40 lbs. They also placed third in the bill fish category with another catch of 129.19 lbs, and bagged and the total weight category minus their biggest marlin at 370.77 lbs. By the time the awards ceremony was completed, Nguyen and company took home over $17,000.

While they were happy to reel in the top prizes, the crew of the Charlie Cat was unable to break Danny Agulto’s record 674.43 lbs marlin in 1997 that almost broke the crane truck or James Taitano’s record 106 lb. yellowfin from 1990.

For more information about the Saipan Fisherman’s Association or the upcoming tournament, contact Frank Tudela or Ed Diaz at the Marianas Visitors Authority by calling 664-3200/01.