Mikelson Yachts

The California Billfish Series has signed Mikelson Yachts as the new Title Sponsor of the Catalina Classic.

The richest West Coast Billfish Tournament will now be known as the “Mikelson Yachts Catalina Classic”

“The California Billfish Series took another giant step for the future of the sport with the addition of Mikelson Yachts to the events,” said Tournament Director Rod Halperin. “We believe this is a great partnership for both Mikelson Yachts and the Catalina Classic.”

San Diego based Mikelson Yachts is an ideal title sponsor for the Catalina Classic. Mikelson Yachts have been designed specifically for West Coast style big game fishing, and have a rich and storied fishing history loaded with proven tournament winners.

The notorious After Midnight, a 75' custom Mikelson/Knight and Carver yacht, has been one of the leading money tournament boats over the last several years, winning the Bisbee's Black & Blue in 2000, and both the Catalina Classic and the Zane Grey Invitational in 2003. Other Mikelson winners include the 43' Fintastic 2 which won the 2001 Catalina Classic, and the 43' La Dulce Vida which placed second at the 2004 Catalina Classic. In the mid-1990's the 50' T-Bird was one of the leading sportfishers on the West Coast.

“I've been in four Catalina Classics with La Dulce Vida” said Mark Wheeler, President of Encinitas Ford. “The beauty of the Mikelson 43 is that she's relatively fast, very comfortable and spacious for a 43-footer, quiet and stable with a 15' 8" beam. I have a tower which greatly assists in spotting marlin and a team of great guys who fish with me. The quality built into the Mikelson and the service and support from Mikelson has been outstanding! I highly recommend Mikelson to all my friends and competitors.”

The Catalina Classic and Mikelson Yachts will work together to bring in more participants, including Mikelson Yacht owners, to participate in the Catalina Classic—the richest striped marlin tournament in California.

“We're excited about this unique opportunity to partner with the California Billfish Series and more importantly become the title sponsor, creating the Mikelson Yachts Catalina Classic,” said Pat Sullivan, principle partner.

For additional information on the Mikelson Yachts Catalina Classic, contact Mikelson Yachts, 619-222-5007, info@mikelsonyachts.com