Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort to Host 12th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic

'Top Ten Big Money' Tournament in the World

MIRAMAR BEACH, FL, June 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - The 12^th annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, presented by Mojo Sportswear Company and Orca Coolers, is scheduled to take place June 18-22 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, located in Florida's scenic Panhandle region.

Timed to coincide with the peak of the Gulf Coast's blue marlin season, and located at the area's number-one ranked resort destination, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic (ECBC) at Sandestin has set the precedent for world-class sportfishing tournaments. The event was ranked #5 in the top ten big-money tournaments by Marlin magazine and gave away more than $1.4 million in 2013. ECBC currently holds the record as the richest tournament in the Gulf, and with more than 27 optional entry levels there are plenty of ways to win a piece of the pie.

The ECBC is sanctioned by both international and regional tournament series and competitions including the World Billfish Series, Offshore World Championship, Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship and InTheBite's Captain of the Year Cup. This popular tournament is a supporter of The Billfish Foundation, Sandestin Foundation for Kids, Harvest House/Hosanna House and Reel Life Adventures.

Tournament week at Sandestin offers something for everyone, from family activities, special events and sponsor exhibits to the spectacular weigh-ins at Baytowne Marina Friday and Saturday night. All of Sandestin's lodging options provide easy access to dining, shopping, world-famous sugar sand beaches and other area attractions.

MOJO Sportfishing Gear, the presenting sponsor for the fourth year in a row is joined this year by ORCA Coolers. MOJO will be featuring its sport fishing line at the tournament which offers everything from surfer-inspired moisture-wick fabrics to cutting edge marine life graphics. ORCA will be showing off its virtually indestructible coolers – every fisherman's best friend. Other major sponsors include Visit South Walton, Wind Creek Casino & Hotel-Atmore, Bluewater Yacht Sales & Bertram, Florida Detroit Diesel-Allison & MTU, Galati Yacht Sales & Viking Yachts and Costa Sunglasses. This year's feature artist is Amber M. Moran and News Channel 7 (WJHG-TV NBC) will once again be covering the action. The tournament website, www.fishecbc.com, will have live webcams and scoring during the event so fans can follow the action.

Hi-res photos of ECBC can be found on the event's Facebook page in the ECBC Highlights album.
For more information about the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic visit www.fishecbc.com.

Special Rates
Sandestin also provides the convenience of having accommodations that are steps or a convenient complimentary tram ride away from the event. Discounted rates are available starting at only $195 per night (use group code: FISH14). Book your stay at sandestin.com/ecbc or call 800.320.8115. All of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort's accommodations come with a wide variety of recreational activities including complimentary bike rental, tennis court time, on-site tram service, fitness center access and so much more.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is a major destination for all seasons and all ages, and was named the #1 resort on Florida's Emerald Coast. The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring more than 1,250 Destin vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, town homes and the best in Destin hotel accommodations. As a member of Visit South Walton and Visit Florida, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 113-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a charming pedestrian village with events, shopping, dining and nightlife. Guests can visit www.sandestin.com or follow Sandestin on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information and events.

SOURCE Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort