Eastern Boats Added as New MV Derby Grand Prize Sponsor
Eastern To Provide New 20 Foot Center Console
Martha’s Vineyard Island, MA – The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby, one of the Nation’s oldest and most-prestigious fishing tourneys, today announced that Eastern Boats of Milton, NH has signed on to be a 2008 Grand Prize Sponsor. Eastern will provide the Derby with a brand new 20 foot center console fishing boat package, complete with a 90 hp Honda four-stroke motor and trailer!
Bob and Fran Clay of Clay Family Dealerships will continue their generous Derby tradition of providing a new Chevy Silverado pickup truck for the Boat Division Grand Prize.
The Eastern boat and Chevy truck Grand Prizes will be awarded by luck of the draw to one of four anglers who catch the largest striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, or bonito from either the shore and boat division in the month-long Derby.
The non-profit September/October Derby is run entirely by volunteers and relies on support from a wide range of sponsors for its $300,000+ in cash and prize awards. A special committee was formed in May when the Derby learned that long-time sponsor Boston Whaler was going to step aside.
“We are pleased to be involved with the Derby and all they do to promote responsible angling for all ages in New England”, said Eastern Owner Bob Bourdeau. “The Derby’s 63 years of tradition speaks for itself and we are happy to be a grand prize sponsor and new part of the Derby family”.
“While several manufacturers were contacted, Eastern Boats was a perfect fit for us. They are a New England company building boats right here, which are specifically designed to perform in our waters. We hope this is the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship”, added Ed Jerome, Derby President.
About The Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby
The Derby is held every Fall and has evolved into the premier saltwater fishing tournament on the East Coast, with boundaries that cover the waters of Martha’s Vineyard, lower Cape Cod, Nantucket and the Elizabeth Islands. Over 3000 anglers participate in the Derby and 2008 dates are Sunday, September 14th - Saturday, October 18th. Last year, the Derby awarded over $300,000 in cash and prizes to winning anglers, as well as $30,000 in scholarships to graduates of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. In addition, the Derby gave $3000 for island youngsters to attend summer camps and handed out over 5000 pounds of fish fillets to the senior citizens of the island community, through the Derby’s fillet donation program. The Derby supports local conservation causes, various youth organizations, and safe boating awareness through its charitable contributions. The core of the Derby’s mission is to support and protect recreational fishing efforts. For more information, please visit www.mvderby.com.
