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2023 Viking Key West Challenge: A Record Setter

The 2023 Viking Key West Challenge (VKWC) was an absolute smash hit. Presented by Christi Insurance Group and Travelers Insurance, the ninth annual event drew 50 boats and more than 500 people. Two tournament record fish were caught, and a Viking 50 became a three-peat champion.

“It was a Key West Challenge like no other,” said Viking President and CEO Pat Healey. “This event continues to amaze me — the comradery, the fishing, the fun and — best of all — the smiling faces.”

The Top Contenders

The docks were packed with beautiful, industry-leading boats for this unique tournament, held exclusively for owners of Viking yachts and Valhalla center consoles. The fleet took over the Conch Republic for four sun-drenched days (April 12-16) of fishing, fun and family.

The Viking 50 Roenick was the Top Boat for the third consecutive year, releasing 10 sailfish, followed by the Viking 44 Miss Peggy Sue II with two tournament record-setting swordfish and Bimini, a Viking 58 that released four sails and brought a pair of tuna to the scales.

Miss Peggy Sue II’s David Heeter earned Top Angler honors with 340- and 245-pound swordfish catches (served for lunch on the lay day of the event), and Rosalie “Roe” Apostoleres of Roenick captured the Top Female Angler award for the third year in a row.

While the billfish bite was a bit of a challenge, the teams caught plenty of cobia, dolphin, kingfish, tuna and a variety of bottom fish. “It’s so great to see the happiness, enthusiasm and excitement when the teams come to the [Spot Zero] weigh station,” said Pat. Angler Steve Rodgers on the Viking 72 Bid Time, weighed a 131.6-pound tuna, also a record setter for the VKWC and the tournament’s first-ever Allison tuna. “It was an amazing fish, and we all had a great time,” Steve said after receiving his award. “But it was a group effort — we have an excellent team.”

Nadia Bayless was the Top Junior Angler. Fishing aboard the Viking 80 Rachel Anne, Nadia released a sailfish — her first — and took a 27.2-pound tuna, a kingfish and a mutton snapper to the scales.

Group photo

Key West Challenge Regulars

The teams came to the southernmost point of the U.S. to compete, no doubt, but the VKWC — as the tagline states — is “More Than Just Fishing!” Anglers, crews and guests attended a high-spirited Captains’ Meeting Cocktail Party, al fresco Welcome Banquet, relaxing Lay Day Pool Party Lunch, energetic Kids Dock Tournament and animated Duval Street Bar Crawl Poker Run.

“We’ve been to every single Key West Challenge,” said Bimini owner Jackie Hinden. “We keep coming back because we love Viking. We love Key West, and we really enjoy the comradery and social aspect. There’s nothing like it.”

David Heeter With Swordfish

“We can’t say enough about Viking — they make it so much fun,” added Frank Tattoli, who has owned three Vikings, the latest the 52 Private Island. “We don’t fish tournaments, but this one is different, with all the extra events and activities. It’s like one big family coming together.”

Throughout the event, more than $30,000 worth of prizes were given away — everything from electronics and safety products to a mobile Spot Zero water purifier, a Switlik Coastal Passage Raft and a variety of Yeti merchandise, courtesy of Atlantic Marine Electronics and KVH Industries. The festivities were capped off with the Key West Sunset Awards Dinner where 41 trophies were handed out.

“We can’t thank you enough for being here,” Pat said in his closing remarks at the awards dinner. “It means an awful lot to us. We enjoy getting everybody together, and the new friendships that start here. We build something that nobody has to have — boats. So we truly appreciate you, and we won’t let you down as we continue to build a better boat every day. Next year will be our 10th anniversary for this tournament and the 60th anniversary for the Viking Yacht Company. Incredible!”

Junior angler posing with catch

Organizing the Key West Challenge

More than 80 of Viking’s business partners sponsored the VKWC, supporting event functions, such as the Captains’ Meeting (Foley Cat), Thursday Dinner (MAN Engines), Pool Party Lunch (Johnson & Towers/MTU) and Kids Dock Tournament (The Billfish Foundation). Several companies provided assistance for the Poker Run, and the Awards Dinner was sponsored by Christi Insurance Group and Travelers Insurance.

The 10th annual Viking Key West Challenge takes place Wednesday, April 3 through Sunday, April 7, 2024. Book your slip at your favorite Key West marina today. Questions? Send an email to [email protected].

Nadia Bayless With Tuna