b'W est Palm Beac Same Derby, Different LookWest Palm Beachh A Message from WPBFC President, Tom Twyford, Jr.F ishing ClubFishing ClubThis past year has been more than unusual.The COVID-19 Board of Directors: pandemic has impacted everyone, some far more significantly than others. Pete Schulz, Chairman We are fortunate and blessed that the sport fishing industry has proved resilient during these Tricia Borsch unprecedented times. The venerable West Palm Beach Fishing Club (WPBFC) has adapted Chester Brewer well under the circumstances.It is notable that the WPBFCs marquee event, the Silver Sailfish Barry Brimacomb Derby, has endured other challenging periods in American history.Our pioneering billfish Robert Broadway tournament was launched in 1935 in an effort to mitigate the economic blows of the Great C.N. Butch Farrell Depression.The Derby helped resuscitate our communitys tourism dependent economy, which Bob Frevert included a charter boat fleet that was struggling to make ends meet at the time.During the Chuck Gerlach second World War, WPBFC leaders were forced to hit the Derby pause button for three years John Jolley to focus support on the war effort.German U-boats prowling the Florida coastline didnt help Daniel Kleiser matters either.To a lesser extent, but nonetheless impactful to Derby participants, was the Chris Militello 1970s energy crisis that lead to fuel shortages and stagnant economic growth.Our tournament Robert Oglesby roots are well anchored in the struggles of past eras.The Derby survived these past tests.It will Suzanne Ross survive the current one as well.Michael Samuels The 2021 Silver Sailfish Derby will go on, although it is going to look different this year.The Nelson Schad tournament Captains Party at the historic WPBFC clubhouse has been cancelled.Instead, par-John Taylor ticipating teams will come by the clubhouse in advance of the event to pick up their tournament Wesley Watson cooler, score sheets, and get any questions answered.A Derby Captains Meeting video will be David Webb distributed to all teams in advance of the tournament that will review tournament rules, event Robert L. Weigt logistics, and highlight all our fabulous awards.Sailfish Marina on Singer Island remains our Serena Wilson tournament headquarters and the two days of tournament fishing will operate and look very Staff: much like it has in the past, although we will have less volunteers on site.Fishing Headquarters tackle shop in Jupiter will continue to be our tournament VHF radio base station.WPBFC President Chairman, Pete Schulz, and his dedicated crew will continue their vital role of keeping score. Thomas L. Twyford, Jr. Even though the Derby may look a little different, it will still sound the same.Thank you Pete! Out of an abundance of caution and following public health guidelines, we will not be holding Operations Manager the popular Derby Awards Dinner at the Sailfish Club of Florida this year.Instead, awards will Joella S. Callaway be brought to winning teams and winners will be recognized through virtual platforms.This is perhaps the biggest change of all and will no doubt be a disappointment to many.No one Event/Communications Director enjoys the Derby Dinner more than I.It was a decision many of us agonized over.The Derby Thomas Buzz Bzura is a family of sorts and this annual gathering is the only time of year we get to see many of you (especially all dressed up!).We will miss the wonderful camaraderie, story telling, incredible food and smiling faces that accompanies this annual get-together.I speak for the entire WPBFC Board of Directors when I say we remain committed to produc-ing a responsible and professionally run tournament, albeit with a slightly different look.We have made the necessary changes this year to keep the event safe for all participants and volunteers. These changes reflect the values of our storied institution. People can still fish safely.and they want to fish!Aside from supporting Fishing Club initiatives, the Silver Sailfish Derby bolsters local jobs and businesses by helping buoy the marine industry, including fuel suppliers, tackle West Palm Beach Fishing Club shops, bait dealers and marinas.We are grateful for the support of all participating teams and 201 5th Street sponsors.This is far from the first time the WPBFC has had to confront challenges beyond (corner of 5th St. & N. Flagler Drive) our control.The WPBFCs response this time will be no different than in the past.Thank West Palm Beach, FL 33401 you for your patience and understanding.Tight lines and stay safe.Telephone: (561) 832-6780Follow the Derby on Facebook, @westpalmbeachfishingclub on Fax: (561) 832-2137 Instagram, & view live scoring throughout the two day tournament!Website: Stay up to date on tournament happenings: Boat entry updates, product giveways, www.westpalmbeachfishingclub.org notable catches, fishing conditions, tournament standings, pictures and award winners will be posted across our social media throughout the event. Find us on Facebook #SilverSailfishDerbyCopyright 2020 West Palm Beach Fishinglive scoring: westpalmbeachfishingclub.org/silver-sailfish-derby-standings/Club.All rights reserved.Magazine photo credits: Leonard Bryant Photography & WPBFC archives. Cover art by Stranded @ Sea2 84 thA nnuAlS ilverS AilfiShD erby'