Viking Key West Challenge 2022 Highlights
Viking’s southernmost party saw a big turnout this year at the 8th annual Viking Key West Challenge, which kicked off April 6-10. Marinas throughout Key West were packed with striking, world-class sportfishing yachts and center console boats by none other than the Viking Yacht Company. Viking and Valhalla boat owners took over the Conch Republic with more than 500 tournament participants and a fleet consisting of 48 boats, ranging from 41 to 92 feet.
Team ROENICK Defends Grand Champion Title
Last year’s champion and Galati customer came ready to defend her title – and she sure did! Rosalie “Roe” Apostoleres, fishing on her Viking 50 “Roenick”, released 14 sails over two days to add another trophy to her case. Roe covered the leaderboard claiming 1st Place Sailfish, Top Angler, Top Lady Angler, and her boat was the Top Boat and Grand Champion of the Viking Key West Challenge for 2022 (18 sails total). Congratulations Team “Roenick”!
Galati Customer Highlights: Viking Key West Challenge 2022
Team Awards
- Team Baller, V-41 Valhalla, took first place in the Tuna Category
- Shot Caller, the Viking 62C, was awarded first place for the Dolphin Category, and Seck’s Sea, a 58 Viking, took third
- Raisers Edge, a 92 Viking, was in first place for the Cobia Category
Angler Awards
- Chris Hatcher aboard Saltshaker, a 58 Viking, came in third place for the Sailfish category.
- Sweeping the board for the Tuna category, Galati customers Roy Dupuis aboard Code Blue, a 48 Open, came in first, Bob Genord aboard Miss Victoria, 80 Viking, came in second, and Rob Lopez took third on The Provider, a 76 Viking.
- Ed Seck aboard Seck’s Sea took second, while Dennis Gonzalez aboard Shot Caller took third place in the Dolphin category.
- Andy Ohman and Bruce Murray aboard Raisers Edge took second and third for the Cobia category.
- Rob Lopez on The Provider took first for the bottom fish category.
- David Heeter aboard Miss Peggy Sue, a 44 Viking, took first in the swordfish category.
The Viking Key West Challenge is “More than Just Fishing”
This event is known for “More Than Just Fishing”, as their tagline states. The anglers, crews, and guests attended an entertainment-filled Captains’ Meeting Cocktail Party, al fresco Welcome Banquet, spirited Lay Day Barbeque Pool Party, Kid’s Dock Tournament, and Poker Run. The event was closed out with a festive awards dinner under the stars with 39 trophies to distribute. Over $20,000 in prizes were awarded over the four-day event.
“The Viking Key West Challenge is an amazing event that just keeps getting bigger and better, with more boats and more people participating every year,” says Viking President and CEO Pat Healey. “It’s now the largest tournament on the island. Key West is really the perfect location where everyone can thoroughly enjoy the boating and fishing lifestyle that we all love.”
Viking owners, save the date for next year’s event kicking off Wednesday, April 12 through Sunday, April 16, 2023.
Experience the Difference – Galati Yacht Sales
When looking to purchase a new or used Viking sportfish or Valhalla center console, turn to the team with unparalleled experience and Viking-based knowledge. Galati Yacht Sales has been the exclusive dealer for Viking Yachts on the Gulf Coast, including Florida, Alabama, Texas, Cabo, and Costa Rica, for more than 20 years. In addition to our Gulf Coast and international yacht brokerage locations, we recently expanded our Viking dealership services to California, Washington, and the entire Pacific Coast.
Our Viking Specialists not only comprehend the brand, build process, and history — they also live the lifestyle to help you determine the best features and options for your boating needs. Since 1970, we have been committed to exceeding customers’ expectations, whether purchasing or selling. Contact us today to get started on your yachting journey.
