Guest speaker Jess Boyce (second from left) presents the Karren Jeffrey trophy to champion boat team Reel Margaritas – deckie Joey Atzeni, anglers Stacey Tyler and Jaime-Lee Remedio, and skipper Kallum Wone. Photo: Supplied.
The ladies of Weipa were a mix of cheers and tears at the Carpentaria Marine Services Ladies Gamefish Day.
Twenty-one teams took to the deep blue on Saturday morning 1 November after showing off their Mexican Fiesta-themed vessels in support of the McGrath Foundation and Kids for Cancer.
More than $15,000 has already been raised for the two cancer support organisations – and merchandise sales are expected to add to the shared donation.
At Sunday’s presentation luncheon, guest speaker Jess Boyce highlighted the special meaning behind the Karren Jeffrey trophy, awarded to the champion boat.
The trophy was named in honour of Jess’s mother, who lost her battle to breast cancer in 2015.
Jess spoke to attendees about the support her mother received from her McGrath Foundation nurse; and how important fundraisers such as the Ladies Gamefish Day were to ensuring others in their cancer journey could receive the same care.
“The only downside was she [McGrath Foundation nurse Marian] had so many patients. She couldn’t take on anymore, which meant others missed out,” Jess said on Sunday.
“That’s why events like today are so important. They help ensure everyone going through cancer can have their own Marian beside them.”
Jess also urged everyone to be proactive and check their breasts, regardless of age or gender.
“One of the first people in our family to have breast cancer was my Uncle Clarke, who was 19 years old – and that was back in the 50s,” she told Cape York Weekly after the event.
“It’s got no bias, it’s got no conscience, it affects everybody.”
Jess presented the Reel Margaritas – Jaime-Lee Remedio and Stacey Tyler – with the Karren Jeffrey trophy as champion boat (2000 points). Nacho Average Ta-Ta’s – Andrea Kennedy, Emmi Roberts and Nicky Periman – took runner-up (1000 points).
Stacey also snagged bragging rights as the senior champion angler; Emmi and Elena Pereria finished runner-up and third place respectively.
Untamed Titty Teasers – Corrina Brenton, Stacey Edmonds, Stacey Sorbello and Lauren Hughes – won best-dressed boat with the vessel’s Mexican sombrero painting catching the eye of judges.
Jess Jones won heaviest mackerel, runner-up Oliver Zahra; Nicole Mayo won heaviest tuna, runner-up Nicole Jade; Jane Ostler won heaviest cobia.
Of the 25 billfish bites in great conditions on the water, 12 were hooked and nine captured.
“It was beautiful weather. We usually get an afternoon sea breeze, and we’re all appreciative of the breeze, but with it comes a bit more chop on the water,” tournament coordinator Fifi Down said.
“People put in a lot of effort to dress up their boats and that definitely reflected.
“The presentation day at the Albatross Hotel was electric as always with some amazing items up for auction.”
