Angling competition postponed over CEO illness

The BoatLife Fishing Championship 2024 had been supported by VisitGuernsey and the island Tourism Development Fund

An international angling competition which was set to end in Guernsey has been postponed until 2025, organisers have said.

The BoatLife Fishing Championship 2024 had been supported by VisitGuernsey and the island Tourism Development Fund to help bring more visitors to the bailiwick.

BoatLife said its founder and CEO Richard Dove had recently experienced a "medical emergency" which would "require a period of recovery time, as yet undefined".

A third stage set to take place in Plymouth in October has also been postponed. The first two stages were held in Conwy and Cowes earlier this year.

The championship was expected to attract up to 150 competitors and was set to feature shore fishing cup competitions for local anglers, with screens set up for spectators to watch live.

The company said it remained "fully committed to ensuring that the event continues, and further details regarding the timing and format of the next BoatLife Fishing Championship will be shared in the coming weeks".

Hannah Beacom, chair of the Tourism Management Board said discussions for a rearranged date were taking place and wished Mr Dove a "speedy recovery".

She said: "It’s understandable that the national BoatLife Fishing Championship 2024 will be postponed given the circumstances.

"They have been clear with us that they fully intend to host the event in Guernsey, so all the positivity and benefits from the island hosting such a fantastic event will still be realised. We’re in discussions with organisers about a rearranged date."