      |
Welcome to the beautiful Island of Martha's Vineyard as we celebrate the 66th Annual Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby. We won’t be giving away plots of land or houses as they did in the early years, but you will be part of a winning tradition that builds friendships for a lifetime and creates experiences that will be with you forever.
For more than six decades, individuals and families have altered their daily and monthly schedules to participate in this magnificent event. Shop owners open their doors a little wider, gladly inviting folks in during the slower fall months and sponsors are quite proud to be part of the tradition that this longstanding tournament has built since 1946.
Although we purposefully design and maintain a simplistic approach to this fishing tournament, a tournament that Norman Rockwell could have found much to paint, we continue to move ahead with the vast possibilities that today’s technology and social media can provide. At the same time, we remain focused on what has made this event such a success for the last 66 years.
The Committee is made up of a wide cross section of Island residents who work tirelessly each year sharing their expertise and personal time to make this event run so smoothly. We are proud of our accomplishments to improve the Derby each year and we hope you are as well.
Recently, we have created a partnership with members of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce called "Derby Deals". It is an organized discount program for Derby participants. So, check out all the Island discounts you can receive by just "showing your button" to a participating Island business. For more information, go online on our website or stop in at the Weigh-In.
Our scholarship program remains strong in this less than bullish market because of your continued participation and the assistance of our partners, artist Ray Ellis, Vineyard Vines, The Ann E. Clark Foundation and others. We are able to continue awarding $30,000 a year to graduates from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School who are pursuing their education in the marine sciences.
Please remember to protect this beautiful Island, be a good sportsman, respect the property of others, keep your fish on ice if you plan to donate to our Senior Citizen program and be mindful of safety on the water and on the shore. As we begin another Derby, we are sad to be without our good friend and committee member, Charlie Barr, who passed away this year. I know he would be wishing you all tight lines and hoping you catch a big fish, just not bigger than his.
Best wishes for a great Derby.
Ed Jerome
President, Derby Committee