Three tournaments. One world championship. The chase for the coveted Burgundy Jacket returns in 2027 as billfishing’s elite prepare for another high-stakes season of competition.
The Next Chapter in the Quest for Burgundy
The countdown to the 2027 Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series presented by Teledyne Raymarine is officially underway. Registration for all three legs of the series opens November 1, 2026. Regarded as the most competitive sailfishing series in the world, the Quest for the Crest brings together an elite fleet of teams to compete across three tournaments in the prime of South Florida’s sailfish season. With a purse over $1.7 million at stake throughout the series, the competition is intense, the stakes are high, and only one team will emerge victorious to claim the legendary Burgundy Jackets and the title of #1 Sailfishing Team in the World.
The 2027 series will once again feature its three iconic tournaments, Operation Sailfish, Sailfish Challenge, and Final Sail, each presenting their own distinctive challenges, opportunities, and defining moments in the race for the championship.
2027 Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series Schedule
LEG ONE | Operation Sailfish
January 13–17, 2027 | West Palm Beach, FL
The mission begins here. Operation Sailfish kicks off the 2027 season as teams converge on Sailfish Marina Resort to begin their pursuit of the Burgundy Jacket. Known for its military-inspired theme, competitive fleet, and substantial payouts, the opening leg sets the tone for the championship race and offers teams their first opportunity to establish an early advantage in the series standings.
Beyond the competition, Operation Sailfish continues its commitment to honoring those who serve through its signature Take a Hero Fishing event, in partnership with charitable beneficiary Operation Homefront. The initiative brings military heroes together with members of the sportfishing community for an unforgettable experience on the water, showing appreciation for their service and sacrifice. Through this partnership, the tournament proudly supports Operation Homefront’s mission of building strong, stable, and secure military and veteran families.
LEG TWO | Sailfish Challenge
February 17–21, 2027 | Pompano Beach, FL
The turning point of the Quest. Sailfish Challenge brings the competition to another level with its signature three-inlet format including Government Cut, Hillsboro Inlet and Lake Worth Inlet. Following a record-setting 2025 tournament that produced 1,467 sailfish releases between 61 teams in just two days, Sailfish Challenge remains one of the most highly anticipated stops on the series calendar. With valuable series points on the line, the second leg can make or break a team’s championship aspirations.
Continuing its commitment to billfish conservation, Sailfish Challenge proudly partners with The Billfish Foundation, awarding the tournament champions with an opportunity to make an impact beyond the leaderboard. Together with The Billish Foundation, the winning team earns the opportunity to join one of TBF’s Groundswell Projects, the Southern Florida Sailfish Initiative, deploying a satellite tag named in honor of their team. The tag collects valuable scientific data, contributing to ongoing research and conservation efforts while giving the champions a lasting legacy in the sport.
LEG THREE | Final Sail
April 6–10, 2027 | Fort Lauderdale, FL
The grand finale. The 2027 Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series culminates at its new location in Fort Lauderdale, with YOT Bar & Kitchen serving as the host social venue and Pier Sixty-Six Marina as the tournament’s host marina. Beyond the championship implications, Final Sail is set to feature its new and highly anticipated ALL-IN Daily Calcutta, boasting an estimated $67,500 daily payout for teams in the bet. When the final release is called and the points are tallied, one team will earn the privilege to don The Crest in burgundy.
As Final Sail makes its move to Fort Lauderdale, the tournament is also proud to welcome Jack & Jill Center as its newest charitable partner. A cornerstone of the South Florida community since 1942, Jack & Jill Center is dedicated to strengthening children and families through quality education, supportive programming, and community engagement. This new partnership provides an opportunity for the tournament and its participants to give back to the local community, supporting an organization committed to creating brighter futures for children and families in need.
Championship Legacy of the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series
The Quest for the Crest has built its reputation on world-class competition, record-breaking performances, and best-in-class tournament experiences. Each season, returning contenders and ambitious newcomers go head-to-head for major tournament payouts, individual accolades, and a place among the sport’s most accomplished teams.
From the opening lines-in at Operation Sailfish to the final moments of Final Sail, every release counts. Teams accumulate points across all three tournaments, making consistency, strategy, and performance under pressure essential to securing the series championship.
In addition to the overall title, competitors will battle for prestigious series honors, including Master Angler, and the series-long Battle of the Brackets competition, pitting 32 teams against one another in a head-to-head elimination format throughout the season. When the final call is made for ‘Lines Out’ at the end of the series, one single release and one inspiring story will also earn just one team a $40,000 product credit courtesy of the series presenting sponsor, Teledyne Raymarine.
With registration opening November 1, teams are encouraged to begin preparing for the upcoming season and secure their entries in all three tournaments.
Registration opens November 1, 2026, at www.questforthecrest.com. Complete tournament details, official rules, registration information, and series updates are available on the website.
The road to the Burgundy Jacket begins here. Will your team be the next to earn the privilege?
About the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series
The Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series stands as the ultimate battleground for the world’s top billfishing teams. This prestigious 3-leg series boasts an estimated purse of over $1.7 million, attracting fierce competitors from across the globe. But the true prize—the one that every team covets—isn’t about the money. It’s about the achievement.
The Crest represents the highest honor in the world of tournament sailfishing, a symbol of unmatched excellence. This coveted award, embodied by the iconic burgundy jacket, is reserved for the team that rises above all others in skill, strategy, and stamina. To don the jacket is to hold the title of world champion. It is not just a prize; it is a legacy earned through sheer dominance over an elite field. Only the best of the best can claim this privilege on their quest for the ultimate crown in billfishing.
About Fish Bluewater
Based in the heart of South Florida, the sportfishing capital of the world, Fish Bluewater is a premier sports marketing company with over three decades of expertise. For 30 years, we’ve been at the forefront of the competitive fishing scene, developing some of the most successful tournaments in the industry. Our deep-rooted knowledge of tournament fishing, paired with cutting-edge event marketing strategies, has allowed us to deliver unparalleled experiences for both anglers and sponsors alike.
With a portfolio of seven highly sought-after tournaments, each hosted at iconic venues across South Florida, Fish Bluewater continues to set the standard in competitive sportfishing events. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every tournament we produce is more than just a competition—it’s a premium experience that celebrates the passion and spirit of the sport.
For media inquiries, images, and additional information, please contact:
Chris Caravello
Phone: 954-725-4010
Email: Chris@bluewatermovements.com
