2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the Hatteras Village Offshore Open. The tournament is the official kickoff tournament for the North Carolina Governor’s Cup Series and is unofficially recognized as the big kickoff to the East Coast billfish season.

Starting on May 13, all eyes will be focused on Hatteras Island, a small spit of land reaching out to the closest point of the Gulf Stream, using the HVOO as a barometer of the billfishing season to come.

The tournament, sponsored by the Hatteras Village Civic Association, is committed to continuing support for their charitable endeavors, including the annual scholarships to each graduating, college-bound senior from Hatteras village, the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation, Food Pantry, Hatteras Island Meals, Hatteras Community Preschool, and other youth organizations as well as community events and more.

The tournament begins off with registration and dinner May 13.  Fishing days are May 14-17.  And it all ends with an awards banquet on Saturday evening.

In last year’s tournament, 24 boats – fewer than usual because of weather – competed for $86,400 in prize money.

First place in the billfish division and $39,886.25 in prize money went to Stream Weaver for one blue marlin and two white marlin releases.  Cat Baby took the second place in the division — $9,651.75 – with one blue marlin and one sailfish.

And Sea Toy won third place and $6,334.50, also with one blue marlin and one sailfish.

For more information and to register for this event, go to hatterasoffshoreopen.com or email hvoo@embarqmail.com.