OCEAN CITY – A 622.5-pound swordfish was weighed in Nov. 4 at the Ocean City Yacht Club.
OCYC Club Services Manager Jen Bowman recounted the call that came in that evening.
“I received an unexpected call Wednesday evening from Joan Walker,” she said. “Her son Eric McDowell was returning from offshore with an impressive swordfish and needed to weigh in his catch. She asked if I could open the Yacht Club gate and operate the hoist.”
She responded enthusiastically, “Yes!”
Bowman explained the Ocean City Yacht Club and the Ocean City Marlin & Tuna Club share a wonderful reciprocal relationship. Throughout the year they host weigh-ins and banquets for their tournaments and the OCMTC helps the Yacht Club with its Fishing for Kids event every summer.
“Even though this wasn’t a tournament, I was happy to help,” Bowman said. “I headed over, turned on the floodlights, opened the gate and prepared for what would become a memorable Wednesday night in November.
“At 8:30 p.m. in our normally quiet little town there was suddenly plenty of excitement,” she said, noting people gathered when they heard about the swordfish that was being brought in.
“The first thing that struck me was the sheer beauty and size of this magnificent fish, but what caught my attention just as much was the boat that brought it home,” she said. “This impressive catch didn’t arrive aboard an 80-foot sport-fishing vessel, but on a Valhalla, part of the newest line of Viking Yachts proudly built right here in South Jersey.”
Bowman noted Viking Yachts is opening a showroom in Somers Point. It is under construction now on Mays Landing-Somers Point road.
The boat that arrived, she said, “was another reminder of the incredible marine industry and craftsmanship we are fortunate to have in our own back yard.
“It was an evening that brought together two great local clubs, an unforgettable catch, and a little hometown pride. Sometimes the most memorable moments at the Yacht Club happen when you least expect them.”