2024 Viking Key West Challenge

Always a memorable event, the annual Viking Key West Challenge (VKWC) brings together Viking and Valhalla owners for four days of family, fishing and fun in the Conch Republic. This year was even more special as it marked the event’s 10th year and provided a fitting venue to celebrate Viking’s 60th anniversary.

“These tournaments are about camaraderie, a little competition, great dinners together and a lot of fun,” Viking President and CEO Pat Healey said during the Captains’ Meeting at Dante’s Key West. “I want to thank all of you – the largest group we’ve ever had in our 10-year history, and it’s on our 60th anniversary. Wow!”

Presented by Christi Insurance Group and Travelers Insurance, the Viking Key West Challenge (April 3-6) drew more than 50 boats and 550 people. Two of the top four boats were Valhallas, and the three top anglers were all juniors. In addition, Valhalla Boatworks had two demos on hand – the new V-28 Bay and the flagship V-55 (above).

The Viking 61 Right Choice finished as the Top Boat, releasing 11 sailfish and boating two kingfish and a pair of tuna. They edged out 2nd Place overall finisher Papa’s Pilar, a Valhalla 41, that released 10 sails and brought a tuna and a wahoo to the scales. Paul Groth (right) landed the 43.4-pound ‘hoo to earn 1st Place in that category.

The Viking 41 Badfish took 2nd Place Sailfish, with 10 releases (based on time), and fourth overall with a kingfish and a pair of tuna, including John Rivers’ 23.8-pounder (right).

The youngsters stole the show when it came to angler awards. Ten-year-old Piper Hatcher on the Viking 58 Salt Shaker finished first in three categories: Overall Angler, Overall Female Angler and Overall Junior Angler (above). The secret to her success? “Keep it tight,” said Piper, who released eight sails and caught one 19-pound tuna. “I started fishing when I was seven. This was my first sailfish, and last year I caught my first white marlin. I love fishing and the ocean and being with my family.”

They traveled to the southernmost point of the U.S. to compete, but – as the tagline states – the event is about “More Than Just Fishing!” There were plenty of fun activities on the lay day, including the Pool Party Lunch, Duval Street Bar Crawl Poker Run and Kids Dock Tournament. Always a cherished event, boys and girls get a chance to bend a rod and take pictures with their catch – no matter the size. The bite picked up after a slow start. One parent was heard saying, “put down that juice box it’s time to start fishing!”

And the icing on the cake to this year’s Viking Key West Challenge was just that – the sparkling white frosting of a cake to commemorate Viking’s 60th anniversary and cap off the Awards Dinner at Opal Key. The Healey family gathered around the three-layer treat and sang “Happy Birthday” along with the 500-plus guests.

The 11th annual Viking Key West Challenge takes place Wednesday, April 9 through Sunday, April 13, 2025. Book your slip at your favorite Key West marina today. Questions? Send an email to marketing@vikingyachts.com.

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