Bonnier Sells Marine Media, Doubles Down on Outdoor Adventure
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact
[email protected]
October 24, 2023 – WINTER PARK, FL – Bonnier USA has sold its marine media division to Craig Fuller’s Flying Media Group. The transaction was announced today at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.
Bonnier’s media division publishes the nation’s leading portfolio of iconic marine brands with Yachting, Boating, Sailing World, Cruising World, and Salt Water Sportsman, produces the award-winning SFTV television series, and hosts the Sailing World Regatta Series.
“The sale of our marine media division marks our fifth transaction in shaping a group with full focus on experiential outdoor adventure,” said Jens Mueffelmann, Executive Chairman of Bonnier LLC. “Craig Fuller has vigorously transformed aviation media. He is the perfect new owner of our marine media division.”
Bonnier remains the owner and operator of Marlin magazine and its series of big-game fishing tournaments in Costa Rica, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands and Mexico, while also leading curated fishing expeditions to Australia, Panama and other top offshore fishing destinations. In its Motorsports & Outdoor division, Bonnier operates an extensive series of nationwide motorsports shows and hunting expos.
“Our mission of fueling the passion of outdoor enthusiasts is playing out well,” said David Ritchie, CEO of Bonnier LLC. “Bonnier’s revenues have grown by more than 50 percent in the last two years, and I am energized to double down further on offshore fishing, motorsports, and hunting.”
About Bonnier
Bonnier is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for offshore fishing, motorsports and hunting. Bonnier operates the world’s premier offshore fishing magazine, Marlin, and its series of big-game fishing tournaments and expeditions across the US and in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia and the Virgin Islands. In its Motorsports & Outdoor division, Bonnier operates a series of nationwide motorsports and hunting events, including the Super Sands Sports Show, Off-Road Expo and Open Season Sportsman’s Expo. Bonnier is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating conglomerate with more than 200 years in publishing.
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Los Cabos Tourism Board Partners With Bonnier to Operate Los Cabos Billfish Tournament
WINTER PARK, FLORIDA — June 29, 2023 — Bonnier LLC has been named the official operator of the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament for the next five years as part of an extended partnership with the Los Cabos Tourism Board.
The Los Cabos Billfish Tournament has long been a hallmark event for sport-fishing enthusiasts from around the world. With a media and events portfolio that includes Marlin, Salt Water Sportsman, Sport Fishing, Bermuda Triple Crown, Offshore World Championship and Scrub Island Invitational, Bonnier is uniquely positioned to attract a larger and more diverse pool of participants and generate exposure for Los Cabos as a premier sport-fishing destination.
“We take great pride in Los Cabos’ thriving fishing culture,” said Rodrigo Esponda Cascajares, Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. “The sport of fishing has always held a special place in our destination, attracting anglers from around the world who are enchanted by the abundant marine life and the thrill of landing trophy catches. Remarkably, in 2022, a notable 8 percent of the 3.7 million travelers who visited Los Cabos, totaling nearly 300,000 people, embraced the exhilarating experience of fishing. As we showcase the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament with Bonnier, our goal is to underscore fishing’s significance as a cornerstone of our identity. This prestigious tournament not only celebrates the sport, but it also highlights our unwavering commitment to conservation and sustainable practices, ensuring the preservation of our pristine waters for generations to come. Los Cabos truly stands as an angler’s paradise, inviting fishing enthusiasts worldwide to partake in the unrivaled excitement and bask in the natural beauty that our destination offers.”
Mauricio Salicrup of the Los Cabos Hotel Association added: “Bonnier’s extensive experience in managing global fishing tournaments aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our visitors. We look forward to working closely with them to ensure the success of the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament.”
“Bonnier is incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. We have been managing this event for over 20 years, and are excited for the next phase in the tournament’s history,” said Jonathan Moore, Bonnier’s Executive Vice President of Events.
Bonnier and the Los Cabos Tourism Board will work collaboratively to further enhance the tournament’s appeal, engage participants, and ensure an unforgettable experience for all attendees. The next edition of the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament is scheduled for October 15-19.
Registration for the tournament is now open. Interested competitors can visit loscabostournaments.com for more information. Prospective sponsors can contact Bonnier directly at [email protected].
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Jennifer Dudas, Tournament Director
407-533-0123
[email protected]
About Bonnier:
Bonnier is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, boating, sailing, motorsports, hunting and travel. Bonnier has the nation’s leading portfolio of experiential events and iconic media brands in the marine category and an extensive series of nationwide motorsports and hunting events. Bonnier publishes Salt Water Sportsman, Marlin, Sport Fishing, Boating, Yachting, Cruising World and Sailing World; produces the award-winning SFTV television series; and hosts world-class fishing tournaments, sailing regattas, and educational events across the US and in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia, and the Virgin Islands.
About Los Cabos Tourism Board:
The Los Cabos Tourism Board is an official independent body dedicated to promoting the region’s tourism facilities and assets, both nationally and internationally. The LCTB office provides visitors with information on the destination and its many facets, catering to the needs of the tourist or business traveler. The Meetings and Conventions team works with organizers and planners to structure meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions. The Los Cabos Tourism Board is ready to be your strategic partner and ensure that your event is unique, successful, and unforgettable for your clients.
- Published in Corporate
New Powersports Super Show Coming to Tampa, FL!
June 13, 2022 — WINTER PARK, FL — Get ready for a new adrenaline-filled extravaganza as The Powersports Super Show takes center stage at the Florida State Fairgrounds, Friday, November 17 through Sunday, November 19. Featuring the latest powersports machines, accessories, aftermarket products, wheels, tires, apparel, and much more. First of its kind, brought to you by Bonnier Events; organizers of the renowned Sand Sports Super Show, Off-Road Expo, 4-Wheel Jamboree, and more.
Florida residents, gear up for three action-packed days of thrills, excitement, and entertainment. The Powersports Super Show is not just any ordinary event; it is a groundbreaking experience that will leave attendees in awe. Whether you are a passionate off-road enthusiast, a motorcycle aficionado, or a watersports lover, this show has something for everyone.
Discover the cutting-edge advancements in the powersports industry as you get up close and personal with the latest ATVs, UTVs/Side x Sides, motorcycles, eBikes, personal watercraft, accessories, and apparel. Immerse yourself in a world of high-performance vehicles, top-of-the-line equipment, and innovative technologies that will elevate your powersports experience to new heights.
With its impressive lineup of exhibitors and industry-leading brands, the Powersports Super Show guarantees an unparalleled shopping experience. Explore the extensive array of products, from state-of-the-art machinery to trendy apparel and accessories, all under one roof. This is your chance to connect with industry experts, enthusiasts, and fellow powersports enthusiasts who share your passion.
“We at Bonnier Events, are excited to offer the largest powersports show in Florida. Tampa is a perfect fit for our first ever Powersports Super Show and we’re excited to see where this event goes in the future,” says, Tim Ramsberger, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development for Bonnier Events. “The Powersports Super Show will showcase all the top-of-the-line equipment and new technologies in the powersports industry, it’s a must-attend for all powersports enthusiasts this Fall.”
Mark your calendars! Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable adventure, filled with thrilling displays, interactive exhibits, and exclusive offers. Children under 13 are free! From now until October 1st, 2023 purchase discounted tickets in advance online!
For more information, visit our website powersportssupershow.com. Stay updated with the latest news and announcements by following us on Facebook and Instagram @powersportssupershow. #bonnierevents #powersportssupershow
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International Roosterfish Tournament Team Wins 2023 Costa Offshore World Championship presented by Continental
April 27, 2022 — WINTER PARK, FL — The 2023 Costa Offshore World Championship presented by Continental was held Sunday, April 16, through Friday, April 21. A total of 29 teams comprised of 138 anglers converged on Quepos, Costa Rica, for one of the most prestigious tournaments in big-game fishing. In the end, the International Roosterfish Tournament Team representing Mexico took home the iconic championship ring.
Anglers representing qualifying events in 19 countries – including Australia, the Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Fiji, Grenada, Jamaica, Kenya, Mauritius, Mexico, Panama, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates and the United States – competed in the event, releasing a total of 267 sailfish and 46 blue marlin for an average of 10.79 billfish per team.
It was the International Roosterfish Tournament Team including anglers Karen Comstock, Rodger Comstock, Judy Franich, Rocky Franich and Paul Steigerwald that emerged victorious. During four days of fishing, they released 14 sailfish and four blue marlin for a total of 4,800 points.
As 2023 champions, the first-place team will be invited back to compete in all future Offshore World Championships. The second- and third-place teams will receive an invitation to fish in the 2024 event.
Collectively, the 2023 OWC teams and guests traveled a total of more than 750,000 miles to attend this international event—the equivalent to circling the globe more than 32 times.
Adding to the prestige of the tournament, the production team from Sport Fishing Television, the award-winning fishing-travel-adventure TV series, was on hand throughout the week to produce a four-part series that will air on Discovery, Outdoor America, and additional networks this fall.
Dates for the 2024 event are already confirmed: Sunday, April 14, through Friday, April 19. For more information, visit offshoreworldchampionship.com. To find an Offshore World Championship Official Qualifying Event near you, please visit offshoreworldchampionship.com/qualifying-events.
About Bonnier: Bonnier is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, boating, sailing, motorsports, hunting and travel. Bonnier has the nation’s leading portfolio of experiential events and iconic media brands in the marine category and an extensive series of nationwide motorsports and hunting events. Bonnier publishes Salt Water Sportsman, Marlin, Sport Fishing, Boating, Yachting, Cruising World and Sailing World, produces award-winning SFTV television programming, and hosts world-class fishing tournaments, sailing regattas and educational events across the US and in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia and the Virgin Islands.
- Published in Corporate
Bonnier Fully Integrates Around Enthusiast Communities
February 8, 2023 — WINTER PARK, FL — Bonnier LLC took significant actions this week to continue its transformation into the leading outdoor adventure company.
Most significant among the actions is a new integrated structure built around brands and communities instead of products. Whereas the company previously had separate Media and Events divisions, moving forward Bonnier will be grouped by the enthusiast activities in fishing, boating, sailing, travel, motorsports and hunting.
Bonnier’s new Marine Division, under Executive Vice President Glenn Sandridge, will integrate the company’s media and events properties within five groups: the Sport Fishing Group, Marlin Group, Boating Group, Yachting & Sailing Group, and Travel Group. The Marine division will include all print, digital and broadcast assets, as well as the company’s fishing tournaments, expeditions and sailing regattas.
A new Motorsports & Outdoor Division, under Executive Vice President Jonathan Moore, will apply full focus on the rapid expansion of Bonnier’s already robust portfolio of motorsports, hunting and other outdoor enthusiast franchises.
“The key to our future growth lies in advancing the way we serve and market our passionate and affluent communities,” CEO David Ritchie said. “To become the leading outdoor adventure company, we have to fuel the passion of our enthusiasts across various channels, whether that’s through content, tournaments, expeditions, regattas or expos. Today we are putting the structure in place to fully realize that vision and to accelerate our growth trajectory further.”
About Bonnier: Bonnier LLC is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, boating, sailing, motorsports, hunting and travel. Bonnier has the nation’s leading portfolio of outdoor events and iconic media brands in the marine category, as well as an extensive series of nationwide motorsports and hunting events. Bonnier publishes Salt Water Sportsman, Marlin, Sport Fishing, Boating, Yachting, Cruising World and Sailing World; produces the award-winning SFTV television series; and hosts world-class fishing tournaments, sailing regattas and experiential events across the US and in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia, and the Virgin Islands. Bonnier LLC is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating conglomerate with more than 200 years in publishing.
- Published in Corporate
Marlin University Relaunches as Marlin Expeditions
January 12, 2023 — WINTER PARK, FL — Marlin University, which hosts a series of all-inclusive and fully curated immersive fishing trips around the world, has relaunched as Marlin Expeditions, kicking off a new era of experiences and exploration.
Since 2002, Marlin University has been taking anglers to some of the world’s top billfishing destinations. As the program heads into its 21st season, it’s announcing a new name, a new website, and an ever-expanding list of expeditions for 2023.
“We’re rebranding to showcase this franchise’s primary calling card: adventure,” said Sam White, editor-in-chief of Marlin magazine. “While we will retain the program’s concept of providing professional instruction aboard top boats in the finest destinations, our attendees tell us that what they value most is the opportunity to share adventures with like-minded anglers. Those experiences happen on the high seas and not in a classroom.”
The reboot of Marlin Expeditions is the first of several expansions of the Bonnier Expeditions franchise planned for this year.
“Given Bonnier’s portfolio, and its deep connections with passionate anglers, hunters, boaters, sailors and motorsports enthusiasts, we have come to recognize that there is a significant appetite for highly curated, peer-to-peer skill-development programs,” said David Ritchie, Bonnier CEO. “Our consumers have an insatiable desire to learn and to experience, and to do so within an environment of luxury and full-service. Those have always been Marlin University’s hallmarks, so we’re excited to use that platform as our base of a new suite of Expedition offerings.”
This year’s Marlin Expeditions calendar is filled with both past favorites and new adventures. New for 2023 are Cape Verde, where anglers will be fishing the waters off western Africa during peak Atlantic blue marlin season, and the Dominican Republic, fishing for white marlin out of Cap Cana, one of the top destinations in the Caribbean. Due to popular demand, Marlin Expeditions is offering two trips to Los Sueños Resort and Marina in Costa Rica to chase billfish aboard the famous Maverick “Fly” boats. The program is also returning to Guatemala’s Casa Vieja Lodge, including a Ladies Only trip, and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to hunt for giant black marlin. More dates and locations will be added throughout 2023.
Marlin Expeditions is part of Bonnier LLC’s outdoor media and events portfolio, which includes Marlin, Salt Water Sportsman, Boating, Yachting, Offshore World Championship, Bermuda Triple Crown, Scrub Island Invitational, Los Cabos Billfish Tournament and SFTV.
For more information about Marlin Expeditions, visit marlinexpeditions.com, and follow @marlinexpeditions on Facebook and Instagram.
About Bonnier:
Bonnier LLC is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, boating, sailing, motorsports, hunting and travel. Bonnier has the nation’s leading portfolio of experiential events and iconic media brands in the marine category and an extensive series of nationwide motorsports and hunting events. Bonnier publishes Salt Water Sportsman, Marlin, Sport Fishing, Boating, Yachting, Cruising World, and Sailing World; produces award-winning SFTV television programming; and hosts world-class fishing tournaments, sailing regattas, and educational events across the US and in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia, and the Virgin Islands. Bonnier is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating conglomerate with more than 200 years in publishing.
Guy Harvey Enterprises Teams Up with Bonnier to Produce Guy Harvey Magazine
July 21, 2022 – Bonnier LLC and Guy Harvey Enterprises have entered into a new partnership for the custom publishing and production of the award-winning Guy Harvey Magazine, the official publication of the Guy Harvey brand now in its 12th year. Bonnier will act as Guy Harvey Magazine’s full-service publishing house, handling all aspects of design, production and sales for the title.
“Having worked with the Bonnier team on a number of projects for many years, I’m truly excited about this new partnership,” Dr. Guy Harvey said. “They are consummate professionals and leaders in the marine media genre. Bringing together our expertise in research, education and conservation with their knowledge and broad reach to our collective audiences is a perfect partnership.”
Guy Harvey Magazine was launched in 2010 with an editorial focus on the Guy Harvey lifestyle, specifically on marine conservation, education, fishing, boating, scuba diving and adventure travel. It is distributed to readers nationwide, as well as to numerous teachers and students interested in marine science and conservation. A primary source of readership is members of and donors to the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. The GHOF is dedicated to promoting, fostering and funding ocean conservation and research, and nurturing the next generation of marine scientists and guardians of our seas. The magazine is also used as a teaching tool at schools around the world.
“For more than 30 years, Guy Harvey has established himself as one of the sport’s preeminent figures, first through his art and photography, but later through his philanthropy and advocacy for the marine environment and its many inhabitants,” said David Ritchie, Bonnier CEO. “Through this partnership, Bonnier will be in a position to help power that message of sustainability to benefit the anglers of tomorrow.”
This is not Harvey’s first collaboration with Bonnier. Together they produced two of Harvey’s books: Guy Harvey’s Underwater World and Portraits from the Deep. Harvey and Bonnier also co-produced the Portraits of the Deep TV series from 2003-2007.
About Bonnier: Bonnier is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, boating, sailing, motorsports, hunting and travel. Bonnier has the nation’s leading portfolio of experiential events and iconic media brands in the marine category and an extensive series of nationwide motorsports and hunting events. Bonnier is the publisher of Salt Water Sportsman, Marlin, Sport Fishing, Boating, Yachting, Cruising World and Sailing World, produces the award-winning TV series SFTV, and hosts world-class fishing tournaments, sailing regattas and educational events across the US and in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia and the Virgin Islands. Bonnier is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating conglomerate with more than 200 years in publishing.
About Guy Harvey Enterprises: Guy Harvey Enterprises is an international organization comprised of Guy Harvey Inc., the Guy Harvey Research Institute at NOVA Southeastern University, and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the company. While the for-profit company markets lifestyle apparel and numerous Guy Harvey-branded products, the GHOF and GHRI conduct scientific research, create and distribute marine science education programs, and fund scholarships for students interested in the marine sciences.
- Published in Corporate
“Overproof” Wins 2022 Bermuda Billfish Blast with Final Day Heroics
July 08, 2022 – Hamilton, Bermuda – Team Overproof, a 50-foot Topaz based out of Bermuda led by Captain Peter Rans with mate Morgan Outerbridge, came from behind to win the 2022 Bermuda Billfish Blast. Overproof angler Jason Friedman released one blue marlin on the first day of fishing but the team scored a blank on the second day. The third and final day of competition started well with angler Martin Estis releasing a blue at 9:16am. Team Overproof was tight again at 9:35am with Estis back in the chair. After an hour-long battle, Captain Rans called in the boated fish that ultimately weighed 610 pounds to bring their score to 1,610 points, giving them first place team honors and winning them $38,587.50 and an invitation to the Costa Offshore World Championship. Captain Rans has weighed seven qualifying marlin over the many years he has fished the Bermuda tournaments but this is his first outright win of a BTC series event. Team Overproof leads the Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship with 1,610 points heading into the second leg of the series.
The 35-team field of 197 anglers caught 73 billfish including 44 blues, 26 whites and three spearfish over the three days of fishing. The tournament culminated with the traditional gala awards banquet in the Harbourview Ballroom at the historic Hamilton Princess Hotel. The tournament awarded $303,000 in purse plus prizes.
The Bermuda Billfish Blast is sponsored by many industry leading companies including: Bermuda Tourism Authority, Hamilton Princess, Bacardi, Costa, GPlink, CAT Marine, Gregory Poole CAT, Pantropic Power CAT, Foley CAT, Ring Power CAT, PW Marine, Miles Market, The Waterfront Residence, HAWKINS, Satcom Direct, Garmin, YETI, Lindgren-Pitman, Bodo Muche Studio, Butterfield & Vallis, Spar Yard Marine Solutions, Dassalt Aviation, Viking Yachts, Merritt Boat & Engine Works, Spencer Yachts, Willis Custom Yachts, Blue Water Desalination, Steve Goione Marine Artist, WEDCO, Royal Naval Dockyard, AFTCO, King Sailfish Mounts, Release Marine, Fishing Tease, Island Construction, IWS Scales, PENN, OluKai, AIRMAR, QUICK, Island Glass, Vanmark Jewelery, Coastal Carolina Cutting Boards, Rego-Sotheby’s International Realty, MEATER, City of Hamilton, RUBIS Energy Bermuda, Big T Lures, Marlin, Salt Water Sportsman, Sport Fishing and Out Your Front Door.
About Bonnier: Bonnier is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, boating, sailing, motorsports, hunting and travel. Bonnier has the nation’s leading portfolio of experiential events and iconic media brands in the marine category and an extensive series of nationwide motorsports and hunting events. Bonnier is the publisher of Salt Water Sportsman, Marlin, Sport Fishing, Boating, Yachting, Cruising World and Sailing World, produces the award-winning TV series SFTV, and hosts world-class fishing tournaments, sailing regattas and educational events across the US and in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia and the Virgin Islands. Bonnier is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating conglomerate with more than 200 years in publishing.