Northney Marina to host the new Sea Angling Classic

We’re delighted to announce that our Northney Marina will host the all new Sea Angling Classic in 2022.

More than simply a sea fishing contest, this unique international competition aims to bring together environmental clean-ups and research, education, business and conservation while encouraging the next generation of anglers.

The Sea Angling Classic will launch in style at Northney Marina 23-25 July this year with a major media event, introducing the full competition set to take place in 2022 which the organisers, Angling Spirit, estimate will reel in 400 boats and 1,200 anglers to the Solent.

The three-day launch event will commence on Friday 23 July, with a reception coupled with event partner introductions and displays, a complimentary gin bar courtesy of Mermaid Gin and a hog roast.

The following two days will see a boat parade up Chichester Harbour to the start line for a televised invitational competition involving 150 media, guests (including MDL berth holders) and anglers, alongside the shore clean-ups before an evening prizegiving on Sunday 25 July.

Throughout the weekend, a special children’s fishing academy will be run by the Angling Trust, aimed at bringing newcomers into the sport.

Angling Spirit and Sea Angling Classic founder, Ross Honey comments: “This will be an event like no other, encompassing a vast spectrum of events and initiatives covering conservation and the environment, vital marine research, education, business networking and a boost to the local economy as well as the welfare of the wide range of fish species in the Solent.

We are now formally inviting media and friends as our guests to attend the launch function and be part of history in the making, competing for great prizes while also experiencing the thrills and excitement of what will be in store for those at the full competition in summer 2022.

Having run other hugely successful international fishing events including the World Carp Classic, World Predator Classic and World Street Fishing competitions, Ross explains the importance of working with the right partner at the right location: “It’s really great to be working with the team at Northney Marina on the Sea Angling Classic media launch. The space and facilities are ideal for hosting an event of this nature, especially the fact you can access the marina at any state of the tide.

“For the competitors bringing their boats by trailer, there’s plenty of space to manoeuvre and the ramp is easy to use. Also, having such direct access to the pontoons and shoreline will be fantastic for the children's fishing academy.

“There will be as much activity going on ashore as there will be on the water during the event and, with all of the flags flying, Northney Marina will look fantastic. The locations of Northney and MDL’s other Solent based marinas are perfect, making MDL a fantastic partner to be working with on this exciting event.”

Although the actual competition is invitation only, the launch event is open to all. We’re encouraging local people to come down and join in the fun, get involved with the daily beach cleans and learn about the importance of the Solent’s flora and fauna, including its native seagrass.

“We’re very excited to be hosting the very first Sea Angling Classic next year, and the upcoming launch event,” says Claire Kennedy, marina manager at Northney. “It’s set to be a really fun, family focused event and we look forward to welcoming people from the local area to the marina to enjoy the multitude of activities and hospitality on offer.”