The 2017 Big Game Battle was an amazing success! The weather throughout the weekend, though somewhat wet, was more favorable compared to the 2016 event. The tournament kicked off with the singing of our National Anthem—a first for our event—and the acoustic dock entertainment and margarita bar set the tone for the weekend.
The tournament concluded with our traditional banquet catered by “The Taste of Nantucket” at Dreamland, offering a wide range of delicious food. Brenda Goodell, Julie Wood, and Kerry Sachs of the Dana-Farber Cancer Research Institute delivered an emotional and informative presentation following dinner.
Additionally, Lilly Lashar returned to Nantucket and announced the second annual “Pay It Forward” award, which she created and presented to Jack Diamond, a true leader in the tournament.
Before the event, long-time participant Bill Shouldice of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company donated 100 stuffed bears to pediatric patients at Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic, brightening spirits and bringing smiles to the children. During the banquet, Bill generously offered 100 more bears, a gesture deeply appreciated by the Dana-Farber staff.
Tournament Results
Division I
1st Place – “MicBeth”
2nd Place: “Game On”
3rd Place: “Hook-em Dano”
Division II
1st Place – “Westlink”
2nd Place: “Stir It Up”
3rd Place: “Crab Eyes”
Team Challenge
1st Place: “MicBeth and Rumble”
2nd Place: “Westlink and Insurgent”
3rd Place: “Tuna Kahuna and Hook-em Dano”
Other Awards
Overnight Challenge: “Castafari”
Pay It Forward Award: Jack Diamond
Kevin Glynn Award: James Rogan
Hard Luck Award: John Wise
Appreciation Award: Mike Valenti
Female Angler Award: Jillian Vasco on “Rascal”
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
The 2017 Big Game Battle raised over $200,000 for Dana-Farber Leukemia Research and Patient Care, in memory of Donald J. O’Neill. The O’Neill family expressed their heartfelt gratitude for this incredible support.
From Dana Farber:
On behalf of Dana-Farber’s staff, physicians, researchers, and patients, thank you for selecting us as the charity partner of the 16th Annual Big Game Battle.
Since 1947, Dana-Farber has been a world leader in cancer research and treatment, balancing cutting-edge science with compassionate care. This dual commitment drives our efforts to achieve a world without cancer.
We extend special thanks to The O’Neill Family and the Tournament Committee for their incredible efforts. Your support fuels our mission and provides hope to those affected by cancer.
Warm Regards,
Kerry Sachs & Julie Wood
Special Events
A Note of Thanks
We extend our deepest gratitude to all who made the 2017 Big Game Battle a success—our sponsors, staff, captains, crews, and the Nantucket Boat Basin team. Special thanks go to the Dana-Farber Cancer Research Institute personnel for their support and collaboration.
The O’Neill Family also expresses heartfelt appreciation for the generous donations to Dana-Farber in memory of their beloved Donald J. O’Neill.
Mark Your Calendars
The 2018 Big Game Battle is scheduled for August 9th–12th. Invitations will be sent out in January, with first preference given to boats that participated in the 2017 event.
Warm Regards,
The Tournament Committee