Leigh-Smith Yachts backs 60th Cairns game fishing tournament

Leigh-Smith Yachts has signed on as a major sponsor of the 60th Anniversary Cairns Black Marlin Tournament, with managing director Ryan Leigh-Smith set to compete in the event aboard a 49-foot custom-built gamefisher.

Leigh-Smith will fish alongside longtime friends and marine industry figures Peter Lovett, Richard Munro and Trenton Gay aboard Tradition, with Captain Tim Richardson at the helm.

The 2026 tournament marks Leigh-Smith’s third major anniversary event in Cairns, having previously competed in the 40th and 50th editions.

His connection to game fishing dates back to his teenage years, when he caught his first marlin at the age of 14 aboard the custom 40-foot Pleysier Toompani, owned by Peter Lovett.

The crew aboard Tradition brings extensive experience across game fishing and the marine industry. Lovett has worked as a mothership and luxury yacht captain, yacht manager and broker, while Munro has competed in game fishing events around Australia since childhood.

Gay is also a long-time figure in the marine industry and son of the late Patrick Gay, who was a life member and Hall of Fame inductee of the Cairns Game Fishing Association, as well as an IGFA Hall of Fame inductee and former President of the Game Fishing Association of Australia.

Leigh-Smith himself spent 17 years as Shipyard Manager and co-founded Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard before returning to the family business as managing director of Leigh-Smith Yachts.

Founded in 1964, Leigh-Smith Yachts is marking more than six decades in the Australian marine industry and says its sponsorship of the tournament is intended to support the wider boating and game fishing community.

The company will also support conservation initiatives associated with the tournament, which coincides with the annual aggregation of giant black marlin on the Great Barrier Reef.

“This tournament represents the pinnacle of Australian game fishing, and I’m incredibly excited and proud to share the deck of Tradition with Trent, Peter, Richard and Captain Tim,” Leigh-Smith said.

“Having competed in the 40th and 50th anniversary tournaments, coming back for the 60th is particularly special.”

The 60th Anniversary Cairns Black Marlin Tournament will bring crews, boats and anglers from Australia and overseas to the Great Barrier Reef.