Erika Sandi put Costa Rica in the spotlight after an outstanding performance at the Offshore World Championship, where she secured both the Top Lady Angler and overall Top Angler titles. Sandi competed against elite teams from all over the world and recorded an impressive 28 sailfish releases.
The Offshore World Championship brings together winners of qualifying tournaments from multiple countries, making it a pinnacle event in the sport. The 2026 edition returned to Quepos, where participants departed from multiple marinas along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, with official weigh-ins and tournament festivities centered at Marina Pez Vela. From there, fleets headed into waters renowned for their abundance of Pacific sailfish, as well as blue, black, and striped marlin, offering what many consider a world-class fishing experience.
The award was presented by Dr. Marina Marrari of FECOP and the Women’s Nautical School, the event’s charity partner. Organizers and partners highlighted that Sandi’s victory represents a milestone not only for her career, but also for the country’s leadership in sustainable fishing practices.
Catch-and-release fishing, a cornerstone of the tournament, plays a critical role in protecting marine biodiversity. Each successful release contributes to conservation efforts, reinforcing Costa Rica’s reputation as a global model for responsible sportfishing. Sandi’s achievement also highlights the country’s initiatives focused on education, conservation, and career development, which are increasingly opening doors for women in the maritime sector.
Programs such as the Women’s Nautical School, led by the Costa Rican Federation of Sportfishing (FECOP), are equipping participants with technical skills and professional opportunities, enabling them to pursue careers as captains, fishing guides, and tourism operators. FECOP noted that more than 28% of anglers who visit Costa Rica for sportfishing are women, reflecting a major shift in tourism trends and highlighting the growing demand for inclusive and empathetic services.
These efforts are helping to reshape a traditionally male-dominated industry while strengthening coastal economies. At the same time, they are fostering a new generation of environmental stewards committed to preserving the country’s rich marine ecosystems.
Learn more about FECOP’s Women’s Nautical School and other programs.
