Tow Truck makes the SLAM mark with minutes to spare

7:55 AM Sun 1 Feb 2009 GMT

'Tow Truck in Hobart - Rolex Sydney Hobart 2008' Sail-World.com /AUS &copy Click Here to view large photo

Tow Truck owner/skipper Anthony Paterson has rounded the final mark in record 'slide by the seat of your pants' time, to collect a special SLAM gear pack as a thank-you for his early entry into Sail Port Stephens , and a welcome to the regatta from the official clothing partner.

All new entries received up to midnight on 31st of January have scored themselves a special pack of SLAM gear, to be collected at the regatta office at event time.

Entries remain open until the week prior to the regatta- to be held from the 20th to the 26th of April.

Pato had mentioned weeks ago that he and his crew had Sail Port Stephens on their list of regattas to do this year, and was keen to collect the SLAM goodies....but he almost didn't make it - remembering at the 11th hour on the 31st of January and getting his entry in just before the clock struck midnight.

The Lake Macquarie boat is one of 18 new entries to Sail Port Stephens, and as both the PHS and IRC fleets grow, all bodes well for a great time to be had, both on and off the water as the regatta moves into its 2nd year.

So the Tow Truck crew, having successfully campaigned Pato's new Kerr 11.3 in the 2008 Rolex Sydney to Hobart where she won her division, is looking forward to some good fun and good competition in the Yachting NSW IRC Championship to be contested on inshore and offshore tracks both in and around the Port Stephens Marine Park.

Whether Pato gets to sail on the boat is however, another matter, with his wife Jo expecting their second baby around the same time as the regatta, but if history can repeat itself, Pato might find his leave pass does get a stamp - as first born Jack arrived 2 weeks early....

'The boys are really looking forward to the event, and with any luck, I will get to enjoy the festivities as well....' said Pato with a cheeky grin.

'It will be great to get away to a regatta that is so close to home, but easy for the Sydney boats to come to as well - we were stoked with our result in Hobart, and our plan for this year is to just keep campaigning the Tow Truck in some offshore races, and enjoying sailing and playing together in the regatta atmosphere that Sail Port Stephens offers 'he said.

The Paterson bunch hoping to make it a family break with a newborn at Sail Port Stephens 2009 - Sail Port Stephens - Gary Van Der Shyk

Sail Port Stephens racing:

20-22 April - Commodores Cup (PHS)
23 April - Lay Day - Lunching Mischief
24-26 April - Yachting NSW IRC Championship
- Port Stephens Trophy ( PHS)

From little things, big things grow, and Sail Port Stephens would not be possible without the support of the foundation partner group of Nelson Bay Diggers, Shoal Bay Resort and Spa, Peppers Anchorage and All Seasons Salamander Shores -as well as the resource contributions of the supporting partner group in SLAM, d'Albora Marina, Yachting NSW and Business Port Stephens, an initiative of Port Stephens Council.

For more info and to enter, go to www.sailportstephens.com.au

by Jody O'Brien

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