No leave pass for Tow Truck owner but he’s over the moon

by Jody O'Brien on 25 Apr 2009 The owner and skipper of a Ker 11.3 called Tow Truck is noticeably absent this weekend at Sail Port Stephens, but with good reason.

Anthony Paterson and wife Jo have welcomed their second child into the world and are absolutely over the moon to have a little girl to add to their family.

Mackenzie Hope Paterson arrived early Thursday morning, weighing in at seven pounds five ounces.

Big brother Jack Paterson is a very technically advanced two and a bit year old who knows his way around a mobile phone, so he was able to send all his parents friends a text message around lunchtime on the day little princess Mackenzie arrived that read ' My mummy and my sister are beautiful – I hope she is into trucks'.

In Pato’s absence, good mate and fellow Lake Macquarie sailor Garry Van der Shyk is in charge of the good ship Tow Truck, and he and the crew are putting the 37 footer through her paces in Division one of the Yachting NSW IRC Championship, currently sitting in 4th place on IRC handicap

For daily updates and results go to www.sailportstephens.com.au

Since its inception, Sail Port Stephens has had invaluable resource support from Business Port Stephens, an initiative of Port Stephens Council, and the inaugural group of Foundation Partners in Nelson Bay Diggers, All Seasons Salamander Shores, Peppers Anchorage and Shoal Bay Resort and Spa have, even in tough economic times, all continued to believe in the long term vision for the regatta and what it brings to the region.

International sailing clothing brand, SLAM, continue their support as the Official Clothing supplier, and d’Albora Marina is a great partner with their on-site support and special deals for regatta participants.

Newcomers to the Supporting Partner group for 2009 include Wild Oats Wines as the Official Wine Partner of the Regatta and Tooheys New White Stag – full strength low carb beer, as the Official Beer of the event.
International Paints are also participating in this year’s event, through the International Paints Magic Moment of the Day – a daily award for outstanding achievement and human feats -good or bad during racing.