4:22 AM Wed 3 Mar 2010 GMT
One of Australia's leading media commentators on financial issues, renowned for his ability to explain complex money issues in plain English will swapping the number crunching and analytics for on water tactics and wind shifts at Sail Port Stephens next month.
Paul Clitheroe and his Balance crew will be focussing on getting the right results in the Yachting NSW IRC Championship at Sail Port Stephens.
Balance is the fourth boat of that name owned by Paul, and the namesake has brought him various levels of success in the past - something he's hoping to replicate in his first time sailing in Port Stephens.
'We've sailed past Port Stephens for years during the offshore races like Sydney to Southport and the Cabbage Tree Island race, but have never stopped there- I'm really looking forward to enjoying the competition at the regatta ' he said.
'I think the Yachting NSW IRC Championship is a terrific idea and we're delighted to have it on our program this year'said Paul.
'It's certainly going to be pleasant sailing in flat water and getting to the bar by nightfall - that's got to be better than getting wet and cold in Bass Strait 'he laughed.
The Balance crew lives up to its definition, with a well rounded group, ranging in age from 20 to 55.
'The younger ones in our crew might call those in the 50's age group ancient, but we're the wise ones who stay well behind the mast! 'he said.
'The kids in their early 20's take on the athlete role, dragging sails up and down..and getting wet '
With this sort of diverse age group, the range of accommodation available for Sail Port Stephens is perfect.
'My crew are renting a couple of apartments right in the thick of things at Nelson Bay near d'Albora Marina, whereas the Old and Wise (Ancient!) group will be very very comfortable at Peppers Anchorage' he said.
The Major prize on offer at Sail Port Stephens is a Mariner Boating Holiday trip for 2 to Croatia, and for their early entry to Sail Port Stephens, Balance will score 2 bonus tickets in the prize draw, with the winner to be announced and drawn out at the presentation on the final day.
Much to the initial dismay of the Balance crew, none of them will be packing their bags for Croatia should their boat's name be pulled out of the prize barrel by Mariner Boating Holidays owners Trevor and Maggie Joyce, on Sunday afternoon during the regatta presentation.
'If we were to be the lucky winner, the prize will be raffled and proceeds put into the Clitheroe Foundation, which supports Medical Research and the Arts 'Paul said.
Sail Port Stephens gets underway with the Commodores Cup from the 12th to the 14th of April
- 3 races over 3 days sailed in the spirit of twilights, with social fun every night.
A lay day on Thursday with a Long Lazy Lunch or a trip to the Hunter Valley on the social agenda, before the on water action gets underway again from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th with the Port Stephens Trophy (PHS Racing and Cruising Divisions) and the Yachting NSW IRC Championships - matched with plenty of social fun each night - including a Yachties Ball on Friday night and a Gone Troppo Pparty on Saturday night.
A Yachties Bus gets you to and from every social location around the Bay, and there's a fantastic Kids Program to give kids of all ages and their mums a great day of entertainment and activities each day of the regatta.
There's accommodation to suit all budgets - from self contained apartments, and motel style rooms, to holiday houses and resort suites.
Family Friendly, Affordable and Fun - this is Sail Port Stephens - and the best is yet to come.
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Paul Clitheroe and his Balance crew - looking forward to Sail Port Stephens -
Andrea Francolini
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by Jody O'Brien
Click on thumbnails to enlarge and find more photos:
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Manly, QLD
