Born in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas on August 7^th, 1957, I am the second of five children belonging to John (Jack) and Byrle (Malone) Patterson.  Jack's father was from England, his mother from Harbour Island, Eleuthera.  Byrle's parents were from Hope Town, where their roots go all the way back to the original Loyalist settler, Wyannie Malone.  I spent the first eleven years of my life in Nassau.

In the summer of 1968, my family moved to Abaco, taking up residence in our vacation house on Lubbers Quarters.  There was no phone or electricity, but I could go exploring in our dingy after school, and on weekends.  My siblings and I attended Hope Town All Age School, commuting back and forth by boat.  I learned how to sail during this time thanks to the Hope Town Sailing Club and their Junior Sailing Program, giving me more boat time.  Tired of study and homework at age 17 (1974), I decided to get a job, but opportunities were few around here at the time, so I moved back to Nassau where I learned my trade as an outboard engine technician.  I had several other opportunities, but my outboard job got me out on the boat more than other jobs would have.  Do you see a pattern forming here?  While in Nassau, the Citizens Band Radio craze hit, so like all my buddies, I installed a CB in my car, and chose "Spark Plug" as my handle.  Hey, I was a mechanic, and my initials are SP!  It stuck like glue.  Nowadays, friends have shortened it to "Plug."

In 1977, with encouragement from friends and family, I moved back to Abaco.  In April 1978, at the age of 20, and with help of my family, I opened up Sea Horse Marine in Back Creek, Hope Town Harbour, offering Johnson outboard sales and service.  I acquired our first rental boat later that year – a beat up old 13' Boston Whaler with a 25 HP motor.  I got married in the summer of 1980 to Debbie Gates of Hope Town, also a Loyalist descendent.  We since have been blessed with 2 children, Olivia (1983) and Eric (1991).  Our fleet of boats grew slowly, and in 1989 we were able to establish a second location for our rentals at the Great Abaco Resort & Boat Harbour Marina on the East side of Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco Island.  The 90's saw our fleet of rentals grow further towards today's total of 26 boats.  Sea Horse Marine morphed into Sea Horse Boat Rentals, and this is where my focus is today.  Keeping 26 boats in the right place, at the right time can be quite a challenge, but I still like to get out in the boat!

So, in January 2008, Captain Plug's Adventures was born.  I would  much rather go out in the boat, than be stuck in my office all day.  Wouldn't you?  It would be my pleasure to show you our area, help you improve your boat handling skills, tell you some of our history, and just generally help to make your visit to Abaco a memorable one.  Please feel free to contact me if you think I can help you, even if not boating related.  Well, what are you waiting for?  Plan your adventure, and then…let's go boating!