For a man who was seriously considering retiring from yacht racing less than two years ago, Tim Goodbody has gained a new lease of life in the Sigma 33 and is clearly loving the change. A lifelong commitment to Corinthian competition and one-design sailing seemed in doubt following a debilitating back illness that has left him without full strength in his legs.
However, following a strong recommendation from one of his crew, Goodbody turned to the emerging Dublin Bay fleet of Sigma 33s and found a natural home for his talent. The new group was inspired by the strong turnout at Ford Cork Week in 1996 and 1998 and his strong showing this year marks the levelling off in performance between the visiting and home crews.
"I would never have thought that we could have two bullets in the first two races plus another the next day," he admitted yesterday. "I'm not too pleased with the 29th place but we'll be able to discard that after the next race."
This week is Goodbody's first outing in White Mischief in a big fleet of boats and also against the strength of the main UK-based class.
Success or failure in the Sigmas comes down to boat-handling and tactics - there's very little difference in terms of boat-speed across the bulk of the 55 boats. His own formula for achieving top results comes down to preparation before the event.
"Everything that even looks like it might be faulty must be repaired or replaced. We also know our rig settings and check these; there's an immense amount of work involved," he said. His approach has been refined during years of competing against the best of amateur and professional crews. Every class he has sailed has been a personal favourite - 20 years in a Dragon plus 18 years in a J24. His principal crew members have been with him for most of this time and Goodbody simply asks for good discipline, but with a light-hearted approach.
"Don't pysche yourself out afloat," he advises. "Have a plan and stick to it."
In many ways, this Corinthian sailor epitomises the ideal competitor at Ford Cork Week, an event intended strictly, but not exclusively, for amateurs. This is only Goodbody's second time competing but he pays tribute to the organisers for being attentive to the competitors' needs and he'll be back again in 2002.
He welcomes the presence of the professionals. "I have no problem with professionals at this event provided that they are clearly identified," he states. "Their presence allows the rest of us to learn from them."
He recalls one of his few forays into handicap racing in 1987 when he was the winning helmsman in the Fastnet Race. Bowman Paul Standbridge could manage a spinnaker hoist in less than eight seconds on their one-tonner; when they manage to match that on his boats they know they're on form.
He foresees another long-term commitment to the class and the forthcoming J24 European Championships at the Royal Irish YC, his home club in Dun Laoghaire is just too good an opportunity to resist. He had a popular tenure as Commodore of the Dublin/Howth Royal Alfred Yacht Club, and he returned to racing on Dublin Bay having battled through his illness is a mark of his determination, and he was warmly welcomed back.
