Hectic conditions for Sigma Championship

8th June 2009

Tim Goodbody in White Mischief from the Royal Irish club in Dun Laoghaire successfully defended his Sigma 33 Irish and Open Championship, winning in fine style by 9 points from the local boat, Fandango skippered by Terry Fair. In third slot was another Bangor boat, Ay Caramba! owned by Steve and Claire McWatters.

Fourteen Sigma 33 one design yachts, nine Bangor based and five from Dun Laoghaire, competed in the three day event hosted by Royal Ulster Yacht Club from 5th till 7th June.

The Hamilton Shipping sponsored event had all sorts of weather thrown at it, with strong winds on Friday and Saturday producing big rolling seas from the north east, and wind shifts and periods of light airs confusing the issue.

But despite these challenging conditions, Race Officer Robin Gray managed to fit all nine races in, working from a heaving committee boat. The same rough conditions did result in several cases of sea sickness among the crews as well as one injury.

Silver fleet winner was Rob Armstrong’s Signet from the host club with Dermot Clarke and Paddy Maguire from Royal Irish were runners up.

Gordon Hamilton, CEO of Hamilton Shipping said he was delighted to have been associated with the event for a second time.

Skipper Tim Goodbody, (Royal Irish Yacht Club), and his crew in "White Mischief", when they successfully defended their Sigma 33 Irish and Open Championship, at Royal Ulster Yacht Club. Included are,(front row) ,David Crawford, Paul McCarty, (back row), Irene Sorohon, Noel O'Halloran, Gordon Hamilton, sponsor, (Hamilton Shipping), and Brendan Farrell. Picture Stanley Matchett Photography.

Published in News From the Afloat.ie Archive

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