Despite becoming a Formula-18 national champion for the second time, there’s a sense of unfinished business for Bendigo sailor Brett Goodall.
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Goodall teamed up with Sydney’s Jason Waterhouse, his crewmate from September’s world championships in Los Angeles, to clinch the title at Lake Macquarie.
In tough conditions brought about by the torrential weather in Queensland, Goodall and Waterhouse outclassed their opponents.
The pair claimed two wins, were runner-up twice and finished third once before the event was called-off on the third and final day due to howling winds.
“We were on the lighter end of the crew weights and we got up and sailed really well, which was good,” Goodall said. It was the duo’s first national F-18 title together – Waterhouse won last year with another partner, following Goodall’s triumph with his father Greg in 2011 – and now they’re hoping for a much-improved showing on the world stage.
Last year the pair were hoping for a top-10 finish but closed the race in 16th position.
“We had an accident on the second last day, which meant we couldn’t improve our position which was a little bit disappointing,” Goodall said.
“It was all a case of could-have-beens, but it didn’t quite eventuate.”
Goodall and Waterhouse earned preference for July’s world titles in Italy with their victory on Lake Macquarie.
“We go there to win it, but you’ve got to not only have a good regatta and have a certain amount of luck as well,” Goodall said.
“We don’t feel like we should have won it last year, but we could’ve done better. We’re still looking at top-10 when we go over this year.
“At the moment it’s just a case of planning a program to prepare for that. Jason’s sailing in the Youth America’s Cup which is going to take most of his time, he’s also got an Olympic campaign on the books as well.
“It’s a case of juggling that as well as work commitments and family commitments with me, so it’s all fairly busy.”
Goodall’s second F-18 title adds to his two Mosquito national titles, two catamaran and one taipan Australian championship with fellow Bendigo sailor Glenn Ashby.
Meanwhile, it wasn’t just Goodall winning national titles from the Bendigo Yacht Club.
Drew Carlyle and Adam Beattie took out the Nacra nationals in the F-18 class at Hervey Bay last month.
It was the first time Carlyle and Beattie had sailed together, with the club-mates finding a instant understanding on the water.
“Adam and I meshed well together,” Carlyle said.
“We did 10-12 races and it was really close. We had to beat the guys that were just behind us in all the races on the last day to ensure that we won.”