Young powerboaters across the country are revving their engines ready to compete for the 2015 Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship title as the first of the 14 regional finals kicks off at South Staffordshire Sailing Club this weekend (02 May).
The Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship, sponsored by Honda and Highfield, is Britain’s leading programme introducing 8-16 year olds to powerboating and training them to be safe, proficient drivers and excellent boat handlers.
Competing in two age groups (8-12 and13-16) youngsters have to manoeuvre the powerful RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) around a predetermined course in the fastest time against the clock.
The course includes slalom, demonstrating skill and control, stop exercise and 3600 reverse before a quick blast to the finish line. Competition has been fierce in previous seasons, with only tenths of seconds separating the competitors as they head to the national final, which this year will be held on Sunday 13 September at the Southampton Boat Show.
RYA Powerboats Projects Manager Andrew Norton said: “We’re really excited about the 2015 Championship as each year the standard of competition gets even higher. The championship also brings huge value in terms of introducing kids to the sport and providing clubs with the next generation of safety boat drivers and support crews.”
Last year the Kamila Czartolmna (13) became the first girl in more than ten years to be crowned national champion when she and Jamie Paterson (10) claimed victory at the 2014 final.
Now in its 14th year, competitors will be battling it out on the water with the hope of winning a fantastic prize for their clubs. In the 8-12 age group the winner will win a Honwave T40 RIB with a Honda BF20 engine for their club and the 13-16 age group winner will win their club a Highfield 460 RIB with a Honda BF50 engine.
Steve Morris, Head of Power Equipment for Honda (UK) comments: “We are pleased to continue our long and successful partnership with the RYA in supporting the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship in its fourteenth year.
“Honda and our boat partner Highfield are delighted to support the RYA in its endeavours to motivate and encourage young people to develop their skills and to promote safe and responsible racing through this unique and exciting championship.”
The Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship is Britain’s leading programme introducing kids to powerboats and training them to be safe, proficient drivers and excellent boat handlers.
RIBs are light, manoeuvrable craft and the boats driven in the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship can hit speeds of over 25mph.
Thanks to Championship sponsors Honda and Highfield. For more information about the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship visit www.rya.org.uk/go/hondayouthrib