Youngsters go head to head in big final
Young RIB drivers from across the British Isles will be going head to head in the finals of the 2009 Honda RYA Youth RIB National Championship.
The youngsters, who have all qualified via their regional finals, will race over the same course at the PSP Southampton Boat Show to clock the fastest time.
The winners, in two separate age groups, are awarded a RIB with trailer for their yacht club.
Watch out for defending champions 16 year old Aaron Lowther from Canvey Island in Essex and 12 year old Steven Curtis from Godmanchester in Huntingdon, who will be competing fiercely to retain their titles.
There will be some strong competition however in the senior class with the North East’s Luke McGill entering the final with the fastest regional final time, some five seconds faster than Aaron.
Competitors from the Southern region, Torben Winther and Ben Edwards will kick start the competition at 10.00 on Sunday, with racing continuing throughout the day until 16.30, off the show’s Solent Park area.
Each age group will be racing for the coveted champion’s title as well as one of two 4.8m Ribcraft RIB powerboat with a 50hp Honda four stroke engine complete with an Indespension trailer and Icom IC-M505 VHF radio – one complete RIB package for each class.
Andrew Norton, RYA Motor Cruising Projects Manager and Event Director said: “There has been some exceptional talent take to the water throughout the competition this year, so I’m expecting some fierce competition and exciting races across both classes at the final.
“Interest and participation in the championship this year has yet again increased and the standard has been extremely high. We’ve seen sub one minute times being recorded in the regional events for the first time ever which is a real testament to the degree of skill these finalists have.”
The 2009 champion will be named at the winner’s presentation held on the Honda stand (C62) at 18.00, where the winners will receive their prizes, presented to them by Honda UK’s National Sales Manager Steve Morris and the RYA’s Deputy Chairman Tom Blackburn.
Jason Purvey, Sales and Marketing Director for Ribcraft and representatives from Icom and Indespension will also be on hand to congratulate the champions.
Now in its eighth year the Championship allows youngsters to demonstrate their skills as expert boat handlers and improve their skills in a safe, controlled environment.
To ensure safety at all times each child is accompanied in the RIB by a competent adult/instructor.
For details on how to get involved visit Southampton Boat Show RIB finals
