First round kicks off in Northern Ireland
The 2009 Honda Youth RIB Championship got off to a drizzly start at the East Antrim Boat Club in Northern Ireland.
For competitors Sam Rickard (10) and Rory Flannigan (15), of Quoile Yacht Club and Royal Ulster Yacht Club respectively, the weather took a back seat as they qualified for the national finals held at the Southampton Boat Show.
The idea of the championship is to teach young drivers how to manoeuvre safely and skilfully in a fun way, under adult supervision.
The challenges facing the young competitors range from MOB drills to high speed slalom courses as well as reversing skills, all against the clock.
Honda marketing manager Martin Moll says: “We are very proud and pleased to be associated with the RYA Youth RIB Challenge for another year because it allows us to create links with the wider community – giving a younger generation access to our products and helping them engage with interactive, team based, social activities.
Furthermore, as a manufacturer which puts safety at the heart of everything we do, the RIB Challenge gives us a great opportunity to underline this commitment.”
For more information on the 2009 Honda Youth RIB Championship go to the RYA website.
