RYA Youth RIB Championship final at Southampton Boat Show

by Susie Nation-Grainger on 17 Sep 2012 Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship final took place at the PSP Southampton Boat Show yesterday, Sunday 16th September. The winners were crowned in front of a packed crowd.

Competing throughout the day in overcast weather conditions, the 29 young powerboating finalists from across the country demonstrated great skill and speed at the throttle of the two Ribcraft 4.8m RIB’s around a difficult course.

However, for the second year running, it was a clean sweep for Parkstone Yacht Club and the Southern Region, as the competition saw twelve year old Charlie Martin and thirteen year old Harrison Faull blast their way to championship glory.

In the 8-12 age group, Charlie clinched the winners title almost 17 seconds ahead of second place James Heys from the Eastern Region, securing a winning time of 01:02:48. This was even quicker than Harrison’s winning time of 01:02:77 in the 13-16 age category. Harrison sped to victory just seconds ahead of nearest challenger Jordan Muckles, from Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club.

Both boys skilfully manoeuvred around the tricky and testing course, which included a slalom run, a 360O reverse around a buoy and a stop exercise.

Charlie wins a fantastic Honwave T40 RIB with BF20 engine and Harrison wins a Ribcraft 4.8m RIB with BF60 engine, both for Parkstone Yacht Club. All the competitors picked up a certificate for taking part and the top three in each class also collected medal, a goody bag from Honda and vouchers from Ribcraft.

'I am really chuffed about the results, and I can’t believe I beat everyone, even the older age group!' said a delighted Charlie who was competing in the championship for the very first time.

'When I was out there I didn’t think I had done it. I had a bad practice session the day before but luckily today I went out there and nailed it!' he continued.

Harrison who was crowned 2011 champion returned to compete in the older age group this year said: 'It feels brilliant, I’m really really excited! I didn’t expect to win this year because I am the youngest in my age group. The prizes are unbelievable and it’s a wonderful experience. I really enjoy the speed and thrill that RIB driving gives you'

The Honda RYA Youth Rib Championship, sponsored by Honda and Ribcraft, is a National Championship in which 8-16 year old RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) drivers can demonstrate their boat handling skills in a race against the clock in the hope of winning a 4.8m Ribcraft or Honwave T40 for their club.

Presenting the prizes was Olivia Dunn, Communications Manager at Honda, Charlie Chan from Ribcraft and Sarah Treseder, RYA CEO.

Olivia commented: 'I have been absolutely blown away by what we’ve seen here today and by everybody who has been so supportive. The competitors have come here today and shown good solid fun and it’s been absolutely wonderful watching them race. Honda is all about supporting development of youth, how they grow and move forward over time, so as a company we are delighted to be associated with everything that happened today'.

Andrew Norton, Honda RYA Youth RIB Event Director said: 'Once again we have seen exceptional talent out on the water. There have been seven new clubs in the final this year which is fantastic and we have seen more entries and regional heats than ever before. Along with new competitors we have seen competitors and champions from years gone by return, which has added to the excitement and competitive nature of the championship. Once again we thank Honda and Ribcraft for their support as sponsors, along with the parents, volunteers and competitors who make this competition possible'.

Thanks to Championship sponsors Honda and Ribcraft.

For more information about the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship, details on how to get involved and the finals scores click RYA website