Boab Boats RIB Challenge at Mandurah Boat Show
by Kelsey Havasi on 11 Nov 2014
Boab Boats RIB Challenge at Mandurah Boat Show Boab Boat Hire (Gold Coast)
http://www.boabboathire.com.au
From the 10th-12th of October at the Mandurah Boat Show, Boab Boats, with major sponsors Honda Marine and RIB Rescue, conducted the first junior power boat challenge within Australia. This was our first step in developing the challenge into a championship and into eventually a national series.
The event was held over three days with the final conducted on the afternoon of Sunday the 12th October. The challenge is aimed at developing their practical boat handling skills from a young age. Director Anthony Gelfius explained that 'The difference in skill from day one through to the final was extraordinary'.
The skill level increased quite rapidly, especially once the children understood the course was more about controlling the boat. Less mistakes and time penalties were made when they were controlled, and put their concentration into skill and safety, rather than speed. The kids who stayed focused resulted in the best times. The children ranged in age from eight through to 15, with the older kids also giving it a go!
Our idea is to introduce children to boating in a fun and exciting way, incorporating a little friendly competition too. By getting the kids involved early, we hope to keep them interested in boating for years to come!
The inflatable was an AB that was supplied by RIB rescue in Fremantle and fitted with a 60hp four stoke Honda, which was smooth and easy for the children to handle and manoeuvre. Survitec Group supplied all participants with RFD inflatable jackets.
The course is a number of coloured buoys that the boat manoeuvre between, through to a buoy with a life ring, where the children are required to stop the boat, remove the life ring, turn it over and replace it, down to a set of gates / buoys they reverse a full 360 degrees and down to the finish line. There are penalties if the vessel makes contact to buoys or if water comes over the rear transom when reversing.
Show organiser Peter Woods from Premier Events said 'The challenge was a fantastic success, the kids had a great time and there was plenty of interest from all spectators'. These types of practical displays engage show visitors and help generate interest for the family groups.
For more information call Boab Boat Hire – 1300 00 Boab (1300 00 2622) or visit
website.
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/128845