UIM Formula Future Junior Powerboating – Germany crowned Champions!

by Susie Nation-Grainger on 17 Aug 2010 UIM Formula Future junior powerboat racing event ran over the weekend (14-15 August) it was team Germany who came away victorious being crowned champion of champions taking first place in both the Continental and World Championships, as well as being presented with the Ralph Froeling Challenge Cup.

German Coach Frank Kaiser was delighted with the performance of his team saying: 'The kids have put in a fantastic performance on the water. We have really enjoyed the competition from start to finish. The venue and even the weather have been perfect. And most importantly, we can go home as the continental and world champions.'

In the World Championship competition it was the Czech Republic who clinched second place with Malaysia claiming with a very respectable bronze. Whilst in the Continental Championship Slovakia claimed second place with the Czech Republic coming close behind in third place.

Hosted by the RYA, with official sponsors ‘Powerboat P1’, the championship saw some 80 competitors aged 8-18 from Great Britain, Malaysia, Czech Republic, Portugal, Germany, Slovakia, and the 2009 Champions Russia, competing in manoeuvring and slalom disciplines. Racing around the clock in five different classes, points were awarded based on the time of each competitor with time penalties added for breach of rules and regulations.

As well as competing for the overall winner’s trophy the young competitors were vying for individual World and European Championship titles.

Representing Great Britain on the Podium was Jordan Muckles from Sunderland, who after an exceptional performance in both the manoeuvring and the slalom was crowned Class four World Champion in both events as well as winning Formula Future World Individual in his class.

Jordan admitted he was delighted to be going home a world champion. 'I can’t believe I actually came first in the World Championship. I’m lost for words. It’s been a fantastic competition and we have all had a brilliant time. To win first place is unbelievable and I hope that I can do the same in the next competition', he commented.

Team GB consisted of nine contestants of varying ages and abilities including eight year-old Teigen Goodfellow from Staffordshire who was competing in her very first race event battling it out in class one.

Team GB captain Rory Flannigan was extremely proud of the whole team throughout the competition. Rory said: 'The best thing about the competition is that it has brought us all together. Not only are we a team but we have become friends as well. It has given us the opportunity to meet people from all around the world and to improve our powerboat racing.'

A total of 33 prizes were presented in the awards ceremony which took place on Sunday evening with each country taking home a medal.

John Puddifoot, RYA Powerboat Racing Manager said of the competition: 'What has stood out is the ability, competitiveness and the children’s smiles. Formula Future is a fantastic way of showcasing young powerboating talent that we have not only in this country but in the world. Everyone has been so enthusiastic and both the UIM and the national authorities must work as hard as possible to keep the competition running in every way we can.'

Asif Rangoonwala, Chairman of PowerboatP1 Management commented: 'These children are the future of the sport and have shown huge motivation throughout the competition. The event has been a huge achievement for everybody involved and Powerboat P1 is delighted to be able to support the series and promote the grassroots development of our sport.'

To find how you could get involved in powerboat racing and view the full list of race results visit www.rya.org.uk.