Max and Thomas Aim for Youth RIB Glory 

Max Toby and Thomas Coleman flying East Midlands flag at national final

Two young East Midlands powerboating aces will take on the UK’s best young RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) driving talent when they compete at the national grand final of the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship at the PSP Southampton Boat Show on Sunday (16 September).

Max Toby, 13, completed an impressive hat-trick by clinching his place in the prestigious national final for the third year running after claiming 13-16 years victory at the East Midlands Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship Regional Final at Burton Sailing Club in July. This was his first year in the older age-group.

Meanwhile Burton SC’s Thomas Coleman, 12, triumphed in the 8-12 years age-group on his home waters of Foremark Reservoir to clinch the regional title in nail-biting fashion.

Max and Thomas will now fly the flag for the East Midlands when they go head-to-head against the age-group victors from all 13 other regional deciders at this Sunday’s national showdown.

After a summer of regional finals across the UK, this year’s national final is gearing up to be a real nail-biter and the 2012 Championship, which will see youngsters compete in the two age categories has already seen some very close finishes.

Now in its 11th year, the final will see a total of 28 regional champions from across the UK race against the clock and put their RIB driving skill, control and speed to the test around the championship course to secure the title of 2012 Honda RYA Youth RIB National Champion.

The course will involve tricky timed manoeuvres, including a high speed slalom, a stop exercise and a blast to the finish line, to test every aspect of the youngsters’ powerboat driving skills.

In the 8-12 age-group finalists will be battling it out for a Honwave T40 RIB with a Honda BF20 engine for their club, whilst in the 13-16 age group the winner will receive, again for their club, a 4.8m Ribcraft RIB with a Honda BF60 engine.

Andrew Norton, RYA Motor Cruising Projects Manager and Event Director said: “This year’s competition has seen exceptional talent take to the water and we are expecting to see some fierce competition and some very exciting races in the national final. The youngsters who participate are the future of sailing clubs and the Honda RYA Youth RIB championship is a fantastic way for them to gain invaluable boat handling and safety skills which are an asset to any sailing club.”

RIBs are light, manoeuvrable craft and the boats driven in the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship can hit speeds of up to 25mph. The Championship is sponsored by Honda and Ribcraft.

With the emphasis on swift, efficient and safe manoeuvring, the skills developed through the Honda RYA Youth RIB programme are not only a great chance for youngsters to experience the thrill of racing a small powerboat but are also invaluable in delivering a stream of well-trained young powerboat drivers to provide safety and support cover for sailing and windsurfing events and training courses, locally, nationally and worldwide.

David Hodgkinson, Marketing Communications Manager for event sponsor Honda said: “As a major manufacturer of engines and inflatables we are delighted to be sponsoring the 11th year of the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship. Inspiring and encouraging young people to discover and pursue a passion for boating is as important as giving them the skills to do so in a safe and responsible way. We are proud together with the RYA to be doing both through this unique competition.”

For more information about the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship, details on how to get involved and a list of regional finals scores visit www.rya.org.uk/go/hondayouthrib