Jacob and Matt land national powerboating spots 

Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship Channel Islands regional final

Two young powerboaters from Guernsey have clinched their places in a prestigious national final after claiming victory at the Channel Islands Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship  final (21 June).  

Jacob Brady (12) and Matthew Le Vasseur (14) both from Guernsey Yacht Club, will now go head to head against the 13 other regional age-group champions at the prestigious national final at the PSP Southampton Boat Show this September.  

Now in its 12th year, the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship is Britain’s leading programme introducing kids to powerboats and training them to be safe, proficient drivers and excellent boat handlers.    

In perfect sunshine, Jacob blasted round the time trial of marks, securing a winning time of 1:28 in the 8-12 category while Matthew Le Vasseur broke the regional records with a blistering time of 1:05 in the older age group.  

Jacob who is also a keen sailor also took part in the challenge last year and said: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to go to Southampton. Mum tells me the whole family will go to watch!”  

Matt also plays a key role at his sailing club as an RYA Assistant Instructor. He helps with every practice session for Honda RYA Youth RIB as well as laying the course. “I’m thrilled to have the top regional time” he said.    

RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) are light, manoeuvrable craft and the boats driven in the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship can hit speeds of up to 25mph.    

The Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship is a National Championship; open to RYA clubs, organisations and training centres where 8 - 16 year old (RIB) drivers can demonstrate their skills with the goal of winning their club a brand new Highfield 460 or a Honwave T40.  

Stephen Morris, Head of Power Equipment for Honda (UK) comments: “We are delighted to continue our long and successful partnership with the RYA in supporting the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship, and to be bringing on board our new boatbuilder partner, Highfield, for the 2014 competition.

"Both Honda and Highfield are only too pleased to support the RYA in its efforts to inspire and encourage young people to develop their skills and to promote safe and responsible boating through this unique championship.”  

Thanks to Championship sponsors Honda and Highfield.  

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