East Region Ribsters head to National Final 

Two young powerboaters from the Eastern Region are heading for the national final of the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship at the PSP Southampton Boat Show on 14 September 2014.

After winning their regional finals at the Island Yacht Club, Canvey Island, in July the two are looking forward to doing battle with other regional finalists from from across the UK at the national event.   

Ben Hall (11) from Grafham Water Sailing Club will represent the region in the 8-12 age group. Ben, from Great Cambourne, has been sailing for six year after following his parents into the sport, but hadn’t previously entered this event.   

Ben said: ”The regional final went really well. I was stunned at winning, and it’s amazing that I’m going to Southampton.”  

 Accompanying Ben, but in the 13-16 age group, is Chris Gladwin (15) from Fishers Green Sailing Club. Chris, from Enfield, has been sailing for eight years since trying it on a family holiday and has entered the event several times.   

Chris said: “I didn’t think I’d won the regional final until the results were announced. It’s been my dream to go to Southampton, and now I’m going!” 

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 hondayouthrib