Well done to Steven Curtis who has won the final of the RYA Honda Youth Rib Challenge!!!Full press release from the RYA below the link. 
 RYA PRESS RELEASE
21 September 2008 HUNTINGDON LAD CROWNED 2008 NATIONAL POWERBOAT CHAMPION Huntingdon's 11 year old Steven Curtis has powered his way to the top of the youth power boating field after being crowned 2008 Honda RYA Youth RIB Challenge National Champion at the Championship final held at the PSP Southampton Boat Show today (Sunday 21st September). Steven's victory followed a summer of fierce and highly competitive regional finals held all over the country and abroad. Fifteen young powerboat drivers from around the country gathered at Southampton for a national final that proved to be a real nail biter. Steven had to overcome challenges from fifteen other kids in the 8-12 age group to clinch the coveted title. The three other finalists finished within just eight seconds of Steven's time to create a very close finish. Perhaps following in the footsteps of his name sake British powerboat racing world champion Steve Curtis MBE, Steven completed the course in a winning time of 1minute 13.60 seconds. The course involved skilfully manoeuvring his way round a tricky and testing course which included a slalom run, 360O reverse around a buoy and a man overboard test. Steven, who is younger brother to previous Honda RYA Youth RIB champion Katrina Curtis, said of his win: It feels fantastic to have won. Half of me thought I would win and the other half thought I really wouldn't. This is the third year I've competed in the event so I'm really pleased to have finally clinched the title. I did some extra tidal race practice which I think really helped me do well this year. Will definitely be back next year to defend my title and maybe in the future I will go on to race powerboats as a job. Steven, representing Paxton Lakes Sailing Club as well as the Eastern region at the final, goes home with a fantastic prize, winning a brand new powerboat for his club. The powerboat is a 4.8 metre Ribcraft RIB with Honda BF50 Outboard, on an Indespension trailer with an Icom 505 VHF radio. Steven also won a selection of other goodies thanks to the event sponsors which included: a Sea Lite remote control sail boat courtesy of Honda, Henri Lloyd clothing thanks to Indespension, £100 from Ribcraft and an Ipod each from ICOM, as well as their much deserved winner's trophies. Steve Morrison, Sales Director for Honda Marine UK, who presented the awards said: The standard of competition out on the water today has been incredible, the highest ever and each and every competitor should be extremely proud of their achievements. The championship is a great way for kids to get in to boating in a fun and safe environment, both of which are important values of Honda. Richard Langford, Chairman of the RYA thanked the unsung heroes including the clubs, training centres and the competitors parents, who drive them all over the country to take part in these events. Now in its seventh year the Honda RYA Youth RIB challenge allows youngsters to demonstrate their skills as expert boat handlers and improve their skills in a safe environment. To ensure safety at all times each youngster was accompanied in the RIB by an adult powerboat instructor. Thanks go to Championship sponsors Honda, Ribcraft, ICOM and Indespension Trailers. For more information about the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship, visit www.rya.org.uk . |
