With just seconds separating lap times from the Area Finals, the stage was set for the National Final of the 2017 Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship to be real nail biter at TheYachtmarket.com Southampton Boat Show.

Watch the video here https://youtu.be/8_CiZab9gdw

Would Henry Martin from the South West 2 Area Final put in another blistering lap time to claim the 08-12 age group crown or would Aga Czartolomna find those extra couple of seconds to pip him to the crown?  Would Carlo Consolos find some extra lap speed to clinch the top spot on the podium in the 13-16 age group ahead of Simon Hall who went in to the final with the hottest lap time from the regional finals?

Each of the competitors had to skilfully manoeuvre around tricky and testing course including a slalom, stopping and reversing around a mark and a blast to the finish line. And after a day of back to back laps, showcasing the speed, skill and control of these young RIB drivers, it was time to reveal the 2017 Champions.

In the 08-12 age group it was Aga Czartolomna representing South Staffordshire Sailing Club who blasted her way to the top of the leader board and winners podium in a blistering time of 1:08.94.

Twelve year old Aga said of her win: “It’s amazing, I didn’t expect it.  I just did the best lap I could but it felt better than the lap I did at the Area Final.  I’m definitely looking forward to be being back next year.”

While in the 13-16 age group it was Tom Rogers from Royal Lymington Yacht Club who claimed the winners crown in a time of 1:09.19. Tom commented: “Really exciting to have won, I can’t wait for the clubs reaction.  I wasn’t sure if my lap was fast or slow so winning is a really big surprise.  It is my first time in the senior age group and I can’t believe I won.”

Aga receives a Honwave T40 RIB with a Honda BF20 engine for her club, as well as a Honda goody bag.  While in the 13-16 age group Tom receives, again for his club, a Highfield 460 RIB with a Honda BF50 engine and a Honda goody bag. Medals, certificates and other prizes were also presented to the second and third places in each age group, with certificates for all competitors.

It was then time to get back out on the water for the Champion of Clubs Head to Head.   Kamila Czartolomna, two times Honda RYA Youth RIB Champion (2014 and 2016) and 2016 Head to Head champion, and older sister of Aga, representing South Staffordshire Sailing Club took on 2017 champion Tom in a battle for the spectacular Champions of Clubs trophy.

It was a close call as both drivers gave it everything they had in a bid to secure the trophy but in the end it was Kamila who once again claimed the Head to Head crown.  Kamila wins the chance to attend either the Dunlop MSA British Touring Cars Championship 2018 or MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship 2018.

Steve Morris, Head of Power Equipment for Honda (UK) commented: “It is our 16th year involved in the championship with the RYA and Highfield, and it’s great seeing the standard go up and up each year.  The reason we love being involved is encouraging young people in to boating and helping to develop a hobby that can stay with them throughout their lives, and using our products safely.”

Andrew Norton, RYA Power Projects Manager added: “It never ceases to amaze me how proficient these young people are at the helm of these craft.  They demonstrate real skill on what is a very testing course and each year we are delighted to see drivers either returning to have another go at claiming the championship crown or new young drivers attending the final for the first time.”

“It is always exciting waiting for the winners to be announced and there is always a great buzz with family and friends cheering on each of the competitors.  A massive thank you and congratulations to everyone involved in making the championship a great success”, Andrew added.

Now in its 16th year, the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship, sponsored by Honda and Highfield, is a National Championship that takes place between May and September each year.  Competitors aged 08 – 16 participate in Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) to demonstrate their skills at the helm with the goal of winning a Highfield 460 or a Honwave T40 for their club.

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.

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

For more information about the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship and how you can take part as a competitor or how your club can get involved in Club heats or Area Finals visit www.rya.org.uk/go/hondayouthrib

The post Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship appeared first on All At Sea.