POWERBOATING

Two young NI Powerboaters travelled across the water to compete against the UK's best. In the 8-12 age group Sam Rickard from QYC finished 9th. Group 13 to 16 RUYC's Rory Flannigan finished a solid 4th.

Steve Morrison, Sales Director for Honda Marine UK, said: “I think it’s safe to say that the standard out on the water has been the best ever. All the competitors demonstrated fantastic skill, my congratulations to them all. 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.”

Honda also announced their continued sponsorship of the championship for 2010.

Now in its eighth year the Honda RYA Youth RIB challenge allows youngsters to demonstrate their skills as expert boat handlers and improve their skills in a safe, controlled environment. To ensure safety at all times each child is accompanied in the RIB by a competent adult/instructor.

Special thanks go to Championship sponsors Honda, Ribcraft, ICOM and Indespension Trailers.

For more information about the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship, details on how to get involved and a list of results visit www.rya.org.uk and click on the youth section.

2009 Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship Northern Ireland Final

East Antrim Boat Club in Larne County Antrim hosted the 2009 Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship Northern Ireland Regional Final on Saturday May 9^th 2009. Twenty three young powerboaters took to the Lough with its well sheltered waters for what turned out to be a hotly contested competition. Although the day started out damp, the on the water conditions were very favourable. Event Organiser Mark Fekkes put together an excellent event. East Antrim Boat Club historically is a strong dinghy sailing club with many world class sailors hailing from it. This weekend was all about power and the club encourages youngsters to get involved in all aspects of boating.

Eight competitors in the 8-12 years age group with 12 year old Georgia Allen from Antrim Boat Club finishing third with only seconds between her and 10 year old Rory Fekkes from East Antrim Boat Club who finished second. First place went to ten year old Sam Rickard from Quoile Yacht Club. Sam is an old hand at this competition having competed twice before. He has been powerboating for three years and holds club mate and past champion Paul Magowan responsible for getting him active in powerboating. He also holds his RYA Powerboat level 1 certificate. Sam said he is very excited about going to the SouthamptonBoat Show in September to compete in the National Event.

There were fifteen competitors in the older age group with Jack Fox from Ballyholme Yacht Club scooping third place. Like a World Cup Football Match it came down to penalties to decide the winner of the grouping. Local hero 13 year old Gary Fekkes narrowly missed first by way of a penalty and had to content himself with second place. 15 year old Rory Flannigan from Royal Ulster Yacht Club put in some solid times and won over all in the 13-16 age group. Rory is a keen powerboater he holds an RYA Level 2 Powerboat certificate as well as having his VHF license. Rory said about the competition “the course was good and it was tighter than usual. I practiced hard prior to the event and am excited about competing in the National final.”

Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for event sponsor Honda said: "We are very proud and pleased to be associated with the RYA Youth RIB Challenge for another year because it allows us to create links with the wider community - giving a younger generation access to our products and helping them engage with interactive, team based, social activities.

Furthermore, as a manufacturer which puts safety at the heart of everything we do, the RIB Challenge gives us a great opportunity to underline this commitment."

Thanks to Championship sponsors Honda, Ribcraft, ICOM and Indespension Trailers.

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

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For further media information:

RYA NI

Lisa Waugh

Tel: 028 90 383812

Email: ryani@btconnect.com