PERTON YOUNGSTER LANDS NATIONAL RIB FINAL SPOT

A young Perton powerboater has clinched her place in a prestigious national grand final by claiming a debut victory at the West Midlands Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship Regional Final at South Staffordshire Sailing Club on Saturday (12 May).

Kamilla Czartolomna, 11, triumphed in the 8-12 years age-group at Gailey Reservoir and will now fly the flag for the West Midlands when she goes head-to-head against the age-group victors from all 13 other regional deciders at the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship Final showdown at the PSP Southampton Boat Show on Sunday 16 September.

Now in its 11th 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 ideal conditions and light breeze, Kamilla, who had never entered the Championships before this year, clocked 1:54.90 to complete the fastest 8-12 years' time trial around sets of marks to qualify for the National Final. The overall national 8-12 years' champion will win a Honwave T40 RIB with a Honda BF20 engine for their club.

The Perton Middle School pupil, who has sailed at South Staffs SC with her parents and three sisters for three years, said: "I was very surprised to win against the other junior drivers and I was very excited when I found out I had won. I am really looking forward to competing at Southampton!"

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.

With the emphasis on swift, efficient and safe manoeuvring, the skills developed through the Honda RYA Youth RIB programme are not only a great chance for youngsters to experience the thrill of racing a small powerboat but are also invaluable in delivering a stream of well-trained young powerboat drivers to provide safety and support cover for sailing and windsurfing events and training courses, locally, nationally and worldwide.

More than 20 volunteers from South Staffordshire SC helped make sure the event ran smoothly tackling timekeeping, competition administration, competitor rota, powerboat instructors and safety to refreshments and car parking duties.

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

Neil Hawkins - 14th May 2012