A young Tenby powerboater will be hitting the water this Sunday at the Yachtmarket.com Southampton Boat Show, putting his skill, control, and speed to the test in the hope of clinching the prestigious title of 2017 Honda RYA Youth RIB National Champion.

Lewis James won the Welsh championship in the 13-16 age group, giving him the chance to test his skills on the national stage.

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. Throughout the summer the competition has seen some very close finishes at the area finals and this year’s final promises to be a real nail biter!

“It has been great over the last four months to be welcomed into so many friendly and enthusiastic sailing and yacht clubs across the UK,” commented Benn Freeman, Honda RYA Youth RIB event manager.

“While competition has been tight, it is good to see that rivalries have been put aside when competitors return to shore with them consoling each other if laps haven’t gone as well as they hoped

“There have been many competitors who have given their all on the course, from those who have only driven a boat a handful of times to those who have been practicing hard for a number of years.

“The skill of the competitors who have made it to this year’s national final means we are going to have a close fought battle to see who can become this year’s National Champion in both age categories and challenge Camilla in the Champion of Champions race.”

The course will involve tricky timed manoeuvres, including a high speed slalom, stop exercise, and a blast to the finish line, to test every aspect of the youngsters’ powerboat driving skills.

Medals, certificates and other prizes will also be presented to the first, second and third places in each age group.