Powerboating cousins win through
Two young powerboaters have clinched places in a prestigious national final by blasting to victory in the Northern Ireland Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship at Carrickfergus Sailing Club
The event saw young powerboaters from seven clubs across Northern Ireland compete in two age groups to win a place in the national final which takes place on September 16 at the PSP Southampton Boat Show 2012. In the 8-12 age group, Jenny Fekkes (12) from Ullidia Integrated College was more surprised by her victory than anyone: “I can’t believe I finished in first place! I am shocked but very excited about heading to the final.”
Meanwhile in the 13-16 age group, Jenny’s cousin, Gary Fekkes (16), representing East Antrim Boat Club, roared his way to the top of the leader board in an unbeatable time of 1:01 minutes - and he is now desperate to improve on his second place finish in the national final last year. He said: “It feels great to have got through it and to finish first again. I am now determined to go one better in Southampton in September.”
With the emphasis on swift, efficient and safe manoeuvering, the Championships take the form of a time trial around a set of marks. The drivers with the fastest times in each age group then progress to the Southampton showdown and the chance to win a new Honwave T40 or 4.8-metre Ribcraft boat for their clubs. To keep up to date with progress or to find out more, visit www.rya.org.uk/go/hondayouthrib.
