Sweet 16 as Staffs teen powerboat champ presented with new boat
It was a very sweet 16 for Tettenhall powerboat driving teen, Kamila Czartolomna, as her sailing club, South Staffs SC, was presented with its brand new RIB and engine again thanks to her National powerboat title winning heroics on Sunday (20 November).
This was the second time in three years South Staffs SC, which is located on Gailey Reservoir, has received a Highfield 460 RIB with a Honda BF50 engine thanks to Kamila, who celebrated her 16th birthday, winning the national Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship 13-16 years crowns in both 2014 and 2016.
Now in its 15th 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. RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) are light, manoeuvrable craft and, with the emphasis on swift, efficient and safe manoeuvring, drivers compete in time trials around sets of marks with the fastest time over two rounds winning the event.
It wasn’t just Kamila making waves at this year’s Nationals at the Southampton Boat Show either, as her 11-year-old sister Aga, who was competing at her third Finals, finished third in the 8-12 age group, despite being a year younger than some of her rivals.
Kamila, who also won the 2016 Championship’s perpetual Champion of Clubs trophy – a head-to-head contest between this year’s champion and a representative from last year’s winning club – was presented with the keys to the new RIB by Andrew Norton, RYA Powerboat Projects Manager.
She said: “Taking part and succeeding in the Honda RYA Youth Championship over the past five years has been a privilege and a life-changing experience. It has showed me how persistence and determination can lead to success.
“It’s been an exciting, enjoyable journey, whether training in the cold and rain or attending the YJA Young Sailor of the Year Award in London in 2015, I’ve loved every second of it. I’m honoured the club could gain from my victories and I hope by getting involved in instructing I can help pass my skills to future winners.
“There are so many people to thank, not least Aga as she’s given me someone to compete against and has caught up with me very quickly! Hopefully she will continue to compete and carry on succeeding in the future.”
Kamila also paid tribute her powerboat trainers at South Staffs SC, Steve Troke and Robin Harper, as well as her dad, Peter, and event sponsors Honda and Highfield.
The skills youngsters develop through the Honda RYA Youth RIB programme are a great chance for them to experience the thrill of racing a small powerboat and are invaluable in developing safe, proficient powerboat drivers to support sailing sailing clubs in running the activities they want to get more people out on the water more often.
Annette Fitzpatrick, South Staffs SC Commodore, added: “Kamila winning the first RIB in 2014 highlighted that young adults can drive powerboats proficiently with skill and precision. That success has enhanced our youth training, engaged parents and stimulated adults to improve their powerboat skills too. Kamila and Aga are role models to our future young powerboat drivers whilst also impressing many adult members with their abilities.”
For more information about the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship visit www.rya.org.uk/go/hondayouthrib or to find out how you can get involved at South Staffs SC visit www.southstaffssailingclub.co.uk
HRH The Princess Royal Presents Rudyard Lake Sailor with RYA Volunteer Award
A Rudyard Lake Sailing Club sailor had his contribution to grassroots sailing recognised by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal at the 2016 RYA Volunteer Awards on Friday (18 November).
Geoff Holmes received an RYA Lifetime Commitment Award, which recognises individuals who have shown exceptional commitment and dedication to their club or organisation for at least 15 years, at the RYA’s annual awards ceremony.
The RYA Volunteer Awards are considered the ‘MBEs’ of the sport and 44 people from across Britain were honoured for their exceptional generosity and commitment to boating at the ceremony and exclusive luncheon held at One Great George Street, Westminster.
Geoff, who lives in Congleton, was a founder member of Rudyard Lake SC, near Leek, which celebrated its 60th anniversary this year. Now 81, he has fulfilled many vital club management responsibilities over the years including during rent and lease negotiations. He has also helped nurture many of Rudyard Lake SC’s junior sailors and played a key role in raising the profile of the club and getting more local people sailing more often.
Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive, said: “The RYA Volunteer Awards recognise the genuinely exceptional voluntary contributions that are given by so many individuals who make a real impact in boating.”
Alistair Dickson, RYA Director of Sport Development, continued: “These volunteers are making our sport happen and without them local people wouldn’t be getting out on the water and enjoying all the activities they do. It’s really important we take the time to say thank you.”
Geoff was nominated by his club and selected as a winner by the RYA Honours and Awards Panel. HRH The Princess Royal presented a total of 23 Lifetime Commitment Awards, nine Outstanding Contribution and two Youth Awards in addition to a number of other special categories.
For more information about how to get out on the water in the Midlands visit www.rya.org.uk/go/startboating