Edward Baldock, aged 14 from Gainsborough, who attends the Girton Sailing Club, won his regional final in 1m 20 secs as part of the National Honda RYA Youth Rib Championship.The championship allows youngsters to show off their skills as expert boat handlers and improve their skills in a safe, controlled environment.

The event took place at Notts County Sailing Club in Hoveringham and organiser Steve Poole said: "We've had good weather and a good course which has really given the kids a chance to get their speed up and really show off their skills".

The championship forms part of the Royal Yachting Association's awareness campaign and each competitor needs to demonstrate skill in manouvering around a set course in the shortest time possible, because of the speed of the powerboats, an adult is always on board the boat or RIB.

Main Sponsor Honda are keen to put safety first as the RIBs move very fast, Martin Moll, head of communications for Honda said: "As a manufacturer that puts safety at the heart of everything we do, the RIB challenge gives us a great opportunity to underline this commitment."

Edward of Morton Front goes to Queen Elizabeth's High School and is a past regional champion and hopes to do well in the final, held at the National boat Show in Southampton on 21st September.

He said: "It was a great day. I love the boats, they are fantastic, and I'm really pleased I'm going to Southampton, I'm really looking forward to the challenge."

The prize Edward is competing for is a brand new Ribcraft Honda boat for use at Girton Sailing Club.

To find out more about the championship and to find out how to get involved, log on to

http://www.rya.org.uk