Mansfield youngster set for national powerboat finals

Ten-year-old Edward Ryder, of Mansfield, at the helm of his powerboat. (PHOTO BY: David Eberlin)

For Edward is competing at the national final of the 2018 Royal Yachting Association Youth RIB (rigid inflatable boat) Championship, sponsored by Honda, at the Southampton Boat Show.

He qualified for the event by claiming victory in the age category for eight-to-12-year-olds at the Midlands area finals, held at Staunton Harold Sailing Club in Derbyshire in June.

Representing Welbeck Sailing Club, Edwards goes to his first nationals as the sixth fastest qualifier in his 12-strong age group.

He will be joined in Southampton by another Nottinghamshire youngster, 15-year-old George Baxter, from Newark, in the category for 13-to-16-year-olds.

Now in its 17th year, the national championship is Britain’s leading programme for introducing youngsters to powerboats and training them to be safe, proficient drivers.