The RYA became one of the first customers in the UK to receive a brand new 2007 Honda CR-V and new Honda outboard-powered 300hp Animal RIB built by BWM RIBS. Presented at the London Boat Show earlier this month (January 2007) they are just two of the many joint initiatives planned by Honda and the RYA for 2007. This marks the beginning of a sixth year s successful partnership between the two organisations which aims to help drive youth powerboating and training across the UK.

Launched in the UK on 1 January this year, the new Honda CR-V will be the official trail car for the 2007 Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship. Presented to Andrew Norton, RYA Motor Cruising Events Manager, by Phill Haynes, Honda (UK) National Sales Manager for Marine and ATV, Honda s new diesel powered CR-V has a towing capacity of 2000kg. Complete with the standard Satellite Navigation of the EX model, it s the perfect vehicle for towing the RYA s 6-wheel double-stack trailer that transports the two 4.8m Ribcraft RIBs and Honda BF50 outboards to events around the country. With its new, higher towing capacities and Vehicle Stability Assistance system, the 2007 Honda CR-V will travel to all 15 Regional Finals of the 2007 Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship which starts in April. Further support by Honda for the RYA includes the provision of a new 29ft Animal RIB powered by twin Honda 150hp outboards for use as a support vessel for water-borne RYA Motor-Cruising events.

Created by the RYA in partnership with Honda and launched in 2001, the Honda Youth RIB Championship gives young people the opportunity to develop and showcase their powerboat handling skills in a safe, controlled environment. More than 15,000 competitors between the ages of eight and 16 have now taken to the water, battling it out for the top prize of a 4.8m Ribcraft RIB with Honda BF50 four-stroke engine and an Indespension trailer for their sailing or scout club.

The 2007 championship welcomes the introduction of several exciting new initiatives such as school events and a Champion of Champions finale. Set to be the biggest and most spectacular year yet, the 2007 Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship calendar will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information on the championship visit www.rya.org.uk/youth/hondaryayouthrib