February 2007 - RYA Powerboat Racing Gold Awards Presentation
Saturday night 3rd February 2007 saw Powerboat Racing’s 2006 Champions and World Record holders gather for a gala dinner to commemorate their achievements and recognitions throughout the season.

Over 180 people were present at the De Vere’s Royal Bath Hotel in Bournemouth for this prestigious evening. They were greeted in the Main Lounge with a drinks reception before being led through to The De Vere Suite for the Awards Ceremony and Dinner.

The Evenings Ceremony was co-presented by RYA Powerboat Racing Manager John Puddifoot and Powerboat Racer and BBC Broadcaster Shelley Jory, with Offshore Official Anne Robinson taking centre stage to Award the Prizes.

The evening started off by recognising the achievements of the younger of the Powerboat Racing Champions.

Ben Morse in particular was given a huge round of applause from the Circuit racers as he took the stage to be awarded the J250 National title and J250 National Sprint title along with his three National Speed Records he’d achieved during the year.


Ben Morse wears a rare smile receiving his awards

John Puddifoot continued by praising all the youngsters for their achievements in the sport to date, knowing that without doubt we’d be seeing their faces again in the near future.

Next to take centre stage were the Offshore Racing Champions of 2006 to receive their awards:
  • Class III 2 Litre Champions - Bob Irwin & Dave Simpkins
  • RYA OCR A Champions - Mark Walker & Jason Walker
  • RYA OCR B Champions - Robbie Mould & Fiona Bowdler
  • RYA Honda 150 Champions - Nick Clemson & Paul Trow-Smith
  • RIB F1 Champions - Ian Brown & Joshua Brown
  • V-24 Champions - Andy Twemlow & Adrian Everett
  • Zapcat Racing Champions - Martyn Willcox & Will Evans
  • Thundercat Champions - Jason Wyatt & Darryn Harrison
  • Offshore Powerboat P1 Champions - Jacky Hunt & Mike Shelton
Proceedings then moved on to the Circuit Champions of 2006 with the following racers being praised for their achievements throughout the season:
  • National S:850 Champion - Scott Curtis
  • National NS:2000 Champion - Paul Balfour
  • National NS:2000 Sprint Champion - Paul Balfour
  • World F2000 Champion - Colin Jelf
  • National Outboard Champions - Paul Hart & Nigel Edwards
  • National O:500 Sprint Champion - Paul Hart
  • National O:500 Sprint Champion - Nigel Edwards
  • National O:250 Sprint Champion - Malcolm Goodman
  • National OSY:400 Champion - Stu Wilkinson

Paul Balfour receives both of his NS:2000 awards


Malc Goodman collects his O:250 Sprint Champion award

The celebrations of the Champions then continued well into the night with music and dancing joined by good food and fine wine ... and a promise to do it all again welcoming existing and new champions back next year!

This is based upon an article first published by the RYA on 05/02/2007.
Click here to read the complete article.