Burntwood youngster wants repeat show after Youth World Powerboating Debut

 

Young Burntwood powerboater Tiegen Goodfellow admitted she has been bitten by the racing bug and would love to represent Great Britain again after making her international debut at the 2010 UIM Formula Future World and Continental Championship during the weekend of 13-15 August.

 

The enthusiastic eight-year-old was part of a nine-strong British team that did battle against around 80 junior powerboat racers from as far afield as Malaysia, Czech Republic, Portugal, Germany, Slovakia and Russia at Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club in St Helens.

 

 

The event was Tiegen’s first competitive outing having undergone specialist RYA training sessions at Stewartby Watersports near Bedford in the build-up to the three-day event.

 

And with one international series now under her belt the youngster is eager for more.

 

Tiegen said: “I had a really fun time and would love to take part again next time. My favourite thing is being able to drive the boat.”

 

Burntwood’s Tiegen Goodfellow in action at the 2010 UIM Formula Future World and Continental Championship at the Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club in St Helens. August 2010

 

Tiegen, who comes from a well-known powerboating family and whose dad builds GT30 powerboats, attended her first circuit powerboating event when she was just three days old.

 

She was Britain’s sole representative in Class One for 8-9 year olds at St Helens and competed in a tiller-steered RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) no longer than 3.6m in length with a maximum engine power of eight horsepower (two-stroke).

 

With the Championships hosted by the RYA, with official sponsors Powerboat P1, competitors raced against the clock in three different disciplines; free practice, manoeuvring and slalom disciplines. Each racer had two attempts at all three stages of the competition with points awarded based on the time of each competitor and any time penalties they may have accrued.

 

Despite being a first-time rookie, Tiegen only picked up penalties on her first round as she notably gained in confidence as the event went on.

 

Tiegen Goodfellow with her Great Britain teammates at the 2010 UIM Formula Future World and Continental Championship at the Lancashire Powerboat Racing Club in St Helens. August 2010.

 

John Puddifoot, RYA Powerboat Racing Manager, was full of praise for the young British team. He said: “What stood out is the ability, competitiveness and the children’s smiles. Formula Future is a fantastic way of showcasing the young powerboating talent we have not only in this country but in the world. Everyone was so enthusiastic and both the UIM and the national authorities must work as hard as possible to keep the competition running in every way we can.”

 

Germany were crowned overall UIM Formula Future World and Continental Champions 2010, the first time the event has ever been staged in the UK.

 

For more information about the UIM Formula Future World and Continental Championship 2010 visit www.rya.org.uk

 

Karenza Morton
RYA West Midlands Regional Communicator
T: 07837 707630
E: press@tenpointstick.co.uk
W: www.rya.org.uk