FORGET Britannia ruling the waves, Aaron Lowther is the boss when it comes to RIB powerboats.

The 16-year-old racer has fought his way to the top of the youth powerboating field for the second year running.

Aaron, from Canvey Island, was crowned the 2009 Honda RYA Youth RIB Challenge national champion after winning the championship final at Southampton.

The teenager clinched this year’s victory by less than a second with a time of 1:04:21, ahead of second-places Luke McGill with 1:04:56.

“I am very very surprised to have won as I really didn’t do my best lap, my reverse and pick up didn’t go that well, but luckily I still managed to pull off the win,” said the Island Yacht Club member.

“I am very happy to be taking the win back to Canvey again as this is my last year of being able to compete in the championship.”

The national final was the culmination of a summer of regional finals held all over the country and abroad.

Fifteen young powerboat drivers from around the United Kingdon gathered at Southampton for a national final that proved to be a real nail-biter.

Aaron had to overcome challenges from helmsmen in the 13 to 16 age group to clinch the coveted title.

The final saw Aaron skilfully manoeuvre his way round a tricky and testing course which included a slalom run, 360-degree reverse around a buoy and a man overboard test. The Essex youngster was cheered on by 80 supporters who travelled down to Hampshire for the showdown.

Aaron, representing Island Yacht Club as well as the Eastern region at the final, won a brand new Ribcraft RIB powerboat with a Honda outboard motor for his club.

He also took home a trophy and various other prizes donated by sponsors.

Now in its eighth year the Honda RYA Youth RIB challenge allows youngsters to demonstrate their prowess as expert boat handlers and improve their skills in a safe environment. To ensure safety at all times each youngster was accompanied in the RIB by an adult powerboat instructor.