A YOUNG Rochester sailor is set to represent the South East in the national powerboat finals this weekend.

Twelve-year-old Adam Bermingham, from Wilsonian Sailing Club, heads to the Southampton Boat Show on Saturday for the final of the Honda RYA Youth RIB Championships.

Bermingham put in a blistering display of skill and speed in the regional final back in July to earn the chance to challenge for the title of 2007 champion.

He will pitch his skills against 16 other young finalists from across the country in the 8-12 age group. The champion will win one of two 4.8m Ribcraft RIBs with a Honda BF50 Outboard on an Indespension trailer for their club.

The Championship allows youngsters to demonstrate their skills as expert boat handlers and improve their skills in a safe, controlled environment.

Each competitor needs to manoeuvre around a pre-set course in the quickest time, testing their skill, control as well as speed.

To ensure safety at all times, each child is accompanied in the RIB by a competent adult/instructor.

Bermingham will take to the water at 10.40am at Europe's largest purpose built on-the-water boat show, running at Mayflower Park, Southampton.