Maidstone’s Ben Jelf eyes new World Speed Record at Coniston Records Week – Sailing news
Young RYA Powerboat Racing Champion, Ben Jelf of Maidstone, Kent, is aiming to make a new World Speed Record to become the fastest youngster on water, as he is set to participate at the Coniston Records Week to attempt his record breaking race. The 11-year-old
will be taking part in the 41st Annual Coniston Records Week, scheduled from October 31-November 4.
The event will be crowded with UK Powerboat Racers from all over the country. Participants will be moving to Coniston Water in Cumbria for the event, having an ambition to set a new National and World speed record. Many attempts have been made for Powerboat
records in the previous century on several English waters like Ullswater, Windermere and Coniston Water.
Jelf secured his place in history after he became Britain’s youngest World Powerboat Racing Champion, securing the GT15 World title in June, 2011. After his 11th birthday, just two days after winning GT15 World title, Jelf secured the GT15 European
Championship and retained two British RYA titles in the JT250 Class.
Apart from his World Record attempt, Jelf is also raising money and spreading awareness for Everyman Cancer Campaign. Male cancer cases are increasing with each day, but there is less awareness of the problem which is bothering the youngster. The idea is
to raise consciousness and fund for research into testicular and prostate cancer.
Ben explained about his campaign and said, “Both of my grandfathers have Prostate Cancer and are looked after and receive first class treatment from the Doctors. Charities like the Everyman campaign help make this treatment possible by funding research and
raising awareness of male cancer. If I can help raise awareness and money while hopefully setting a new World Record, than that’s great!”
Jelf’s achievements have been fantastic so far, as he is following the footsteps of his grandfather, father and uncle. His grandfather started racing in 1966 and achieved a lot in the sport.
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