Tooling specialist WNT (UK) Ltd (www.wnt.co.uk) won the 2016 RYA Industry Award for the best sponsorship of a powerboat racing team.

The award was accepted on the company’s behalf by Team WNT F2 Powerboat driver Steve Hoult in front of an audience from the world of British Powerboat racing.

He said: “An amazing 2016 season kicked off with the boat being presented in its all-new blue WNT livery. Early disappointments were overcome through the teamwork and dogged determination of all involved. We fought hard to try and retain our British Championship, and we will try even harder this year.

“The outing at the World Championship round in Portugal was the icing on a very nice cake and proved that we can compete with the best in the world.”

Mr Hoult then thanked WNT (UK) managing director Tony Pennington for his and the company’s continued support, and said he was looking forward to the UIM F2 World Championship at the Belgium Grand Prix in Antwerp in July and the Portuguese Grand Prix in Ribadouro in September.

Sheffield-based WNT (UK) (www.wnt.com) has extended its support for the British Powerboat GP series and will be the race sponsor for the 2017 season finale at Rother Valley Country Park on 7-8 October.

Mr Pennington said: “The opportunity to sponsor what is a very local race for us was too good to miss. We aim to make the weekend a terrific family event for our staff and customers.

“With a marquee and a barbecue at the water’s edge, our guests will be close to the action on the water and in the pits.”

Having won the F2 Powerboat Championship in 2015 and narrowly missed out on retaining it in 2016, Team WNT F2 will have a new boat for 2017.

It has been working with WNT engineers to create high-performance parts for the boat, including ‘state of the art’ propellers.