For many people the thought of racing an inflatable powerboat at speeds of up to 60mph across rough seas is enough to frighten the life out of them.
Not so for Hartlepool teenager Emily, who loves nothing more than racing on the high seas.
RICHARD MENNEAR reports.

"I love the adrenaline rush and sense of freedom that it gives you," says an excited Emily Houghton, who recently competed in Hartlepool's first ever Thundercat show.
The 18-year-old, who only took up the sport a few months ago, was competing in the Royal Yachting Association's Thundercat Racing National Championship, at Seaton Carew.
It was the first time the town had hosted the competition and Emily took part as a co-pilot for Team RAF alongside Mandy Castle.
Emily had never raced competitively before. She was more used to racing the powerboats in the safety of the dock at Hartlepool Marina.
The former High Tunstall School and Hartlepool College of Further Education pupil got the chance after her step-dad, Shaun Houghton-Birrell, asked if she wanted to take part.
Shaun is manager of Hartlepool Marina Boat Sales – which organised the event – and also offers people the chance to test out the Thundercats.
Emily's performance impressed her fellow competitors and she has been asked to go to Wales to compete next month.
Plans are also in place to set up a North East Thundercat team in time for next year.
Emily, who doesn't have a job but wants to get into public relations, said: "I am really keen to get more involved in Thundercat racing as it is something that I really enjoy.
"I have done quite a bit of water sports in the past and when I tried the sport I loved it straight away. I am an adrenaline junkie and love speed boats and jet skis.
"There were two different classes at the Seaton show – the P750 and the standard class. Our team was the only all-female standard class, which is a great achievement.
"It was pretty amazing racing. I have had a taste of it and now I want to experience even more."
Emily has been invited to take part in the Adrenaline Coast festival, in Conwy, Wales, on June 20, by Team Caesar.
She added: "I have been asked to go down to Wales, and even if I don't get to compete, then it will be great to experience another weekend of racing.
"The Thundercat race team is like a community with people coming from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa."
At one stage of the Seaton race, Emily and her pilot were thrown from the boat as it negotiated a corner.
Emily, who has also enjoyed canoeing, kayaking and sailing since the age of 14, added: "I was a bit shaky for a while but that didn't stop us getting back on and finishing the race.
"Racing at sea is a lot different to racing around the Marina as you have to be a lot more aware of the waves and the swell. The boats are so light that they fly up into the air as you move across the water.
"Being co-pilot is the hardest job. It is my job to put my weight on the front of the powerboat when we go round corners. It is about reading the water and moving at the right time.
"I didn't realise how battered and bruised I would be after the race. I raced on the Saturday but couldn't compete on the Sunday because I was so bruised – you get thrown about quite a lot."
The Thundercat races, which took part over the Bank Holiday weekend, was so popular that organisers have arranged for them to come back.
The race will return to Seaton in August next year and Shaun is hoping to create a new Thundercat club with the help of the Marina and the Teesside and Hartlepool Yacht club.
Emily, who also studied event management at Newcastle College, added: "It is pretty exciting what the future holds. I am really enthusiastic and motivated to get involved in Thundercats – I love speed.
"I'm really excited about the possible new team and it would be a fantastic opportunity for us all. It was great just me doing it, but to be part of a proper team would be fantastic."
Step-dad Shaun lives with Emily's mum, Sarah Houghton-Birrell, 43, a specialist teacher for children with autism, in their Percy Street home.
The 36-year-old said: "I was apprehensive at first at the thought of her racing across the sea but I was very proud of her, she did really well. The opportunity came up and she was chomping at the bit.
"It is an easy sport to get into but there are inevitable costs like petrol and travelling so we would need sponsorship for any new team and we are currently looking into that.
"The teams come from across the UK and it would be great to have one from Hartlepool and we are looking to enter a team next year.
"The competition at Seaton went very well and all those that took part said they had a great time and they were impressed with what we could offer."
The National Championships run from May to October at sites across the UK.
Emily, who says she aims to build up her body strength at the gym, added: "I get a lot of support from my family and friends – although most of them think I'm mad.
"They don't see the attraction but they think it is pretty special and unique."