Next week, power boat teams will gather in the Lake District to see how fast they can go.
Coniston Power Boat Records Week is considered by many as the world’s premier water speed record event and sees British and International drivers attempt to raise the bar of speed record in their class of watercraft on Coniston Water
This year is the 52nd event and will see watercraft of all sizes and piloted by drivers of all ages take to the water.
From young drivers to those with over 40 years’ experience, the nerves and sense of pride is the same regardless of age or experience, say organisers.
This year’s event will see drivers from across UK and Europe challenge themselves against the clock.
Among the competitors hoping to claim a new world record this year is 47-year-old Hagen Jerzynski who is undertaking the 1,500km pilgrimage from his home in Germany.
No stranger to Coniston, Hagen is returning for the third year, this time with his boat Chica and the hope of setting a new world and German national record in the S450 class.
Also returning is 32-year-old Sam Whittle from Hampshire. Two years ago Sam took to Coniston Water and became the new world record holder of the Formula 2 class from the previous holder, his father Keith at 133.23mph.
Following an outstanding 2024 season, which saw him become the British National Champion in the F2 class, Sam and his Powertec Marine team have their sights set on the S2000 world and national record.
If Sam can beat the current record speed of 129mph, it will be the second time Sam has retained a record for the Whittle family name, as the current record holder is his father Keith.
Another competitor from a water speed record breaking family is 33-year-old John Bunyan from Southampton. John’s father and brother are both water speed record breakers and this year John is hoping to set a new national water speed record in the OCRDA F3 class in his offshore monohull boat.
The Argo 17 boat has been setting speed and endurance records since 2002 and needs a speed of over 56.32mph to secure John another entry into the water speed record hall of fame.
The event takes place from Monday to Friday and spectators can see the action from the banks of Coniston and get up close to the water craft and competitors by the Coniston Boating Centre.
