Despite wind and rain meaning racing did not start until Thursday, organisers of the annual Coniston Powerboat Records Week say new records were set by competitors determined to make the most of the 53rd event.
With jetties underwater crews and timekeepers faced a real challenge to prepare a course and recover timing marks to ensure that runs could get underway.
Ideal conditions on Thursday and Friday meant several records were set across various classes.
Performances of note included Paul Hart who increased the British national record in the Formula 500 Up to 500cc class, achieving an average speed of 109.39 mph, surpassing his previous record of 106.67 mph.
Hart from Hertford was around 0.5mph off the speed required to break the world record in his class but is already planning his return to Coniston in 2026.
Meanwhile Graham Leech delivered a phenomenal back-to-back performance in the SKI Division GP1 / F1 1000m class, setting a new world record with an average speed of 78.74 mph, eclipsing the previous mark of 73.35 mph.
In a career starting in 1961 Bob Wartinger is the most prolific water speed record breaker there has been. Hailing from Seattle, USA, Bob returned to Coniston for the second year running, arriving with 147 water speed records to his name.
On Thursday afternoon, Bob broke the World record in the Endurance Group B – Promotion 150 (P) class, reaching an average speed of 66.98 mph, improving on the previous record of 60.87 mph. This World record achievement saw Bob’s record tally increase to 148 records.
With 36 competitive runs across 7 classes, Records Week 2025 organisers say the event reaffirmed Coniston’s status as the premier venue for water speed records.
The 54th Power Boat Records Week will take place from November 2 to November 6 2026 on Coniston Water.
