POWER boat crews from across the world will be setting records on Coniston Water next week. 

The 2024 event will be the 52nd Water Speed Record week held in the Lake District and will see watercraft of all sizes and piloted by drivers of all ages take to the water.

From the young to drivers with over 40 years' experience, all will be trying to push what is possible in a propelled boat. 

This year’s event will see drivers from across UK and Europe challenge themselves against the clock.

Among the many returning competitors to Coniston this year will be 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 again 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.  

Antoher competitor 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.

The week draws record hunters from across the worldThe week draws record hunters from across the world (Image: Matthew Willis) No stranger to Coniston, Hagen is returning for the third year, this time with his boat ‘Chica’ with the hope of setting a new World and German national record in the S450 class.

The weather forecast for the week looks favourable for the event. Spectators can see the action from the banks of Coniston and get up close to the watercraft and competitors by the Coniston Boating Centre. Attempts will take place from 8am on Monday, November 4 until 2pm on Friday, November 8.  

With entries still coming in and some teams keeping their intentions under wraps until the event, the 52nd annual Powerboat Record Week promises to be another world record-breaking event.