Coniston Power Boat Record Week

09/03/2024

Return run has commenced..... 💙

24/11/2023

14/11/2023

This year in Coniston, we were again joined by Matt Willis from the 'Boundary of Disaster' podcast. The podcast from the 51st Powerboat Record Week is now available to listen to at the link below.

Thanks Matt.

Listen to Matt Willis Returns to Coniston Powerboat Records Week 2023 from Boundary of Disaster. We're back! And Matt Willis heads back up to the Lake District for this year's Coniston Powerboat Records Week for the 2023 edition.The website for Coniston Power Boat Records week is: http://www.conisto...

06/11/2023

Coniston Power Boat Record Week 2023 – Round Up
Saturday 6th November 2023

The 51st Annual Powerboat Record Week again allowed the world see people from all disciplines of powerboat racing come together.

As a Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM – World governing body of powerboat racing) calendared event, Coniston Powerboat Records Week is open to competitors from around the globe. This year we were delighted to welcome international competitors from Ireland and Slovakia, not to mention from all corners of the UK.

Some of the week’s highlights include:
Spectators in Coniston and online followers around the world didn’t need to wait long to see the 1st record of the week to be set. 42 year-old Chartered Surveyor, Helen Loney from Kendal was the first record breaker of the week with a speed of 57.95mph in ‘Bolero’, a Phantom monohull boat which is powered by a 260hp Mercury engine. Helen is no stranger to water speed record breaking having held many records throughout her racing career including being the current holder of the Ladies Outright British record. Continuing her record breaking endeavours throughout the week, Helen made a total of 9 attempts on the run, eventually leaving the British National Record for the National Clubman Unlimited Monohull standing at 75.57mph. Helen was awarded the ‘Shepherds Trophy’ for being the fastest lady of the week.

The youngest competitor of the week was 9 year-old Tate Mantripp. After completing his first season competing in the British National GT15 Championship, Tate travelled to Coniston from Suffolk with Mum Nikki and Dad Simon to establish a new GT15 Clubman record. In his Povvat monohull powered by a Tohatsu 15hp engine, initially, he bravely established a new British National record. Tate was not alone in his quest for the GT15 Clubman record in Coniston this week. 12 year-old Poppy Stewart briefly took the record before Tate eventually regained the British National GT15 Clubman record at 39.16mph making him one of the youngest water speed record breakers. Due to the differing age rules for GT World and British National records, Tate hopes to return to Coniston and attempt the GT15 EPA World Record when he is old enough.

Poppy Stewart who was going propellor to propellor with Tate was also one of the youngest competitors of the week. 12 year old Poppy also from Suffolk is already the 2023 British Sprint Champion in the GT15 class and has been competed in the GT15 World Championships at her home club, Lowestoft and Oulton Broad Motorboat Club earlier this year. Although it is Poppy’s first time at Coniston, she leaves having held the British National record in the GT15 Clubman class at 38.84mph and remains the current holder of the GT15 EPA World Record at 38.88mph. As British National Water Speed Record holders, both Tate and Poppy were awarded silver K7 stars by the K7 Club Chairman, Jim Noone.

Two other competitors who were also going head to head this week were Ashley Penfold and George Elmore in the GT30 class. Initially established by George at 50.93mph, it wasn’t long before Ashley pushed the World and British National record to 52.75mph. The two drivers made 18 attempts at the GT30 record during the week and the battle eventually saw Ashley Penfold leave Coniston as the holder of the GT30 World and British National record at 53.00mph. As a new British water speed record breaker, Ashley was awarded a silver K7 Star.

The fastest run of the week was by an overseas competitor. Veteran Slovakian driver, Marian Jung, made the 2000 mile journey to Coniston this year to attempt the World Water Speed Record in the Circuit Formula 500 class. First established by Andy Chesman in 1996 at 101.50mph the class record Marian was aiming for was 106.67mph. On Wednesday morning, before Storm Ciaran stopped attempts for 24 hours, Marian took to Coniston Water to set a new Slovakian National record at 102.64mph, less than 5mph slower than the target he wanted to clinch the World record. Frustratingly the stormy water conditions meant that Marian and his team had a 48 hour wait before their next attempt. On Friday morning, the storm had left perfect conditions for record breaking in its wake and Marian was first in the stack at 8am. His first run provided a slight increase on his Slovakian National record speed of 0.24mph, however the return run of his next attempt saw a speed of 109.23mph. A water speed record must consist of two consecutive runs in opposite directions within 20 minutes of each other, therefore the challenge to refuel and make another attempt, within the time limit, was on.
At 09:23, just 15 minutes after his last run, the timekeepers recorded a speed of 109.39mph giving an average speed of the two consecutive runs of 109.31mph making Marian Jung the new World Record holder for the Circuit Formula 500 class.

Also competing in Catamaran boats this week, were Chris Loney and Ted Walsh.
Chris Loney set the second fastest run of the week at 106.22mph which established a new British National record in the National Clubman Unlimited Catamaran class.
Ted Walsh was putting a new electric boat concept through its paces which uses the motor from a Nissan Leaf car combined with lithium ion batteries from BMW. Unfortunately Ted didn’t set a new record but was a great testament to the events platform for British endeavour.

Coniston Water is synonymous with world water speed record breaking and each year attracts international competitors to Record Week to emulate the achievements of their heroes who have gone before. In addition to Marian Jung from Slovakia, Will Chambers from the island of Ireland was another overseas competitor who made the pilgrimage to Coniston for the first time.
Will, from Co. Fermanagh was the oldest record breaker of the week setting a new Irish National and World Record in the HS 850 class at 67.50mph. At 73 years-old, Will just goes to prove that age is just a number, this also means that our youngest record breaker of the week, Tate Mantripp, has at least 64 years of record breaking to match Will’s commitment.

Just to prove water speed record breaking isn’t just a young man’s game, Bill Owen, 67 years-old from Ashton-in Makerfield, has been powerboat racing and setting records for several decades. This year bill set a new British National record in the National Clubman 1000 Monohull class at 64.86mph. This also earned bill the Norman Buckley Trophy for the highest percentage increase of any class record during the week at 13.9%.

The offshore classes from the OCRDA were well represented again this year. Last year the OCRDA F1 was hotly contested by four entrants without success, however returning to Record Week this year was Driver, Malcolm Dopson and Navigator, Clair Williams. The journey paid off when on Thursday afternoon, despite the tail end of Storm Ciaran, the pair achieved a new British National OCRDA F1 record at 71.08mph.
Record Week stalwart and OCRDA President, Bob McCarthy was running in two classes this year and yet again struck gold. In the Pleasure Navigation Group A (HOCR) F2 class Bob, along with his Son David as Navigator, established a new World and British National record at 63.18mph. In his second entry, Pleasure Navigation Endurance Group B Promotion class, Bob and David established a new World and British National record at 60.87mph.

Records Week is the only event were all disciplines of powerboat craft can be seen competing in the same event, which is one of many attributes that make Records Week truly unique. One of the most entertaining classes is always the Aquabikes. 15 year-old, Kyle Horton was a newbie at Records Week in 2022 and seems to have been bitten by the record breaking bug. Returning for a second year after a successful year in the World and British Jet Ski championships, Kyle established a new World and British National record in the Aquabike Runabout GP2 at 83.02mph. In his second entry, Kyle from Lancashire, established a new British National record in Aquabike Runabout 4 Stroke Stock class at 82.77mph.
Pit mate to Kyle, Chris Atherton was another new face at Record Week. In his debut year, Chris, has established a new World and British National water speed record in the Aquabike Runabout GP1 class at 83.45mph.

Record Week people, you should be extremely proud of everything that has been achieved in the Cathedral of World Water Speed Records this week;

• 22 Entries
• 103 Attempts on the run
• 10 World Records
• 16 British National Records
• 1 Slovakian National Record
• 1 Irish National Record

2024 will see the 52nd annual Power Boat Record Week take place on Coniston Water from 4th to 8th November. We look forward to welcoming the World of Powerboat Racing back to the spiritual home of world water speed record breaking.

By Glynn Cunliffe, Record Week

Note: All records and speeds are subject to ratification by the UIM and National Governing Bodies.

06/11/2023

04/11/2023

Following some clarifications we have issued a revised preliminary results sheet, all of which are subject to ratification by the relevant governing body.

04/11/2023

04/11/2023

Probably the most commonly word used in Coniston last week was 'RECORD' and whether it be a world record or a British national record for over 4 decades Mike Ward has dedicated himself to writing the record books.

Attending every Record Week with the exception of one, Mike has been known to trawl the archives of the British governing bodies and UIM in search of records information and photographs.

This year at Record Week, the world governing body of Powerboat Racing, the Union Internationale Motonautique, asked the UK Administrator, Chris Loney, to make a special award and present a stunning 'UIM Milestone Award' to Mike Ward.

Congratulations and thank you Mike from all at Coniston Power Boat Record Week.

04/11/2023

In memory of Records Week past Chairman Robin Brown, the 'Spirit of Record Week Trophy' was crafted by Alan Fawcus (Timing South) in 2012. The candlestick is made from very old Solway Oak recovered from beneath the sand, along with a nickel plated copper billet in the shape of Bluebird K7.

This year, the 'Spirit of Record Week' trophy was awarded to someone who works through out the week in operational control of the event there is very little respite from the barrage of questions and decisions. Taking over as Senior OOD in 2021, she has now started to train the next generation of Record Week officials.
At the 51st Power Boat Records Week, the 'Spirit of Records Week Trophy' was awarded to Ruth Morse by Robin Brown's son Adam.

04/11/2023

Each year one person stands out for providing relentless support to all.
Adrian Morse provides outstanding support every Record Week to the waterside team in addition to the many years of behind the scenes support in the sport.
The Appreciation Trophy was presented by Linsey Fairhurst, WMBRC Commodore.

04/11/2023

The maintenance of the course is a year round activity, from maintenance and surveying of the timing marks to the preparation of the buoys and cable. Even the laying of the course begins before many have started on their journey to Coniston and happens out of sight of many.

This year the Course Team have been awarded the Person / Team of the meeting trophy in recognition of their dedication through out the year.

04/11/2023

Records Week is possible because over 60 volunteers give their time freely entirely at their own expense.
Dolphin Trophies are awarded for exceptional work at Records Week.
This year a Dolphin Trophies were awarded to two people who have made the switch from being competitors at last years Record Week to being highly valued volunteers at this years event.

This year, Thomas Mantripp has played the role of wetman on the foreshore helping with launching and recovery of boats along with rescue of stricken boats and buoys.

Oban Duncan has seamlessly embedded herself in the Control Van as Trainee OOD providing great support.

Long may they both continue in their support of the event and for their exceptional work at Records Week this year were awarded Dolphin Trophies.

04/11/2023

he K7 trophy is awarded to the fastest speed during Records Week regardless of a record. This year Marian Jung achieved 109.31mph in the Circuit Formula 500 class which achieved a new World and Slovakian National record. WMBRC Commodore, Linsey Fairhurst awarded the K7 trophy to Marian.

04/11/2023

The fastest lady of the week was Helen Loney. Helen set a new National record in the Clubman Unlimited Monohull at 75.57mph. The Shepherds Trophy was awarded to Helen by her record run passenger and Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club Commodore, Linsey Fairhurst.

04/11/2023

The youngest Record Breaker of the week was 9-year-old Tate Mantripp, who, on in his GT15 Monohull boat has set a new British National Records.

The English Lakes Hotel Trophy was awarded to Tate by Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club Commodore, Linsey Fairhurst.

04/11/2023

Each year the The Bluebird Café select the recipients of the Concours D'elegance. The trophy is awarded to the team who has the best turned out boat and conduct during the week.

This year, the Bluebird Café team selected Poppy Stewart to receive the award.

04/11/2023

The most meritorious performance of the week was achieved by Bill Owen.
The Norman Buckley trophy is awarded to the Highest Percentage increase in any class. Bill increased the Clubman 1000 Monohull class record by 13.9%. The trophy was presented by Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club Commodore, Linsey Fairhurst.

04/11/2023

Malc Dopson made the highest percentage increase in an Offshore class with a 4.27% increase in the OCRDA F1 Class. The UKOBA Drivers' Trophy was presented to Malc and his navigator, Clair Williams by Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club Commodore, Linsey Fairhurst.

04/11/2023

The highest percentage record increase in Circuit class including Clubman was Adam Brown in the Diesel Outboard Unlimited Record at 8.13% increase.

The UKOBA Cup was presented to Adam by Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club Commodore, Linsey Fairhurst.

04/11/2023

The highest percentage increase of a hydroplane class record was Marian Jung in the Formula 500 Class at 2.47%.

The Keith Dunn trophy was awarded to Marian by Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club Commodore, Linsey Fairhurst.

04/11/2023

K7 Stars are awarded to British record breakers. Occasionally the K7 Club elect to award special international K7 Stars to recognise outstanding achievements of overseas drives.

This year the K7 Committee agreed to award an international K7 Star to Marian Jung for achieving a record in the Circuit Formula 500 class at 109.31mph.

04/11/2023

Each year, first time Record breakers under 100mph are awarded Silver Stars by the K7 Club.
This year Silver Stars were presented to the following National record breakers by K7 Club Chairman, Jim Noone;

Chris Atherton - Aquabike Runabout GP1 - 83.45mph
Ashley Penfold - GT30 - 53.00mph
Poppy Stewart - GT15 EPA - 38.88mph
Tate Mantripp - GT15 - 39.16mph

03/11/2023

Presentation is about to get underway in the Coniston Institute. Here is the preliminary list of records set this week, which are subject to ratification.

03/11/2023

The Coniston Institute is ready to host the presentation of the 51st Powerboat
Record Week.

Presentation at 9pm, 7.30pm for food.

03/11/2023

Malc Dopson has set a new British National record in the OCRDA F1 class at 71.08mph.

03/11/2023

The last run of the day has taken place, bringing the 51st Powerboat Record Week to a close.

Thank you, everyone, for following us this week. Presentation will take place at 9pm in the Coniston Institute.

03/11/2023

Tate Matripp has regained the British National Record in the GT15 class at 39.16mph.

03/11/2023

Chris Loney has increased his British National Record in the National Clubman Catamaran Class at 106.22mph.

03/11/2023

Powerboat racing veteran Bill Owen has set a new British National record at 64.86mph in the Circuit 1000 Monohull class.

03/11/2023

Poppy Stewart has established a new World Record in the GT15 class at 38.88mph.