Powerboats have once again returned to Coniston Water and continue in the tradition of breaking world records, although not quite to the speed of Donald Campbell 300 mph world water speed record.
Until the speed ban was introduced in 2005, the powerboats used Windermere for the UK’s only straight-line speed event. Since then the boats moved the event across the Lake District to Coniston Water, made most famous by the ill-fated 1967 World Water Speed record attempt by Donald Campbell.
The boats this week come from a variety of types and categories with each group having their own world records to beat, and judging by the first few days, quite a number of those records are going to fall. The first record was smashed by Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club’s Jim Noone in the FR1000 category for hydroplane boats who registered a top speed of 103.87mph – the previous record was 89.6 mph held since 2003.
Jim is also trying to break the 150mph barrier in the F1 S3000 category for catamarans with his 350 horsepower boat. This week he managed to get a one way speed of 154.7mph, but for the record to stand it has to be performed twice with the average time taken.
Links for Coniston:
Coniston tourist attractions
Hotels and B&Bs in Coniston
Self-catering accommodation in Coniston
