Sam Whittle returned to Coniston Water in Cumbria this week with hopes of surpassing the 133.23 mph UIM F2 World Speed Record he set in 2022. Piloting his Mercury-powered BaBa hull, Whittle started strong, setting a new British National record of 127.42 mph in the O2000 class on his initial run.

In ideal conditions for his second attempt, Whittle reached a promising one-way speed of 135 mph, indicating he was well on track to beat his own record. Unfortunately, his record-breaking bid was cut short when his propeller broke on the return leg, leaving the run incomplete.

With his damaged propeller now beyond repair, Whittle faces the challenge of attempting another record run using a larger, untested propeller.

PRW wish him all the best.

Next week sees the gathering of Power Boat teams and drivers on Coniston Water. 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.

The 2024 event will be the 52nd Water Speed Record event held in the Lake District and will see watercraft of all sizes and piloted by drivers of all ages take to the hallowed water. From the young through to drivers with over 40 years’ experience, the nerves and sense of pride is the same regardless of age or experience.

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 3^rd year, this time with his boat ‘Chica’ with hope of setting a new World and German national record in the S450 class.

Another of the many returning competitors to Coniston this year will be 32 year old Sam Whittle from Hampshire. 2 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.

The weather forecast for the week look extremely favourable for the event, 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. Attempts will take place from 8am on Monday 4^th November until 2pm on Friday 8^th November.

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