An OSY400 hydroplane, a 200hp Allison and a Phantom 19 are among the entries attempting speed records at Coniston Water this November, with organisers confirming the course is set and competitors have begun signing in.
The 54th Coniston Power Boat Records Week runs from 2 to 6 November 2026. Unlike conventional racing, competitors take individual turns on a measured kilometre course, attempting to beat existing marks for their class rather than racing directly against each other.
Poland's Cezary Strumnik is bringing Mosquito Gold, an OSY400 racing hydroplane with a Yamato engine. The lightweight hydroplane is engineered to minimise hull contact with water, making propeller selection, engine height and trim critical to performance.
Peter Little has entered Team 26, an Allison hull powered by a 200hp Mercury XR2, competing in Clubman 2000. Organisers describe Little as a multiple offshore champion and record holder, a claim this report has not independently verified.
Benjamin and Sophie Holehouse are expected aboard The Bandit, a Phantom 19 with a Mercury 200XS, entered in the HOCR Sports Boat 300hp Max category — the class power ceiling. The Holehouse family is linked to the Salcombe Poker Run, an RNLI-supporting event held in memory of their brother Harvey.
Three newcomers received funding for their entry fees at the drivers' briefing, with Aidan Dunnigan and Finn Churchill named among the recipients. The K7 Club provided the support through the George and Nina Sawyer Legacy Fund, presented by club president Robbie Robinson MBE.
Record attempts operate under British Power Boat Association and Circuit Powerboat Association approval, with Union Internationale Motonautique rules where applicable. Eligible categories for 2026 include circuit racing boats, aquabikes, offshore powerboats, electric craft, pleasure navigation classes, MotoSurf and outright record attempts.
Daily attempts begin at 8am GMT (9pm NZT), with a midday break Monday through Thursday. Friday's final attempt must start by 2pm GMT (3am Saturday NZT). Weather and course conditions will determine actual running time.
Coniston Water has hosted speed record attempts since 2005, when Records Week moved from Windermere following the introduction of a 10mph speed limit there. The lake's association with water speed records extends to Sir Malcolm Campbell and his son Donald, whose 1967 attempt ended tragically.
