This week will see the return of power boat teams and drivers intent on speed glory to Coniston Water after a two-year absence.

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 boat.

It will be the 49th Water Speed Record event held and will see watercraft of all sizes piloted by drivers of all ages take to the hallowed water.

Among the competitors hoping to claim a new World Record this year is 19-year-old Mathilda Wiberg who is undertaking the 2,500km journey from her home in Sweden. Following a successful season racing in the European Championship, Mathilda from, Wiberg Racing, will be competing for the Formula 4 speed record which currently stands at 81.33mph.

The teenager will be going head-to-head for the F4 record with 19-year-old Jonny Brewer, from Lincoln, who last month raced to success to become the F4 British Champion.

And one of the many returning competitors to Coniston will be 27-year-old Seumas Macleod in his inflatable catamaran.

After setting a new British National speed record in Coniston in 2018, Seumas, from the Hebridean Isle of Lewis, has been bitten by the speed bug.

He will be hoping to increase his speed from the record he set in 2018 in the PF850 class at 70.10mph.

Paul Scott, from Kendal, is also another Records Week veteran.

The 44-year-old is hoping to set a new National Water Speed Record in the Clubman Monohull 1500 class in his Sima Hull. Over the last 20 years in this boat, he has achieved several world and national records, World Championship wins and club races on Windermere.

And the boat has been fitted with a new 1140cc Parsun engine for his record attempts.   

With entries still coming in and some teams keeping their intentions under wraps until the event, organisers have promised this year will be another world record breaking event.

A spokesman from Coniston Power Boat Records: “Following the extreme weather and high water levels on Coniston Water in the last week, we have worked hard with our local partners to make operational changes to allow this year’s event to take place.

“We are extremely grateful to Coniston Boating Centre, Bluebird Café and The Coppermines and Lakes Cottages. Due to the wind speed forecast, we have delayed the start of Records Week 2021 to Tuesday, November 2.”