MORE than 40 powerboat enthusiasts from around Britain are setting their sights on breaking national and world water speed records on Coniston Water next week.

They will be revving up to take part in the Coniston Powerboat Records Week, which is the finale to the UK's powerboat racing season and the only event in the racing calendar to bring together all classes of boat, some of which are capable of reaching speeds up to 140mph.

The event, organised by Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club and taking place from November 5-9, attracts hundreds of spectators to Coniston.

The lake has added interest as a race venue this year because it is the 40th anniversary of Donald Campbell's fatal crash there during an attempt to beat his own water speed record in Bluebird.

Last year, local competitor Ted Walsh achieved a new national and world record for the S3000 powerboat category. He entered the record books after driving his catamaran at an average speed of 138mph, beating his own previous record of 132mph.

Alison Whalley, chairman of the organising committee, said: "The event attracts visitors from all over the UK and overseas who come to experience the thrills on Coniston Water, as well as the breathtaking lake and mountain scenery.

"People can expect to see everything from tiny hydroplanes and inshore circuit racers to the largest offshore boats, all attempting to break water speed records."

Powerboat record attempts have been made on several of Cumbria's lakes, including Coniston Water, for almost 100 years. The annual records week was held on Windermere from 1970, but an enforced speed limit resulted in the move to Coniston three years ago.

Phillip Johnston, owner of The Coppermines and Coniston Lakes Cottages and a sponsor of Coniston Powerboat Records Week, said: "Coniston has been the spiritual home of record breaking since Donald Campbell's famous world speed record, so it's the perfect venue for this event and we're proud to be hosting it here.

"The event provides a real boost to the tourism industry in the Coniston area at what is usually a quiet time of the year."

For more information about the event visit www.conistonpowerboatrecords.co.uk