THE first day of the Power Boat Records week got off to an excellent start on Coniston Water – with three new records already been set by 9.30am.

With 21 entries signed in for the 49th water speed records before the start of the week, there were plenty of drivers ready to go at the beginning of the day.

Conditions were near perfect – which after the last week of storm conditions was a great relief to everyone.

The first run also set the first record of the week after 19-year-old Jonny Brewer was drawn out of the hat to get the ball rolling in his Formula Grand Prix Light class entry.

Jonny from Lincoln, a third-generation powerboat driver following in his father and grandfather's wake, established a new British water speed record for this class at 51mph.

During the course of the day Jonny went on to increase his record to 72.94mph in the class, as well as establishing a new British national water speed record in National Clubman Circuit 1000 Catamaran at 70.86mph.

The success of the catamaran boats continued throughout the day with Sam Whittle, 29, from Portsmouth who started his campaign in the Formula Grand Prix class.

Over the day Sam gradually increased his speed to 114.86mph, setting a new British record in the Formula GP class.

While the furthest travelled competitor of the week had driven over 2500km from Sweden, 44-year-old Paul Scott had travelled a few miles down the A591 from Kendal. Paul, as one of several Cumbrian competitors taking part in Records Week, was another record breaker in the National Clubman Circuit 1500 Monohull class at 55.63mph.

The first day of Records Week 2021 saw a total of 36 runs with two world and national and 13 individual national records set or broken, with 11 competitors already having broken records.

With 26 entries raring to go the 18 records broken and re-broken over the 36 runs on day one is only the tip of the iceberg for this world renowned event.

Attempts continue today at 8am – and with good weather forecast the records look set to continue to tumble.