FEARS the 10mph speed limit on Windermere could lead to vast numbers of boaters leaving the lake have proved to be unfounded, according to annual registration figures released by the Lake District National Park Authority.

From December 1, 2004 to early February this year, some 1,969 owners had registered their power driven craft, compared with 1,995 during the corresponding period 12 months ago - a fall of just 26 registrations. And this is despite all owners having to pay more to use the lake this year - the first increase in three years.

As expected, the speed limit, which will be enforced from March 29, has had an obvious impact on the high-powered jet-skiers and sports boat. To date, just two jet-skis have registered compared with 59 by the same time last year, and the figures for sports boats are down from 517 to 234.

The figures also show a dramatic increase for other classes of boats with engines: cabin cruisers are up from 321 to 346; dinghies up from 589 to 638; and yachts up from 459 to 583. Total power-driven vessel registrations in 2004 were 6,384, compared with 6,651 in 2003, and 6,484 in 2002.

Corporate operations director Bob Cartwright said if the boat registration trend continued at its normal rate - and he had no reason to doubt this would happen - then predictions that the speed limit would turn places such as Bowness into "ghost towns" would look totally wrong.

"I am very excited by these early returns, and while there is still some uncertainty about how people will finally react to the speed limit, the trends we expected seem to be coming true. It's very encouraging to notice the rise in the number of cabin cruisers and yachts wanting to enjoy the tranquillity we believe the speed limit will bring back to Windermere," added Mr Cartwright.