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A time ... A place ...
Once the Quicksilver craft has been throughly tested and proved capable of reaching speeds as high as 200mph, permission will be sought for the Record Challenge to take place on Coniston Water. This is necessary to ensure that the Record is officially ratified and that there is widespread support for what we are doing. Preliminary approaches were made some time ago to the relevant authorities, to seek their guidance and support. –
Besides the organisations which must be consulted, it is vitally important that the Record Challenge has the widespread support of the people who live and work in the area around Coniston Water.
There has been a very positive and encouraging response to our outline proposals.
The legal framework already exists to challenge the World Water Speed Record. The rules governing such bids are set out in the Byelaws of the Lake District National Park Authority – the governmental organisation with overall jurisdiction over the use of Coniston Water.
To ensure official ratification, the Record Challenge must be made under the rules and supervision of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), the UK's national governing body for waterborne speed-record bids. As the national affiliate authority, the RYA represents Great Britain on the international governing body for waterborne speed-record bids, the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), headquartered in Monaco.
Respecting the beauty ...
With the intention of involving local people, the Quicksilver team sought the guidance of their representatives at a very early stage. Approaches were made to Coniston Parish Council, Cumbria County Council, and South Lakeland District Council.
The interests of landowners are among the many factors which must be taken into consideration when planning the Record Challenge. They include Forestry Enterprise, the National Trust and the Rawden-Smith Trust (owner of the lakebed), and users of the lake, represented by Coniston Water Association.
Environmental protection, is one of the key issues which must be taken into consideration. The goodwill of all parties is essential. Also of importance is the public right of navigation on the lake, and the safety of everybody on the lake when Quicksilver is running.
It was proposed by the Lake District National Park Authority that the Record Challenge be made in the winter months of January-March, thereby minimising inconvenience to those who use Coniston Water for recreation. Preliminary environmental-protection studies have already been undertaken by the Quicksilver team.