Balloch’s Oban Duncan set a new speed record in her F4 powerboat - and then insisted she could’ve gone even faster.
The talented 16-year-old hit 74.73mph at Coniston Records Week in the Lake District, despite poor weather only allowing her four attempts.
But Oban’s top speed was good enough to claim the record, and saw her also collect the prize for the fastest female competitor of the week.
However Oban is confident she’ll be able to go even quicker next year.
She told the Lennox: “The weather was a bit iffy, so we only got four runs over the course of the whole week because of how bad the weather was. But it seemed to be enough to get what we needed, so I can’t really complain.
“When I found out that I’d hit 74mph I didn’t expect it. I came in from the run and said it hadn’t been good.
“So when they read my speed over the tannoy I was quite surprised. It turned out it was quite decent.
“In the next run I hoped I would get quicker and quicker.
“But I just couldn’t do it. The weather just wasn’t in our favour.
“I wanted to get to 78mph. But I couldn’t complain too much with 74mph given we didn’t have much time to test the boat. It was really a case of just going for it and seeing what we could do. So I can’t grumble too much.
“I definitely think we can hit 78mph next year though. I actually think we might be able to go quicker than that too, but for the moment I’ll stick with 78.”
Oban admitted the feeling of flying across water at those speeds was a big change from the circuit racing she is used to.
She continued: “It feels completely different to when you’re racing. The whole boat is out of the water, so you don’t feel much.
“It’s like you’re floating on top of the water for just over a kilometre to hit the speed.
“I find it really difficult to gauge how quickly you’re going, because Coniston is so long.
“It feels completely different to racing, it’s amazing. It’s difficult to describe because there isn’t much going on in the boat or on the water. You just have to concentrate, hold it and wait until you get out.”
And she said that being presented with the award for the fastest female racer was a big moment.
Oban explained: “It was lovely to get the award for the fastest female competitor of the week.
“One of the women on it is the fastest woman ever. I think her record is about 128mph, so that’s my goal one day. But at the moment I’ll stick with my wee record.
“It was amazing to get the award though, with so many women who I’ve known and watched for years.”
Mum Karen meanwhile said she couldn’t be prouder of Oban’s accomplishments.
She added: “When they shouted out her speed the elation and smile on her face was superb. I jumped in the air.
“It was absolutely wonderful. I’m so proud of her and so happy for her. It was a great way to end the year.”
