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On 20 November 1977, Ken Warby set the world water speed record, piloting his wooden jet-powered boat, Spirit of Australia, into the history books. Warby’s home-made wooden hydroplane reached speeds of 464.44 km/h, breaking the previous ten-year-old record of 458.98 km/h held by American Lee Taylor. The current record of 511.11 km/h (317.68 mi/h) was recorded by Warby on the 8th of October 1978, but, Warby first claimed the water speed record 40 years ago today.

But where Lee Taylor’s record attempt had cost close to $1 million in 1967, Warby had built his hydroplane in a suburban backyard…with a military-surplus jet engine that cost $65!

Driving himself to success

Spirit of Australia in the water, 1977. ANMM Collection ANMS1163[286], reproduced courtesy of Graeme Andrews.His support staff were friends and volunteers, Warby’s devised a training programme for himself and each step to breaking the world speed record was based on a day-by-day, learn-from-experience approach. No one ever checked his diet or fitness level, and his neighbours thought he was mad as they watched Warby build the Spirit of Australia in a suburban backyard. His budget, or lack thereof, dictated the rate of progress and it was only when Warby had established his credentials with his first world record in November 1977 did the first major sponsor come on board with significant support for the project – swimwear and accessories company Speedo.

Story by David Payne

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David Payne

David Payne is Curator of Historic Vessels at Australian National Maritime Museum, and through the Australian Register of Historic Vessels he works closely with heritage boat owners throughout Australia researching and advising on their craft and their social connections. David has also been a yacht designer and documented many of the museum’s vessels with extensive drawings. He has had a wide sailing experience, from Lasers and 12-foot skiffs through to long ocean passages. Since 2012 he has been able to work closely with Aboriginal communities on a number of Indigenous canoe building and watercraft projects.

85% of all men who’ve attempted this World Record have died trying- See for you self by clicking the pic below.

 

 

 

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