SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA, the world's fastest boat designed, built and driven by Ken Warby. Blowing Dam, Tumut, NSW. 8th October 1978, 511 km/h - 317 MPH
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1978
Object number00000975
NamePostcard
MediumColour photographic print on paper
DimensionsOverall: 88 x 140 mm
ClassificationsPosters and postcards
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionProduced by Speedo, Australia, this postcard features a photographic image of the SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA. The original photograph was taken at Blowering Dam, Tumut, New South Wales, on the 8th October 1978, when the boat reached a record speed of 511 kms per hour.
HistoryThe SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA is an Australian designed and built jet-powered, wooden, 3-point hydroplane that has held the world water speed record since 1977, raising it to 511 kph in 1978 at Blowering Dam near Tumut, New South Wales.
The hydroplane's designer, builder and driver, Ken Warby, managed to achieve his records in this craft on a shoestring budget, beginning the project in 1972. The boat was built in the backyard of his suburban Sydney home and launched in 1974.SignificanceThe postcard is an example of the marketing and memorabilia produced for SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA during the 1970s.
8 October 1978
