Ken Warby at Blowering Dam

Photographer David Watson (deceased)

Date1978

Object numberANMS0532[050]

NameNegative

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Tumut and Adelong Times

Terms

DescriptionA photograph of Ken Warby taking a well-earned break after setting a new world water speed record in SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA on Blowering Dam. Here he opens a drink while surrounded by well-wishers and the media.HistorySPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA is an Australian designed and built jet-powered, wooden, 3-point hydroplane that has held the world water-speed record since 1977. Breaking both the 300 mph and 500 km/h barriers, SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA raised the world record to 511kph in 1978 at Blowering Dam near Tumut NSW. Ken Warby, SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA's designer, builder and driver, achieved his world water-speed records on a shoestring budget. Warby built his hydroplane over two years in the backyard of his suburban Sydney home, using stringers, brackets, stock bits of timber, plywood, screws, epoxy and a military-surplus jet engine that cost $65. He eventually launched the boat in 1974.SignificanceAfter Ken Warby's first world speed record of 1977, he received greater attention and sponsorship for his second record in 1978. This photograph shows a quiet Warby at the setting of his record which would remain unbroken since 1978.