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Ken Warby's right gym boot
Ken Warby's right gym boot

Ken Warby's right gym boot

Maker
Subject or historical figure (1939 - 2023)
Datec 1978
Object number00008929
NameShoe
MediumCanvas, rubber
DimensionsOverall: 142 x 305 mm, 0.45 kg
Clothing size: 10
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Transfer from Powerhouse Museum
DescriptionManufactured by Sabre and made in Taiwan, these canvas and rubber gym shoes formed part of the protective clothing worn by Ken Warby when he broke the world water speed record.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, NSW. 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.SignificanceAustralian Ken Warby wore the shoes when he drove his jet-powered hydroplane SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA to a new world water speed record on Blowering Dam in New South Wales on November 20 1978, and again in October 8 1978.