SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA : The World's Fastest Boat
Date1978
Object number00004447
NameMemorabilia
MediumPaper
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Ken Warby
DescriptionA collection of SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA stickers and tourist information on the Tumut region contained in a folder titled 'Welcome to Tumut for Ken Warby's attempt on his own world water speed record on Lake Blowering October 7- 8 1978'.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.
Warby first claimed the world record in 1977, taking his home-made hydroplane to a speed of 464.44 km/h. In 1978 he returned to Blowering Dam in the southern highlands of New South Wales and pushed his record to 511.11 km/h (317.68 mph), where it still stands.
Warby was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in recognition of his achievement. More information about SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA's construction, configuration and condition can be found on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels.SignificanceAfter Ken Warby set his first world record in 1977 Australia sat up and took notice of his second attempt in October 1978. A large and supportive crowd gathered at Tumut to watch Warby break his own record and become once again the fastest man on water at a speed of over 100 metres per second.
