FIREFLY II
Date1949
Object number00001843
NamePowerboat
MediumPlywood, metal and other materials
DimensionsOverall: 520 x 3790 x 1720 mm, 48 kg
Vessel Dimensions: 3.83 m × 1.72 m (12.57 ft × 5.64 ft)
ClassificationsVessels and fittings
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Keith Barry
DescriptionFIREFLY II is a three-point hydroplane designed and built by Keith Barry in December 1949 over a ten-day period. The vessel, constructed of spruce framing and ply with aircraft fabric sheafing, was built to contest the world water speed record for the 91 cubic inch class.
FIREFLY II became the first Australian purpose designed speed record pursuit vessel to win a world water speed record. Barry set the record on 14 January, 1950 at a speed of 72.289 mph.HistoryFIREFLY II was hastily constructed in 11 days by Keith Barry, then president od the Australian Power Boat Association, to successfully attempt the 91 cubic inch (1500cc) class world water speed record for Australia. On 14 January 1950 Keith Barry took FIREFLY II to speed of 72.289 mph (116.34 kph) on Kograh Bay, breaking American Jack Cooper's world record of 64.689 mph established at Salton Sea in 1941. Bill McLachlin raced FIREFLY II on 11 November 1950 to break the previous recored at a speed of 78.006 mph.
Keith Barry retired from racing to Tumut in 1951 taking FIREFLY II with him. The boat was trialled by Barry at Wagga with with a Jowett Javelin engine. In 1957 the boat was sold and ten years later Barry's son Chris discovered it abandoned in a field on the northern beaches. It was reunited with the Barry family in 1984.
SignificanceFIREFLY II is the first Australian boat to set a world water speed record. With one run Keith Barry also broke seven national records. It represents the pinnacle of his achievements as an engineer and a career in designing, building and racing boats.
