SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA stickers
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Datec 1978
Object number00000989
NameSticker
MediumPaper, plastic, ink
DimensionsOverall: 62 x 505 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThese stickers were produced by Speedo to promote the new world water speed record set by Australian Ken Warby in SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA on Blowering Dam in New South Wales in 1978. Stickers like these were distributed in Australia and North America during Warby's promotional tour from 1980 to 1981.
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 511kph 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.SignificanceThe stickers are an example of the sponsorship and marketing memorabilia produced by the Speedo swimwear company to commemorate SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA as the world's fastest boat in 1978.
