Ken Warby, Profesor Fink and Robert Apathy celebrate

Photographer Graeme Andrews OAM MA

Date1977

Object numberANMS1163[284]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Graeme Andrews

Collections

Graeme Andrews

Terms

DescriptionKen Warby, Professor Fink and Robert Apathy celebrate after setting the new world water speed record at Blowering Dam. Beside Ken Warby in this image is Professor Tom Fink who was a military scientist and mechanical engineer. Fink had assisted Donald Campbell in BLUEBIRD and had joined Warby's small team in 1975 when Warby approached him for advice at the University of NSW. HistoryWhilst Ken Warby conceived, designed and built SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA, it got to a point where he needed additional input from outside. The person he sought advice from was Professor Tom Fink, the Dean of Engineering at the University of NSW. Fink had assisted Donald Campbell and BLUEBIRD and Warby asked for his input on the aerodynamics and possibility of a tailplane for SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA. Fink would remain a fixture in Warby's quest and knew that Warby's knowledge and understanding of what was involved was considerable and he believed early on that Warby could achieve the speed record.SignificanceWhen Warby broke the world record he had a small and loyal team of supporters and it was a shared joy when they proved the critics wrong and achieved their dream.