SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA moored on Blowering Dam
Photographer
David Watson
(deceased)
Date1978
Object numberANMS0532[063]
NameNegative
Copyright© Luke Watson
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Tumut and Adelong Times
DescriptionKen Warby standing on top of SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA while it is moored on Blowering Dam.
It is possibly just prior to the record attempt as he is adjusting his life jacket and his crash helmet sits waiting near the cock pit.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.SignificanceThis is another image showing the relatively relaxed atmosphere surrounding Ken Warby's 1978 attempt to break the 300 mp/h barrier. Warby remained notably calm throughout the build-up and the actual runs, even managing a nap just prior to the attempt.
