Ken Warby checking his equipment on SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA
Photographer
David Watson
(deceased)
Date1978
Object numberANMS0532[120]
NameNegative
Copyright© Luke Watson
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Tumut and Adelong Times
DescriptionKen Warby inspects his helmet and life vest prior to his attempt at breaking the world water speed record again. Project co coordinator Robert Apathy looks on next to him and Professor Tom Fink is behind him.HistoryKen Warby, SPIRIT OF AUSTRALIA's designer, builder and driver, achieved his world water-speed records on a shoestring budget. The boat was built over two years in the backyard of his suburban Sydney home, using stringers, brackets, stock bits of timber, plywood, screws and epoxy, and launched in 1974.
Warby first claimed the world record in 1977, taking his home-made hydroplane to a speed of 464.44 km/h and breaking American Lee Taylor's ten-year-old record of 458.98 km/h. But where Lee Taylor's record had cost close to $1 million in 1967, Warby built his boat in a suburban backyard with a military-surplus jet engine that cost $65. 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 m/h), 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 www.anmm.gov.au/arhv.SignificanceHaving set two water speed records previously, Ken Warby's attempt to break through the 300 mph barrier drew greater media and public attention. In 1978 the scene at Blowering Dam included spectators, support crew, friends, critics and the media, all of who did not know what the result would be.
