Water Wednesday: Spirit of Australia

The World’s Fastest Boat

When it comes to speed on the water, no boat has ever matched the legendary Spirit of Australia. This home-built jet boat shattered records and stunned the world, setting a benchmark that still stands over four decades later.

Spirit of Australia – World’s Fastest Boat

The Record That Still Stands

  • Speed: 318 mph (511 km/h) – the official world water speed record.
  • Record Holder: Ken Warby, set on Blowering Dam, Australia, in 1978.
  • Built At Home: Spirit of Australia was designed and constructed in Warby’s backyard garage, using plywood and a Westinghouse jet engine from a military aircraft.

Unbroken for 45+ Years

Despite technological advances, no one has officially surpassed Warby’s record, cementing Spirit of Australia as a true legend.
  • Engineering Feat: Achieving such speed on water requires overcoming immense drag, instability, and risk. Warby’s design combined lightweight construction with raw jet power.
  • Extreme Danger: Water speed record attempts are among the most dangerous in motorsports—many attempts have ended in tragedy, making Warby’s achievement even more remarkable.

The Legacy

  • Inspiration: Spirit of Australia inspired generations of engineers, racers, and dreamers to push the boundaries of what’s possible on water.
  • Exhibition: The original boat is now displayed at the Australian National Maritime Museum, a testament to human ingenuity and courage.

Think you’ve got what it takes to build the next legend? Whether you’re chasing records or just want the best on the water, Torque Motorsports is here to help you achieve your dreams.

Author: Brandon Hurst-Torque Motorsports

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