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Mechanical engineer, powerboat driver and record man. As reported from the social pages of his team, the legendary Ken Warby –  record holder for the Fastest man on water ever (317.6 mph /511 km/h ) since 1978 – has left us.
Australian Ken Warby, starting from the backyard of his home, conceived, built and finally steered a boat capable of creating a record that has stood for nearly 45 years.
It was 1970 when Ken drew the design on the kitchen table. After some time, in Sydney, Australia, he happened upon an auction where the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) was selling surplus components. With a total expense of $160 USD, he then left with three J-34 aircraft jet engines.
From that day on, Warby took advantage of every spare moment he had in order to build Spirit of Australia in his garden, working when the weather was good and covering the boat with tarp, on rainy days. The materials? No carbon, if that’s what you firstly thought of, but just wood, fiberglass and elbow grease.
We have told you the full story of Spirit of Australia here.
Originally from Newcastle, N.S.W. Australia, Ken was a talented mechanical engineer with a passion for boat racing. He started building boats in his parents’ backyard and then went on to compete at the Toronto RMYC on Lake Macquarie. He was later honoured by Queen Elizabeth II with an M.B.E. for services to motorsports. U.I.M. also awarded him two gold medals for services rendered to the powerboating world.
Quella volta che una barca costruita in giardino volò a 511 km/h
His desire for the record was born by looking at Donald Campbell ‘s exploits with the Bluebird K7. His hunger was such that, in 1978 at Blowering Dam, Australia, Warby captured his current world water speed record of 317.60 mph, peaking at 345 mph (555 km/h). Ken, with Spirit of Australia, became the first person to officially travel at more than 500 mph on water. Lately, he had been involved with his eldest son, David, in the designing of Spirit of Australia II, a boat to challenge the record that Ken himself previously created.
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1 thought on “Farewell to Ken Warby. He built the fastest boat ever (511 km/h)”
I thought I read a mention of an article recently about Ken Warby, but I can’t remember in what magazine it was published?
Any help please,
Ian HANDBERG
Email: th**********@*****nd.com