Ken & Spirit of Australia 1978
The Speeds achieved in Spirit of Australia, Ken’s achievements & Awards
Spirit of Australia Speeds
7-9-74 166.38 mph …..267.54 kmh at Lake Munmorah, NSW.
14-3-76 193.17 mph …… 310.88 kmh at Blowering Dam, NSW.
17-9-77 214.78 mph……..345.66 kmh at Blowering Dam, NSW.
30-10-77 246.77 mph………397.15 kmh at Blowering Dam, NSW
20-11-77 288,60 mph……..464.45 kmh at Blowering Dam, NSW ( World Record)
8-10-78 317,60 mph……..511.11 kmh at Blowering Dam, NSW ( Current World Record)
Before Ken Warby came along, the official Australian speed record on water was 162 mph.
Ken did not just break that record… he DOUBLED IT !!!!
Also Ken was
First person to design, build and drive a boat to an unlimited water speed record
First person to break the 300 MPH & 500KMH speed barriers
First Australian to hold an unlimited speed record
First Australian to break the unlimited water speed record
Awards & Accolades
Some of Ken’s awards include,
Ken Warby was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1978 for his services to speed boat racing, from Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II.
Inducted into the National Sporting Hall of Fame, LINK
Recipient of 2 U.I.M. Gold medals.
Advance Australia committee member.
“This is your Life” Guest of honor.
Australian Sports Medal , in 2000
2012 ,Inducted into the Clayton Vintage Raceboat Museums Hall of Legends
Ken was also a NSW, APBA Referee, delegate for RMYC Toronto and the first Australian Vice President for Offshore Racing.