SPEED RECORDS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1929, Page 3

SPEED RECORDS

Sir Charles Cheers Wakefield, Bart., has been very closely associated with the recent, land and sea world’s speed record achievements accomplished by Major H. 0. D. Segrave. When it was decided that the -“Holden Arrow’?’ was-to fepreseiit- thb British Empire at Daytona Beach, Sir Charles Wakefield . realised that an opportunity presented itself for Britain to recapture the British Motor Bo.it Trophy from America. This event is the Blue Riband event of the motor 'boat world and the trophy was won by America from England nine years ago, Sir Charles Wakefield, therefore offered to finance the building of a super motor boat which was appropriately named “Miss England.’

The enthusiatic patriotism and generosity of Sir Charles AVakefield combined wit' 1 the pluck and ability of Major S' grave have now successfully wrested the honour from America with the motor boat “Aliss England.” The boat is an entirely new departure in construction a.nd has a specially designed and Hrengthoned hull of great lightness and width witli tho object of eliminating.the risk of turning over.

The propcllor runs at an underwater speed of 6,550 revolutions per minute, a speed unheard of in motor boating circles and only realised as a result of extensive experimental work. The total weight of the boat is 29 bwfc., with a breadth of 7ft Gin and a length of 27ft Gin. 'Pile boat is fitted with a 12 cylinder Napier Lion engine which develops .gOO h.p. and is similar t-o that used in the “Golden Arrow’’ and the Schneider Cup seaplanes.

Every ear to establish a world’s land speed record over 200 m.p.li., including the “Golden Arrow” was lubricated with “Castrol” and of course. .“Aliss England” also depended oh “Castrol” to ensure success.