Richard Noble, former land speed record holder (1983-1997), is now aiming to inspire the next world water speed record (WSR) breaker at age 79.

Motivated by childhood memories of John Cobb’s Crusader, Noble acknowledges the extreme dangers of WSR, with seven out of 13 challengers since 1930 perishing.

The current record of 317 mph, set by Ken Warby in 1978, remains unbeaten.

Noble’s team, Thrust WSH, is developing a super-cavitating hydrofoil to reach 450 mph, competing with three other projects, including Warby’s Spirit of Australia II, The Telegraph has reported.

If successful, the technology could revolutionize high-speed water travel.

Written by B.C. Begley