Sealegs sets world speed record on Sydney Harbour

Sealegs raced over 500m of water in the world record time of just under 18 seconds.

Sealegs said it already holds the Guinness world record for smashing Sir Richard Branson's crossing of the English Channel in an amphibious vehicle in 2005, and is thrilled to have another world record on Australian waters.

Sealegs' Australian director, Will Burrell AM, who took the wheel during the exhilarating 500m run on Rose Bay, said: "We are thrilled to be the new world record holders for the fastest on-water amphibious vehicle - and especially to have had the opportunity to do the run with such a beautiful backdrop - we had near perfect conditions and hit a top speed of 105kmh".

"This world record has proved that Sealegs boats are more than just a practical concept and innovative idea, but a serious piece of equipment, with significant boating abilities - both on the water and off," he said.

The revolutionary amphibious boats, designed and manufactured in New Zealand, have the capability to seamlessly enter and exit the water at the push of a button and have already proved popular with waterfront property owners, emergency services and people with restricted mobility.

Sealegs paired with Evinrude outboard motors for the attempt and used an Evinrude E-TEC 225hp high-output motor to hit the world record-breaking speeds.

Sealegs amphibious boats range from 6.1 to 7.1m and for standard use are paired with 90 to 150hp outboard motors, propelling the boats through the water at speeds of up to 40 knots.

On land, the Sealegs boats can travel up to 10kmh.

When in the water, the wheels fold up to a position above the waterline so that there is no drag.

For more information, visit www.sealegs.com