Lewis in bid to set Cook Strait record

Warren Lewis is getting ready to take on Cook Strait. Photo / Getty Images

A man about to attempt a speedboat record across Cook Strait said the sport combined his two loves of V8 Supercars and boats.

Warren Lewis is waiting for the right conditions to attempt the treacherous stretch of water between the North and South Islands.

The BP Straits Record Trophy was first won in 1967 by a boat called Miss Bertram in three hours and 40 minutes. The current title holder is the Aurora, a mono-hull that took the title in 1984.

Lewis, who owns the 35ft Fairview superboat, and co-pilot Andrew "Flea" Koolen, aim to knock 30 minutes off the current one hour 43 minute record.

With a return trip of 190km and the twin V8 power boat's top speed of 220km, Lewis said a one-hour trip was possible.

"But we are dealing with Cook Strait and, even on the best day, there are so many variables.

"We would be pleased to make the return trip in an hour and a quarter."

If Lewis and Koolen are successful they will add what is thought to be the oldest power boating trophy to their cabinet. They already have the title of New Zealand's fastest offshore powerboat at 136mph (219km/h) and the record for the Auckland Harbour Bridge to Great Barrier Island and return in one hour, six minutes and 15 seconds.