Mike Newman 'sets blind water speed record'
A former bank manager has claimed to have set a blind water speed world record by travelling at more than 93mph.
If confirmed, it would mean Mike Newman holds the blind land and water speed records simultaneously. The 52-year-old, from Manchester, sped across Torquay harbour in a Formula 1 powerboat. He broke the blind land speed record in September by driving at an average speed of 186mph in a Porsche. Guinness World Records told Mr Newman he would have to travel at more than 91.66mph to set a record. Data on his attempt is being sent to Guinness for authentification. Mr Newman steered the £300,000 boat, called Silverline, while international powerboat racer Drew Langdon manned the throttle and directed him. 'Unbelievable experience' Mr Newman, who was born blind, said: "I'm so pleased that we have managed to stick to our guns, despite all the dreadful weather. "Silverline has been prepared now for quite a long time, we've been talking about it for many, many months, and today it has all come together. "With Drew's help and courage, we've been very successful and I've experienced an unbelievable experience." Mr Newman made two runs in opposite directions, going at an average speed in excess of 93.5 mph. He hopes the event will raise awareness of his Speed of Sight charity, which encourages disabled people to get involved in motor sport. Mr Newman now hopes to fly a jet at supersonic speeds. "There are a lot of dream stealers out there. You have to hang on to your dreams and keep going until you get them," he said. Clarification 20 November 2013: This story has been amended after new information became available, to make it clear Mike Newman was attempting to set a new record to be ratified by Guinness rather than break an existing one. Details of another record holder were removed after he contacted the BBC and said he was seeking confirmation of his own speeds. Related Internet Links Speed Of Sight