THE leader of a project to build and pilot a boat capable of speeds of up to 350mph is coming to York.

Nigel Macknight is leading the Quicksilver project, Britain’s bid to regain the World Water Speed Record currently held by the Australian Ken Warby, which is a collaboration between dozens of British engineering companies.

The world record, set by 1978, stands at 317.6mph and the challenge is considered one of the sporting world’s most hazardous competitions, with a fatality rate of about 85 per cent.

Mr Macknight will be at St Peter’s School, York, on Thursday, March 20 from 7pm, The event will be free and open to all.