54knots.com

See Thunder Child II in action

When Thunder Child II and the amazing crew, and team, are out attempting to set new records, whilst also raising funds for charitable causes, we try to document as much as possible for both posterity and for interest; there's nothing quite like seeing Thunder Child II, either first hand or via video archive on YouTube/ Vimeo, speeding across the waves in all her glory.
Simply magnificent.

Holding multiple UIM world records, Thunder Child II is continuing to set records and where possible, will link those record attempts to fund raising for various charities.

We Set A World Record

Follow the record-breaking journey.

Can we set a world record?

Yes, we can! Setting a world Record travelling from Cork, Ireland to Jersey.

Full On-Board tour

Courtesy of Super Yacht Captain

Moving Thunder Child II

How does one move a Thunder Child II?

Building Thunder Child II

How Thunder Child II was designed and built.

54 knots

54 knots are the endurance team that operate Thunder Child II.

Holding multiple UIM world records, Thunder Child II is continuing to set records and where possible, will link those record attempts to fund raising for various charities.

Thunder Child II was designed and built by SafeHaven Marine and is unique. Her combination of wave piercing capabilities and high speed performance, which is achieved through aerofoils delivers a long range endurance vessel.

54 knots (+100kph) is the top speed of Thunder Child II, hence our name.

Our Challenges

London to Monaco: 2200 nautical miles

Leaving London’s Historic Tower Bridge the team will headed to Monaco, briefly stopping in Guernsey and La Coruna on their way to the finish line in Monaco, attempting to set a new UIM world record. As normal the team were raising funds for charity, and the designated UK charity was Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Unfortunately 25 miles off the coat of Portugal, whilst wave piercing in a Fiorec 7 at 34 knots, Thunder Child II developed a gear box issue and made its wasy to Sines In Portugal. It transpired that an internal seal had failed in the starboard inner gearbox and the team withdrew from their record attempt.

For this attempt, the 54 knots team operating Thunder Child II were Nick, Ben, Tristan, Alex, and Max

Spring 2023 - UIM world record attempt from Gibraltar to Monaco.

Our plan is to go light ship for maximum speed so we will be refuelling in Cartagena and Barcelona

Summer 2023 - UIM world record attempt from Monaco to London

Charity Cystic Fibrosis Trust
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Summer 2023 - UIM world record attempt around the British Isles

Charity - Blood Cancer UK
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Winter 2023

We are planning to head to Canada and the USA - Sign up to 54knots on Instagram for our latest news

Cork to Jersey: 302 nautical miles

On 6th June 2022 , Thunder Child II sailed from Cork to Jersey , a distance of 302 nautical miles, to trial her endurance before attempting the London to Monaco UIM endurance record. For the challenge, we ran a competition - first prize: A Thunder Child II trip around the island of Jersey for the winner, and a friend.

Entrants submitted a guess for the time it would take for us to travel from Cork to Jersey, as well as making optional donations to the amazing Jersey Hospice.

The 54 knots team

The 54Knots team are:

Nick

UIM International Powerboat Driver Licence Holder

Team Principal

Ben

UIM International Powerboat Driver Licence Holder

Tristan

UIM International Powerboat Driver Licence Holder

Max

UIM International Powerboat Driver Licence Holder

Alex

UIM International Powerboat Crew Licence Holder

Jo

Team Financial Controller

Ali

Team secretary and event co-ordinator

Fuel Cells

New Year New Challenges!

The 54 knots team is working with AMPS Ltd to explore, innovate and develop seawater based fuel cell technologies. On board Thunder Child II we have a cabin dedicated as a fuel cell laboratory where latest innovations and developments are tested. Saltwater Fuel cells produce electricity. Our mission is to generate enough power to charge the electric engine on our tender, replacing the existing petrol unit, using just salt water based fuel cells. The applications that spin from realising that objective are substantial. For more information visit amps.je

54 Knots

Thunder Child II

See Thunder Child II in action

We Set A World Record

Can we set a world record?

Full On-Board tour

Moving Thunder Child II

Building Thunder Child II

Where are we?

54 knots