Company elated to set Strait record

Sealegs set a record for the fastest Cook Strait crossing by an amphibious vehicle today.

Champagne corks were popping after Sealegs set a record for the fastest Cook Strait crossing by an amphibious vehicle today.

The New Zealand manufactured craft made the 40km voyage in just 47 minutes.

The inflatable craft, carrying Sealegs chief executive David McKee Wright and shareholder Brendon Hodge, was launched at Okukari Bay on Arapawa Island in Marlborough Sounds at 7.23am today.

Forty-seven minutes later it arrived at Owhiro Bay, Wellington.

An attempt to cross the Strait last Friday failed due to engine failure 0.5km from the finish at Owhiro Bay.

Mr Hodge told NZPA he was glad to be back on dry land after 2m swells and speed of up to 50 knots an hour created "some serious air".

"We decided after the last attempt to get straight back on the horse.

"I'm absolutely stoked. It was great to see the boat working in action. It gives me a helluva lot of confidence in the product."

Sealegs spokesman Greg Ewan said today's success was "delayed gratification" after the failed attempt.

"We feel vindicated and we feel very happy. We're having a glass of champagne as we speak."

He said it increased the product's "credibility".

"It demonstrates the product's capability and increases the public profile. It endorses the fact that we've got a product that's more than capable."

The inflatable craft also has wheels so it can be driven on the beach.

- NZPA