WorldChampion Jet

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World Champion Jet

The World Champion Jet, formerly known as Villum Clausen, is a fast passenger ferry built in 2000 by Austal Ships in Henderson, Western Australia. The ship was named after Villum Clausen, one of the Bornholm freedom fighters who rebelled against the Swedes after the Peace of Roskilde in 1658.

The World Champion Jet holds the record for the longest distance covered by a ship within 24 hours, achieved on February 16-17, 2000. During this time, it reached a maximum speed of approximately 54.9 mph (80.4 km/h) and an average speed of 43.4 knots (79.6 km/h). This feat broke the existing record, which stood for 13 years until the HSC Francisco surpassed it in 2013.

Commissioned in May 2000, the World Champion Jet was initially used on the route between Rønne on the Danish island of Bornholm and Ystad in Sweden. However, after the introduction of the fast ferry Leonora Christina by BornholmerFærgen in May 2011, Villum Clausen served only as a reserve vessel. The ship also provided reinforcements during peak season.

On August 25, 2018, the World Champion Jet operated its final route between Ystad and Rønne. In December 2017, it was sold to Seajets, a Greek-based ferry company, with handover taking place in September 2018. The ship was subsequently renamed Worldchampion Jet and registered under the flag of Cyprus.

The World Champion Jet is powered by two gas turbines, each producing an output of 18,000 kW. These turbines drive four pivotable water jet drives, which enable the ship to achieve a cruising speed of approximately 41 knots (74 km/h).