Sailors Sean Langman and Martin Thompson attempted to break the current world record of 49.09 knots (90.9kmh), set in 1993.

Mr Langman and Mr Thompson are using a nine- metre vessel that is half-sailboat and half-sailplane, which they have nicknamed Wot Rocket, in their bid.

The team was out in the waters off Kurnell early in the morning with the forecast predicting westerly wind speeds of 15-20 knots, attempting to gain enough speed to lift the Wot Rocket up out of the water on its hydrofoils. But the winds were much stronger and the operation was abandoned.

Mr Langman said he was disappointed he was unable to crack the record but he would continue to try.

``We all want the thrill but it's not a setback,'' he said.

``It's all about inching closer toward the goal.''

He said another attempt at Kurnell is scheduled for next week. But even if they do break the speed limit, it could still be some time before the Wot Rocket team makes it into the record books.

They are still waiting to hear from the World Sailing Speed Record Council in Britain as to whether they can take their own time using a Trimble GPS receiver.