Roger Klüh is a German entrepreneur, former professional ice hockey player, and record-holding speedboat racer known for his 2015 world record crossing from Key West to Havana.

What is the Apache Star?

The Apache Star is a 2,700-horsepower powerboat capable of over 200 km/h, originally a two-time world champion. It became world-famous for its 2015 Key West–Havana record.

What made the 2015 world record so special?

Klüh completed the 145 km route in just 90 minutes — a feat approved by U.S. President Barack Obama — marking the first official crossing between the USA and Cuba in decades.

Did Roger Klüh face challenges during the record attempt?

Yes. Despite a damaged engine and satellite interference near Cuba, Klüh and his co-pilots completed the crossing without stopping.

Why did Roger Klüh dedicate the record to the USA and Cuba?

The voyage symbolized friendship between both nations, earning him Cuba’s highest civilian honor and recognition from President Raúl Castro.

What is next for Roger Klüh and the Apache Star?

Klüh plans future records with next-generation e-powerboats, blending high performance with sustainability and his trademark will to win.

WORLD RECORD

Roger Klüh and his very special speedboat world record

Roger Anthony Cassius Klüh at Blue Motion Night at Boot Show Exhibition Düsseldorf.

His speedboat story with the "Apache Star" is too extraordinary and exciting that you would like to listen to it several times. And it goes like this:

In 2015, the Dusseldorf native plowed from Key West (Florida, USA) to Havana (Cuba) in 90 minutes. His boat, the Apache Star, had a power of 2,700 hp and was designed for speeds of more than 200 km/h.

Roger Klüh

Before this world record, the icon, as Klüh calls the boat, had only been in the water twice. On each occasion, she won the world championship. And then came Cuba.

Which would not have been possible at all without the then U.S. President Barack Obama. In 2015, the world's most powerful politician personally approved the second application for the exceptional voyage of the speedy sailor from Düsseldorf.

The difficult political situation between the USA and Cuba is well known. But Roger Klüh didn't let anything or anyone stop him.

Not even by damage to one of the two drives caused by flotsam during the world record trip - and certainly not by the failure of navigation due to the Russian satellite jammers shortly before Cuba.

Roger Klüh mit Zigarre in der Hand

As an ex-manager in the family business and former professional ice hockey player for the Düsseldorf EC, Roger Klüh has the will to win in his DNA anyway. He acquired the expertise and feel for one of the most dangerous motor sports in the world over decades.

"I dedicated the world record explicitly to the friendship between the USA and Cuba," says the Cuban folk hero today.

Roger Klüh bei der Düsseldorfer Messe Boot

He was especially thanked with the award of the highest civilian order by President Raúl Castro. Roger Klüh was also later invited as a state guest at the official ceremonies for the burial of Fidel Castro.

The "Apache Star" is resting - after extensive mending of the severe wounds of the hell ride - in warm Miami. The world champion and his boat mate Udo Stern have international requests for new world records.

Roger Klüh nach seiner Weltrekordsfahrt von den USA nach Kuba

It's all about top speed, on the water of course, including with an environmentally friendly as well as super-strong e-powerboat. And it's very unlikely that this special will to win of the speedboat champion won't come through again soon...