With two Guinness World Records just established in Cat Ba within the framework of the show "Symphony of the Green Island", Ms. Sonia Ushirogochi, senior referee of Guinness World Records (GWR), emphasized that: "This is a completely new record in the Guinness system, so all criteria were built and checked at the most detailed level".
The two recognized records are: “Largest Jetski formation launching fireworks” and “Most backflips on a flyboard in one minute” performed by athlete Tomasz Kubik.
The show “Symphony of the Green Island” was recognized by Guinness World Records with two records.
Behind these spectacular performances and impressive records is a meticulous preparation process that lasted for many months, along with tireless practice and an extremely strict assessment process according to global standards. This is unprecedented for any show held in Vietnam up to now, affirming the class and outstanding professionalism of the "Green Island Symphony" event.
In late 2024, a bold proposal was submitted by the organizers of the show "Symphony of the Green Island" to Guinness World Records (GWR) for a world record. What made this journey so long was not the usual administrative procedures, but the "unprecedented" nature of the show - a factor that required GWR to develop entirely new criteria for assessment.
This is considered an unprecedented record.
Once this particular set of criteria was approved, the on-site verification process was immediately implemented. Ms. Sonia Ushirogochi, GWR senior referee, personally visited Cat Ba Central Bay on 21 May to coordinate closely with the technical team. The goal was to examine each component involved in setting the record in the most meticulous way.
For the record for the most synchronized jetski fireworks, each jet ski must not only be piloted by a real person, but also maintain a stable formation for at least 20 seconds, while simultaneously firing fireworks while moving. Any delays or standing still are eliminated from the valid list. "We count each jet ski to see if it is moving, firing fireworks at the right time and keeping the right position," Sonia revealed. "All of this is filmed from multiple angles, combined with a team of independent witnesses to ensure objectivity."
GWR referee inspection in Cat Ba
For the record for most flyboard flips in one minute set by Tomasz Kubik, GWR requires that the flips must be a complete 360 degrees, meaning the start and end points coincide. This must be strictly adhered to within 60 seconds.
“We have to ensure that all data is cross-checked with multiple sources, video from multiple angles, independent witness teams and technical equipment,” Sonia stressed. A typical example of this rigor is that Tomasz’s 44th somersault was not counted because he was half a second too late after the stop signal. As a result, GWR only recorded 43 completed somersaults in the allowed time.
Athlete Tomasz Kubik successfully performed 43 backflips in 60 seconds, surpassing the current world record of 41.
Every operation is recorded by a multi-angle camera system, compared with the formation map, the execution time and the sensors mounted on the device. This data is then transferred to the independent witness team and GWR representatives for post-production inspection. "We do not just observe with the naked eye. We compare every detail with pre-agreed technical data," Ms. Sonia affirmed, showing a scientific and reliable process.
For talented flyboarder and H2O team member Tomasz Kubik, being recognized by Guinness is not only a personal honor but also a completely different feeling. "I've set world records before, but this time it feels different. Everything has to be precise down to the second. When I completed the last flip, I knew I had done something very special," Tomasz shared. He also revealed that during his training, he had achieved 46 consecutive spins, opening up the possibility of breaking another record during the show season that lasts until early September in Cat Ba.
Achievement is the result of continuous effort.
Not only Tomasz, jetskiers also face severe challenges from technical to weather factors and the pressure of synchronized operation. Jordan Marie Marples, a Jetski athlete of H2O, confided: "We hardly sleep the night before the appraisal. Each jetski has to move in the right direction, fire the fireworks at the right time, and coordinate like a military formation. There is no room for error." Another athlete also shared about the hours of hard training at sea, coordinating with sound and light signals in complex real-life conditions. "Not every show requires such precision," he said.
The show has attracted visitors since its rehearsals.
The two Guinness records set in Cat Ba are clear evidence of the application of international standard organization and inspection processes, carefully prepared from technical, personnel to actual operation with precision controlled to every second, every movement.
The 50,000m² performance space on the sea, the unprecedented fireworks system in Vietnam, the international standard sound and light equipment, and the coordination of hundreds of personnel from many countries together created a miracle. Ms. Sonia affirmed: "We do not just see the record. We see the precision, effort and spirit of daring to reach the unprecedented".
For Cat Ba, this is not just a simple show, but the first time Vietnam has been recognized by the world with a stage located in the middle of the ocean - where every spin, every curve and every streak of light carries the value of international standards. "A record is not an award, but a certificate awarded based on accuracy and reliability," Ms. Sonia concluded. "And the show in Cat Ba has done that excellently."
