Campbell's Bluebird back on Coniston Water almost 60 years after fatal record attempt
Summary
Donald Campbell’s restored Bluebird hydroplane was started again on Coniston Water almost 60 years after Campbell died trying to break a water speed record. The restored craft is being used for a week-long event to honor Campbell’s achievements and mark the 70th anniversary of his first record on the lake.Key Facts
- Donald Campbell died in 1967 when Bluebird somersaulted during an attempt to exceed 300 mph on Coniston Water.
- The Bluebird K7 wreckage was recovered in 2001 and given to the Ruskin Museum in 2021 after a legal dispute.
- Campbell set seven water speed records piloting Bluebird, including four on Coniston Water between 1955 and 1964.
- The restoration team has installed a new engine and performed systems checks before starting the craft on the lake again.
- A week-long event is underway to mark 70 years since Campbell’s first record and will include several runs with speeds up to 150 mph.
- Donald Campbell’s daughter Gina and nephew Don Wales attended the event and expressed emotional support.
- The current pilot is Australian Dave Warby, son of the man who holds the current water speed record.
- The Ruskin Museum and restoration teams have been key in preserving and restoring Bluebird for public display and operation.
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