Donald Campbell’s refurbished Bluebird has made its return to Coniston Water, marking the first time since the tragic accident that claimed the life of the renowned speed icon almost six decades ago.
Campbell, a record-breaker who achieved eight world speed records on both land and water during the 1950s and 60s, was attempting to surpass 300mph (480 km/h) on January 4, 1967, when the Bluebird hydroplane flipped and sank.
After being submerged for years, the wreckage of the craft and Campbell’s remains were finally retrieved from the lake in 2001. A dedicated team of volunteers, known as the Bluebird Project, reconstructed the hydroplane in Tyneside, allowing it to return to action in 2018 at Loch Fad on the Isle of Bute.
The Bluebird K7 The Festival, commemorating the revival of the Bluebird on Coniston Water, is scheduled to run daily until Sunday, weather permitting. Spectators gathered along the shoreline to witness the historic moment as the Bluebird made its comeback.
Although the Bluebird will not attempt to reach the speeds Campbell once achieved, the hydroplane will maintain a speed of approximately 150 mph (240 km/h) for safety reasons. Australian pilot Dave Warby, a renowned challenger for world water speed records and the son of the late Ken Warby MBE, will be at the helm.
One of the Bluebird support crew members, Anthony Robinson, reflected on the tragic events of 1967, reminiscing about his initial response upon reaching the scene of the accident.
With the hydroplane now restored and back in operation, fans were able to view the craft on display to honor the anniversary of Campbell’s achievements last year.
Gina Campbell, Campbell’s daughter, paid tribute to her father’s remarkable courage and determination in breaking records that many deemed impossible. She expressed gratitude for the continued interest and support for her father’s legacy.
The Bluebird K7, the pioneering jet-powered hydroplane, gained worldwide recognition for its innovative design. Campbell’s pursuit to break his own water speed record tragically ended in disaster, making him the only person to have set both world land and water speed records in the same year.
Campbell’s final words, “I’m going,” uttered over the radio as the hydroplane flipped, resonated in the report of the tragedy published by the Daily Mirror following his untimely death.
