Record-breaking Bluebird K7 returns to Coniston Water
The restored hydroplane will make limited runs at up to 150mph as the festival marks 70 years since Campbell’s first Coniston record.
- On Monday, the restored Bluebird K7 hydroplane returned to Coniston Water, marking the start of a week-long festival commemorating the 70th anniversary of Donald Campbell's first world speed record.
- Following the 2001 recovery of the wreckage and a legal settlement with engineer Bill Smith, the craft became seaworthy again nearly 60 years after the fatal January 4, 1967 crash.
- Australian Dave Warby pilots the vessel during the festival, with organizers limiting speeds to about 150mph to ensure safety on the Lake District waters.
- Gina Campbell, daughter of Donald Campbell, called the return an "incredible achievement," while Ruskin Museum chairman Jeff Carroll described it as the "next chapter" in the hydroplane's story.
- The Bluebird K7 Festival runs through Sunday, celebrating Campbell's legacy as the only person to set world speed records on both land and water in the same year.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Bluebird has returned 70 years on
It was a story which was heavily covered by the Lancashire Post in the 60s and 70s. It only seemed right to revisit as, 70 years since his water speed record, the restored Bluebird K7 which crashed killing Donald Campbell in 1967, has taken to the water in Coniston during the Bluebird K7 Festival.
Record-breaking hydroplane Bluebird K7 returns to Coniston Water
The restored boat returned to the lake where it crashed in January 1967 killing its driver, Donald Campbell.
The legendary 'Bluebird' returns to Coniston Water after almost 60 years
Campbell, who had set a total of eight world speed records on land and water in the 1950s and 60s, was trying to break 300mph (480 km/h) on 4 January 1967 when the craft somersaulted and sank.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium











