Donald Campbell’s iconic hydroplane, Bluebird K7, is set to run again at speed on Coniston Water, nearly 60 years after the record-breaker died there, following approval from Lake District National Park Authority chiefs.
Campbell was killed in January 1967 when Bluebird crashed during an attempt to exceed 300mph (480km/h) on the lake. The craft was later recovered and restored, and last year it was handed to Coniston’s Ruskin Museum. The museum has applied for permission to run Bluebird above the lake’s 10mph (16km/h) limit in May next year.
The event is intended to celebrate Campbell’s legacy. Jeff Carroll, chair of the museum’s trustees, told a committee meeting in Kendal that Bluebird K7 symbolised the UK’s post-war “engineering prowess” and described the planned return to Coniston Water between 11 and 17 May as “a possibly one-time-only event to inspire a new generation.”
“Campbell’s death was a day that shook the world,” Carroll said. “Four of Bluebird’s seven world water speed records were set on Coniston Water. That would have been five had fate not intervened.”
Worldwide interest in Campbell and Bluebird remains strong, with “significant numbers” of visitors expected in Coniston, Carroll added. Measures including park-and-ride facilities are planned to reduce disruption for local residents.
Steve Ratcliffe, LDNPA director of sustainable development, told the committee around 20,000 visitors were anticipated each day. Bluebird last ran at just over 150mph (250km/h) at Loch Fad in Scotland in 2018. For comparison, speeds during Coniston Power Boat Records Week reach approximately 130mph (210km/h). Safety concerns for other lake users and spectators were discussed before committee members approved the speed limit exemption.
Campbell’s daughter Gina welcomed the decision, saying her father “would be delighted” and that she expected strong support from both the Ruskin Museum and Coniston residents.
Bluebird was recovered from Coniston’s depths in 2001 and restored on Tyneside by engineer Bill Smith and volunteers. Ownership disputes delayed its use until Smith relinquished his claim last year.
The May event coincides with smoother expected lake conditions ahead of the 70th anniversary of one of Campbell’s world records in September. Australian Dave Warby, son of the late world-record holder Ken Warby, will pilot Bluebird. Blue Bird K3, the hydroplane used by Campbell’s father Malcolm to set three water speed records, is also scheduled to run. Lakeside events, including musical performances, will be held over the final weekend.
