RECORD-breaking hydroplane Bluebird leaves its restorer’s workshop on the way to a museum — and an “emotional reunion” with the daughter of its pilot, Donald Campbell.
The vessel flipped on January 4, 1967, killing Campbell as he attempted a new speed record on Coniston Water in the Lake District.
Record-breaking hydroplane Bluebird leaves its restorer’s workshop on the way to a museum
AlamyDonald Campbell’s daughter Gina welcomed Bluebird to its ‘spiritual home’ in Coniston[/caption]
The remains of the hydroplane were recovered from Coniston in 2001Rex Features
His daughter Gina welcomed Bluebird to its “spiritual home”, Coniston, yesterday afternoon.
She said: “I can’t wait to see my father’s boat, this has been a long time coming.
“I am delighted that it will be back in Coniston for what will be a very emotional reunion.”
Campbell broke eight world speed records on water and on land in the 1950s and 1960s.
In his fatal record attempt, the son of Sir Malcolm Campbell, who himself held land and water speed records, had set himself a target of reaching 300mph on Coniston Water.
In August 2018, the reconstructed craft, fitted with a new jet engine, took to the water again where it hit speeds of around 150mph.
The Ruskin Museum will hold a press conference to inform the public about future plans for the Bluebird K7 and to speak about its restoration.
PA:Press AssociationThe Bluebird K7 ‘flying’ on the lake before the tragedy in 1967[/caption]
The History PressCampbell broke eight world speed records on water and on land in the 1950s and 1960s[/caption]
PAGina said: ‘I can’t wait to see my father’s boat, this has been a long time coming[/caption]