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Nearly six decades after Donald Campbell tragically lost his life in a crash on Coniston Water, his iconic Bluebird hydroplane has been brought back to life once again. The jet-powered vessel, known as K7, was started up on the lake for the very first time since the fatal accident occurred in January 1967. At the time, Campbell had been striving to exceed the 300 mph speed mark during a record attempt when the craft flipped.
The wreckage of Bluebird was recovered from Coniston Water in 2001. Following a lengthy ownership dispute with Bill Smith, the engineer responsible for leading its restoration, the craft was officially handed over to the Ruskin Museum in Coniston two years ago. Campbell’s daughter, Gina, expressed deep emotion after witnessing the restored vehicle run again, describing the moment as “blown away.”
Campbell had an exceptional career setting water speed records, piloting Bluebird to seven world records between 1955 and 1964, four of which were achieved on Coniston Water. Additionally, in 1964, he also set a land speed record, making him the only person to hold the fastest times on both land and water in the same year. The re-ignition of the craft took place during a week-long series of events commemorating nearly 70 years since Campbell’s first record attempt on the lake.
The ceremony included lowering the fully restored craft into the water around 14:15 BST, followed approximately 90 minutes later by the moment the jet engine was fired up. Gina Campbell described the experience: “To see it and hear it… I never thought I’d live to see the day. It’s thanks to so many people. It’s just been amazing. For once, I’m speechless.” Donald Campbell’s nephew, Don Wales, also shared his feelings from the shore: “As soon as it touched the water, there was a tear in my eye. It really was quite a moment.” He emphasized the importance of the restoration team and the public’s enthusiasm for witnessing some of Bluebird’s historic legacy
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