Bluebird unveiled
Bluebird K7, the jet-powered boat in which Donald Campbell lost his life, has been put back together. 98 per cent of the aluminium shell of the boat has been rebuilt by diver Bill Smith who recovered the shattered fragments from the bottom of Coniston water.
The 26ft 4in long three pointer hydroplane was travelling at a reported speed of 328 mph when it crashed while attempting the World Water Speed record in January 1967. Its wreck, and the body of its driver, were recovered in 2001.
Bluebird K7 will not be in full working order until 2009, but it is hoped that the boat will then take to the water for one final time before going on permanent display at the Ruskin Museum in Coniston.
Motor Boats Monthly, 31 July 2008
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