Bluebird K7 to be re-united with the World Water Speed Trophy

Donald Campbell’s record-breaking hydroplane, Bluebird K7 is to be reunited with the World Water Speed Trophy for the first time since Donald Campbell CBE’s tragic death on Coniston Water in 1967.

The record-breaking boat will make a private visit the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Poole on Friday October 4^th and Saturday the 5^th of October to celebrate the club’s long relationship with the water speed record.

The club is custodian of the World Water Speed Trophy which has been presented to the fastest boat on water for the past 87 years.

The Trophy has spent many years in Australia with the family of the current holder, Ken Warby, but since his death last year the family have allowed the club to collect the Trophy from Australia and return it to its home in Poole.

Holders of the record have included both Donald Campbell and his father Malcom Campbell, and more recently Australian Ken Warby who took the record to a staggering 317 mph in 1978. Despite several attempts, no boat has yet beaten that record.

Campbells daughter Gina Campbell will also be at the club to see Bluebird and the magnificent trophy reunited for the first time since the tragic loss of her father. The boat was recovered from the depths of Coniston Water in 2001 and fully restored by enthusiasts, it was returned to the Ruskin Museum in Coniston which is now her permanent home. Following celebrations at the Royal Motor Yacht Club Bluebird will travel to the Beaulieu Motor Museum on Sunday 6^th October to be briefly on show to the public.

The Trophy itself was made in 1870 for the then Prince of Wales as a cup for schooner racing in the UK, replacing the Americas Cup which had been lost to the USA previously. In 1937 the Trophy was given to the Royal Motor Yacht Club and has been presented as The World’s Water Speed Trophy ever since.

Donald Campbell last held the record at 276mph, but this was then exceeded by Australian Ken Warby in 1978 and despite several attempts remains unbeaten. However, there are now credible teams preparing to challenge for the Trophy from UK and Australia, including the current holder’s son Dave Warby, who has already achieved over 260mph in his preparations.

Although the visit to the RMYC is for members only, the public will be able to enjoy this rare opportunity to see the vessel at Beaulieu in Hampshire on Sunday the 6th of October, between 10 am and 2.30 pm.

Bluebird K7 will then head to Samlesbury near Preston to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of its build. It was constructed at Samlesbury Hall and will be on display between 10.am and midday on the 7^th of October.