Home / Royal Mail / Donald Campbell’s K7 Bluebird to reunite with trophy

Donald Campbell’s K7 Bluebird to reunite with trophy

The hydroplane, which broke records before Campbell’s tragic death on Coniston Water in 1967, will visit the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Poole on Friday, October 4, and Saturday, October 5.

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

The trophy spent many years in Australia with the family of the current holder, Ken Warby.

Following Warby’s death last year, his family allowed the club to retrieve the trophy and bring it back to Poole.

The record, set by Warby at 317mph in 1978, remains unbeaten despite several attempts.

Both Donald Campbell and his father, Malcolm Campbell, previously held the record.

Gina Campbell, Donald Campbell’s daughter, will also attend the club to witness the reunion of Bluebird and the trophy for the first time since her father’s death.

The Bluebird K7 was recovered from Coniston Water in 2001 and fully restored by enthusiasts.

It now resides permanently at the Ruskin Museum in Coniston.

After the celebrations at the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Bluebird will travel to the Beaulieu Motor Museum on Sunday, October 6, for a brief public display.

The World Water Speed Trophy was originally made in 1870 for the then Prince of Wales as a cup for schooner racing in the UK.

It replaced the Americas Cup, which had been lost to the USA.

In 1937, the trophy was given to the Royal Motor Yacht Club and has since been presented as the World’s Water Speed Trophy.

Donald Campbell last held the record at 276mph, which was then surpassed by Ken Warby in 1978.

Several teams are now preparing to challenge for the trophy, including Dave Warby, the current holder’s son, who has already achieved over 260mph in his preparations.

Although the Royal Motor Yacht Club visit is for members only, the public can view the Bluebird at Beaulieu in Hampshire on Sunday, October 6, between 10am and 2.30pm.

Bluebird K7 will then head to Samlesbury near Preston to celebrate the 70th anniversary of its construction at Samlesbury Hall.

It will be on display between 10am and midday on October 7.




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