Re-birth of "the Bluebird":

In January 1967, Donald Campbell attempted to break the water speed record on a Cumbrian lake. He died when his hydroplane Bluebird K7 crashed at more than 300mph. Both pilot and boat were lost in the depths of Coniston Water. They were destined to remain part of the lake's dark legend. But, there were those who had other ideas...

DonaldCampbell:1921-1967

BLUEBIRD: THE SPIRIT REBORN:
"It was only when we were threatened with not being able to do it that we decided we dam well
had to do it.'" - Bluebird K7 Project Team Leader: Bill Smith

"I was 17 when Dad (Donald Campbell) died. I still feel him around me in various things I do. It sounds corny, but if I'm really striving for something, I think: 'Come on, your Dad had 'that'.' So I think he's there. For my dad's memory, I wanted to push this project (re-birth of Bluebird) as far as we could." - Gina Campbell (pictured right).





Power boat enthusiast: Ted Walsh (pictured left) faces a formidable challenge in 2012; that is to uphold the Campbell legend and pilot the (original) Bluebird. It's a project not yet near completion and has more than half a dozen people working voluntarily and close to full-time on it. The project is funded through community donations.

At the time of his death in 1967, Donald Campbell was a household name and his name was known around the world. He was known for his tenacity and courage and had broken world records on both land and water and in the Bluebird K7 had broken the water speed world record seven times.

Bluebird K7 (2001) Project Team Leader: Bill Smith
In 2001; after many efforts, Donald Campbell's Bluebird was risen 40metres from the bottom of the Coriston Lake to the surface.
Three months later, the remains of Donald Campbell's body was risen to the surface and buried on September 12th 2001 in Coniston Cemetry.
Enthusiasts have decided to go further - much further; re-build the Bluebird K7 and find a pilot to take her onto the water.
The machine is being re-built as close as possible to the original.

To the memory of
Carl Spencer (above): 1970 - 2009
The diver who recovered the remains of Donald Campbell