Donald Campbell’s record-breaking jet boat Bluebird to ‘run again’ after restoration

The record-breaking hydroplane Bluebird K7 will run again on Coniston Water, the Ruskin Museum has announced as the boat was unveiled in its new home.

Donald Campbell was attempting a new water speed record on Coniston Water on January 4 1967 when the vessel flipped into the air and disintegrated, killing him.

The wreckage, along with Campbell’s body with his race suit intact, was recovered in 2001 by engineer Bill Smith.

He restored the hydroplane with a team of volunteers at the Bluebird Project in North Shields.

On Saturday, the boat was collected by Ruskin Museum staff and driven 147 miles to Coniston, which Gina, Campbell’s daughter, described as his “spiritual home”.

On Sunday, David Barzilay, director of communications for the museum, said: “This morning, we are happy to announce that the boat will run again on Coniston at a time to be agreed in the future.”