The Bluebird hydroplane has returned to the water for the first time in more than 50 years after it crashed and killed pilot, Donald Campbell. The hydroplane was recovered in 2001, restored and late last week returned to the water, successfully floating in a Loch on the Isle of Bute in Scotland.
Though a struggle to get the 1967 Bluebird K7 onto the water the restored craft eventually floated on the Loch before dark on Saturday August 4, 2018. Volunteers worked hard to restore the boat to its near original state though said they had to replace the engine.
Daughter, Gina Campbell (who has visited Dumbleyung previously) watched on as they placed the hydroplane on the water holding Mr Whoppit (Donald Campbell’s mascot). Gina mentioned it was bittersweet but everything good is worth sharing!
The unveiling of the restored hydroplane was the latest chapter in a story that includes our very own Dumbleyung when Donald Campbell broke the water speed record on Lake Dumbleyung in 1964.
For more information about the Bluebird visit www.facebook.com/dumbleyungbluebirdwa/
Though a struggle to get the 1967 Bluebird K7 onto the water the restored craft eventually floated on the Loch before dark on Saturday August 4, 2018. Volunteers worked hard to restore the boat to its near original state though said they had to replace the engine.
Daughter, Gina Campbell (who has visited Dumbleyung previously) watched on as they placed the hydroplane on the water holding Mr Whoppit (Donald Campbell’s mascot). Gina mentioned it was bittersweet but everything good is worth sharing!
The unveiling of the restored hydroplane was the latest chapter in a story that includes our very own Dumbleyung when Donald Campbell broke the water speed record on Lake Dumbleyung in 1964.
For more information about the Bluebird visit www.facebook.com/dumbleyungbluebirdwa/
Pictured above: The 1964 Bluebird K7 replica at Dumbleyung
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