Bluebird K7 – Donald Campbell’s record-breaking jet hydroplane – is slated to return to Coniston Water in 2026, pending approval of a speed-exemption to lift the 10mph limit. Marking 70 years since Campbell’s first Coniston record (19 September 1956), it would be K7’s first run there since Campbell’s fatal crash on January 4 1967.
Recovered in 2001 and rebuilt over six years by Bill Smith’s Bluebird Project, Bluebird K7 completed shakedown runs on Loch Fad, Scotland, in August 2018 – its first outing since 1967 – but that appearance came amid a protracted ownership dispute between the Ruskin Museum and Bill Smith’s Bluebird Project. After an out-of-court settlement was reached in 2024, the craft was returned to the Ruskin Museum where it resides in a purpose-built hangar.
“We have applied to the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) for the speed exemption to run K7 on Coniston Water,” confirmed Ruskin Museum director Tracey Hodgson. “The dates we have asked for are May 10-17, 2026. We do need to stress that until the LDNPA authorise these dates, nothing is confirmed.”
While the 70th anniversary of Campbell’s World Water Speed Record falls in September, the May 10-17 dates were chosen because it promises calmer conditions for next year’s run. Hodgson added that the LDNPA will not permit K7 to run during peak summer or bank-holiday periods, citing Coniston Water’s public right of navigation.
The anniversary run will double as a proving exercise, allowing the crew and pilots to familiarise themselves with operating K7 at speed.
Australian racer Dave Warby is due to pilot K7 in 2026. He’s the son of current Water Speed Record holder Ken Warby MBE – who set 317.59mph in 1978 – and, echoing Donald and Malcolm Campbell, Dave is pursuing his late father’s mark in Spirit of Australia II.
Should Warby be unavailable, RAF pilot and fellow record contender David-John Gibbs will take the helm. Gibbs is the designated pilot for Britain’s Longbow project and instructs on historic ex-military types – Jet Provost, L-29 Delfin, Chipmunk, Tiger Moth – as well as a fleet of vintage gliders.
Prior to K7’s return to Coniston Water, it will be showcased at the Lady Mayor’s Show in central London on November 8, 2025.
Find out more about Bluebird’s legacy and the Ruskin Museum here.
