lifestyle

Bluebird K7 Starts Its Journey Home

Legendary boat returning to Coniston

The Bluebird K7 leaving North Shields. Credit to Asadour Guzelian

Donald Campbell’s world-famous record-breaking boat Bluebird K7 set off on its journey back to Coniston this morning (Saturday 9th) from North Shields, Newcastle.

After years of negotiation, it has been agreed that the boat, which has been restored over 20 years by Bill Smith and his team of volunteers based in Newcastle, will return to Coniston to be displayed in the Ruskin Museum. People and the media gathered to see the boat leave Bill Smith’s workshop.

Having left North Shields, it will travel to the A69 via the A1058, joining the A167 M at Jesmond and the A69 at Denton, then travel along the A69 to junction 43 on the M6. Then it will travel down the M6 to junction 36, where it will take the A590 to Greenodd. From there, it will take the A5092 to Lowick Green, the A5084 to Torver and then the A593 to Coniston. The route is expected to be lined with people wanting to catch sight of the Bluebird k7 and the media recording this new chapter in its story.

Jeff Carroll, Vice Chairman of the Ruskin Museum Trustees, said:
“Today is the culmination of a number of years of hard work. Finally, we can fulfil the Deed of Gift from the Campbell family from 2006, and the Bluebird wing will have its centrepiece.”

Donald Campbell in the Bluebird K7 cockpit. 'Copyright Geoff Hallawell collection c/o The Campbell Family Heritage Trust'.

When it arrives in Coniston, residents and well wishers are expected to turn out in force to see the boat’s return. A piper is due to pipe the boat into the village, welcoming it back to Coniston. The Bluebird K7 will be housed in a special wing of the Ruskin Museum, only a short distance from where its skipper is buried in Coniston Churchyard.

Gina Campbell, daughter of Donald Campbell said:
“I can’t wait to see my fathers boat, this has been a long time coming, and I am delighted that it will be back in Coniston for what will be a very emotional reunion.”

The Ruskin Museum, along with its legal and media team are giving a press conference the day after its arrival (Sunday the 10th) to inform the public and the media about future plans for the Bluebird K7 and dispel any myths around its restoration.