Key details
- Current boat name
- Bluebird K3
- Boat class
- 7330
- Function
- Sports and Leisure
- Type
Dimensions and specifications
- Length (m / ft)
- 7.01 / 23ft
- Leeward
- Keel
- Masts
- None
- Propulsion
- Engine
Design and build
- Designer
- Cooper F W
- Date of build
- 1937
- Place of build
- Cowes , Isle of Wight
Current status
- Present use
- Museum
History
BLUEBIRD K 3 is a Rolls Royce engined hydroplane. Fitted with an R type engine, it was driven by Sir Malclom Campbell to take the world speed record at 129.5mph in September 1937 on Lake Maggiore, in N Italy. In August 1938 on Hallwieler See, Switzerland the speed record was raised to 130.9 mph. The boat is currently fitted with a Rolls Royce Meteor engine (a modified Merlin type). Under restoration, seen in store and images available GH Jan 2010 It has been restored and recently re-launched. See picture in Classic Boat 2012 February p 18 DC