Key details
- Current boat name
- Bluebird K7
- Boat class
- 7150
- Function
- Sports and Leisure
- Type
Dimensions and specifications
- Length (m / ft)
- 8.05 / 26ft 5in
- Beam (m / ft)
- 3.2 / 10ft 6in
- Propulsion
- Engine
Design and build
- Designer
- Norris Bros
- Date of build
- 1954
- Place of build
- Samlesbury, Preston
Current status
- Present use
- Museum/RM
History
BLUEBIRD K7 was designed by the Norris brothers in 1953/54 with modifications up to 1966. This turbo-jet powered hydroplane was built for the late Donald Campbell to attempt to break the World Water Speed Record. It was built by Samlesbury Engineering Ltd in 1954 at Samlesbury, near Preston. Its Bristol Siddeley Orpheus turbo jet engine was acquired from a Folland Gnat fighter. Between 1955 and 1964 the vessel achieved seven World Speed Records. In January 1967, during an attempt to break the record at over 300 m ph BLUEBIRD crashed on Coniston Water, killing Campbell. The wreck was recovered in March 2001 and has been partially restored for display at the Ruskin Museum at Coniston. July 2010 (Archive)