A FAMOUS jet engine hydroplane is making its way to Poole to reunite with a prestigious trophy.

Donald Campbell’s record-breaking hydroplane Bluebird K7 will travel to Poole to reunite with the World Water Speed Trophy for the first time since Donald Campbell CBE’s tragic death in 1967.

Record breaker Donald Campbell died in a fatal crash involving a speedboat on Conston Water. The boat was reportedly catapulted 50ft into the air at more than 300mph.

He crashed while attempting to beat his own water speed personal record.

Now, his memory lives on through the Bluebird K7 that will visit the Royal Motor Yacht Club on October 4 to celebrate the club’s long-standing relationship with the water speed record.

A spokesperson for the Royal Motor Yacht Club said: “The trophy has spent many years in Australia with the family of the current holder Ken Warby, but since his death last year the family have allowed the club to collect the trophy from Australia and return it to its home in Poole.

"Campbell's daughter Gina Campbell will also be at the club to see Bluebird and the magnificent trophy reunited for the first time since the tragic loss of her father.

“The boat was recovered from the depths of Coniston Water in 2001 and fully restored by enthusiasts, before being given to the Ruskin Museum in Coniston which is now her permanent home.

“Following celebrations at the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Bluebird will travel to the Beaulieu Motor Museum on Sunday 6th October to be briefly on show to the public.

"The trophy itself was made in 1870 for the then Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII,
as a cup for schooner racing in the UK, replacing the Americas Cup which had been lost
to the USA previously.

"In 1937 the trophy was given to the Royal Motor Yacht Club and has been presented as The World’s Water Speed Trophy ever since.

"Donald Campbell last held the record at 276mph, but this was then exceeded by Australian Ken Warby in 1978 and despite several attempts remains unbeaten."

The public will be able to enjoy the rare opportunity of seeing the Bluebird K7 in person at Beaulieu in Hampshire on October 6 between 10am and 2.30pm.