DONALD Campbell’s record-breaking hydroplane, Bluebird K7, has been reunited with the World Water Speed Trophy in Poole.

It is the first time since Donald Campbell CBE’s death on Coniston Water in 1967.

On Friday, October 4, the record-breaking boat made a private visit to the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Poole to celebrate the club’s long relationship with the water speed record.

The club is custodian of the World Water Speed Trophy which has been presented to the fastest boat on water for the past 87 years.

Graham Turner, commodore of the club, said: “To have both Bluebird K7 and the trophy together for the first time in more than 50 years is a great honour for the club and its members.”

He added: “We are looking forward to 2026 when once again Bluebird K7 will run on Coniston Water.”

As reported, 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.

Graham said: “The trophy’s return started with a sad event – the passing of Ken Warby who had held the record of 317 mph since 1978 – an incredible achievement considering the advances in technology over the last nearly 50 years.”

The reunion was celebrated at the club with a lunch for members and special guests which included Donald Campbell’s daughter, Gina Campbell, Malcolm Campbell’s grandsons Don Wales and Peter Hulme, who are trustees of the Campbell Family Heritage Trust.

Gina Campbell said: “This is another important milestone in the history of Bluebird K7, and my father would be delighted.”

Ruskin Museum gave special permission for the boat to leave its home at the museum in Coniston, Tracy Hodgson, director of the museum, said: “This is the first time that Bluebird K7 has left the museum since it was installed there in March of this year.”

She added: “Taking Bluebird K7 out of the museum is not something that we take lightly as we never want to disappoint people who travel from all over the world to see it. But this event is a very special occasion.”