Donald Campbell's daughter spoke of her pride as Bluebird returned to the spot where he died almost 60 years ago. Gina Campbell, 79, described the hydroplane's triumphant rebirth as an "incredible achievement."
Return to Coniston Water
Thousands witnessed the vessel on the stretch of water where her father smashed four world records before tragedy struck on 4 January 1967. Gina admitted: "I'm just wishing my dad were piloting the craft."
She said the legal battle to bring Bluebird back to the Ruskin Museum had been exhausting. A dispute with Tyneside engineer Bill Smith, who salvaged the wreckage in 2001 and rebuilt it, was finally settled last year.
Legal Battle
The ownership issue arose after Bluebird returned to water in 2018 on the Isle of Bute. Gina, of Southport, added: "I've fought and fought and fought. It's been going on for a very long time and, to be honest, it's worn me out. But we've finally got the boat back and full marks to the Ruskin. I have complete faith in them."
Week-Long Celebration
Bluebird was towed into position before its jet engine fired up on Monday, marking the start of a week-long celebration of her father's life in Coniston. He died during an attempt to reach 300 mph on the water in 1967.
Gina was 17 when her father was killed while she worked in the Swiss ski resort of Arosa. "My mother rang. When I was summoned to the office, I had a sense of foreboding," she told the BBC. "I knew my dad was attempting to break a record and that it hadn't gone to plan. Why else would someone be ringing at that time?"
She recalled: "I can't really begin to describe it. It was on the news and the divers were looking for my dad. I suppose after about four or five days we realised there wasn't going to be a funeral because they couldn't find my father's remains." His remains were finally located near the wreckage of Bluebird in 2001, and he was buried by Coniston Water.
Focus on Courage
Gina hopes this week's festival will highlight her dad's courage and the dedication of his support team. She said of her father and his small team: "They didn't have access to the technology we do today, so it makes those achievements even greater. Maybe my dad will be looking down... and the Ruskin get the accolades they deserve for having the courage to put this event on in the first place."
