World Water Speed Record by Donald Campbell on Ullswater, Cumbria
N 54° 32.651 W 002° 56.677
30U E 503582 N 6044071
Donald Campbell CBE broke the world water speed record in his jet powered boat, Bluebird, on Ullswater (lake) in 1955. This slate sign commemorates his achievement.
Waymark Code: WMA595
Location: North West England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 11/19/2010
Views: 12
Donald took up where his father, Malcolm, had ended. Donald had driven his father's boats. After the second world war records were now attempted with hydroplanes and jet engines. A hydroplane was liable to cartwheel or nose dive.
Lord Wakefield (owner of the Ullswater Company) was also a Director of an engineering Company at Preston who built Bluebird for Donald Campbell as well as providing him with a temporary boat-house and launching facilities at Glenridding. The original slipway can still be viewed adjacent to Glenridding Pier House.
Donald Campbell broke the world speed record on Ullswater on the 23rd July 1955 in the Jet powered Bluebird K7. The measured mile on a trial run was 215.08 mph and 189.57 mph on the return setting the new world record at an average speed of 202.32 mph.
The slate reads.
"Marking the place where Donald Campbell CBE launched his boat BLUEBIRD and achieved the water speed record of 202.32 mph
on July 23 1955
Into the water barrier and beyond
Placed by The Glenridding Hotel and Ullswater Navigation
and unveiled by Gina Campbell on day month year"
Links
Bluebird records Visit Link
Water Speed on Wikipedia Visit Link
Donald Campbell CBE on Wikipedia Visit Link
Bluebird K7 Visit Link