Bluebird chiefs defend first day's slow running
Getty ImagesOrganisers of Bluebird's return to Coniston Water have defended the first day's action following complaints about a lack of high-speed running.
Thousands flocked to see the restored record-breaking hydroplane fired up on the Cumbrian lake on Monday for the first time since the crash that claimed the life of its pilot, Donald Campbell, in January 1967.
However, some visitors, in person as well as on social media, hit out as Bluebird made only two slow ventures between 15:00 and 16:30 BST.
Organisers said they were "sorry many left disappointed" but added that safety would always be their "first priority" with a number of checks having to be completed on the day.
Almost eight years since the boat last ran on Scotland's Isle of Bute, and now under the control of a different team, Bluebird was piloted for the first time by Australian water speed world record challenger Dave Warby.
In the lead-up to the week-long Bluebird K7 - The Festival event, organisers stressed there would not be a schedule for running because it would be weather dependent although they hoped the craft would be in action each day at speeds of up to 150mph (240km/h).
Advertised with a start time of 10:00 BST, many visitors had a wait of at least four-and-a-half hours before Bluebird was lowered into the lake shortly after 14:00 BST with more than 60 further minutes passing before its engine was started.
Warby then conducted what organisers called two "familiarisation runs" to acquaint himself with the way the craft handles on water.
Cheers and applause rang out from many of those in attendance.
But with the sun shining and conditions calm, some visitors called for the day's action to be extended to enable higher-speed runs with others complaining announcements via a loud speaker system had either not contained enough information or could not be heard on parts of the shoreline.
PA MediaIn a statement published on the festival's Facebook page, the team behind the event said they "absolutely accept the frustration around communication on the day".
"We know announcements were difficult to hear at times and that updates should have been clearer and more regular," the post continued.
"A huge amount of preparation went into this event over many months, but with a project of this scale there are still live checks, inspections and approvals that can only happen on the day under operational conditions.
"While the weather thankfully held, safety and technical validation had to come first."
They added that, overall, they were "very happy with how things went", saying Bluebird "performed brilliantly and we made history in putting K7 back on Coniston Water".
Winds affecting the calmness of the lake meant the second day of the event saw no running at all for either Bluebird K7 or Blue Bird K3 which set three world water speed records when it was piloted by Donald's father, Sir Malcolm, in the 1930s.
The festival brings the two crafts together for the first time.
