Bluebird's Coniston Water struggles 'frustrating'
Matthew WillisThe inability to get Donald Campbell's restored Bluebird up to speed on its return to Coniston Water is "frustrating, disappointing and annoying," the event's chief says.
The hydroplane was again hampered by an engine power issue, twice failing to reach a speed that would enable it to "plane" - the point at which hydrodynamics enable it to skim across the surface of the lake.
This week has seen it fired up on the Cumbrian lake for the first time since Campbell was killed in January 1967 as he attempted to push his water speed world record past 300mph (480km/h).
Jeff Carroll, chairman of the Ruskin Museum, described the failures as "a perfect example of the struggles Donald had".
He said: "This is all being done in tribute to Donald and his whole team and we're just getting a microcosm of the frustrations they had.
"Tomorrow is another day and hope springs eternal."
Another 'tweak'
After being cheered by thousands of onlookers when it was first lowered into the lake on Monday - with Campbell's daughter Gina and other family members looking on - the following days have been best by difficulties.
Strong winds on Tuesday prevented any running, with Wednesday then seeing pilot Dave Warby - himself a water speed record challenger - report engine issues.
The Australian said a "tweak" would be required to the power settings in order to give the craft "a little bit more power to get up on top of the water".
However, a run at about midday on Thursday saw him encounter the same problem.
Engineers transported Bluebird back to a workshop at Coniston Boating Centre and, after heavy rain and thunder cleared, a second attempt was made at approximately 16:00 BST, only for the issue to again blight efforts.
Organisers had hoped Bluebird could reach 150mph (240km/h) at some point through the week, which is being staged to tie in with the 70th anniversary of Campbell setting the first of four water speed records on the lake.
