Lake District: Ruskin Museum reveals pilot of Bluebird 2026 run

The hydroplane will be making a comeback in 2026 with the son of a World Water Speed Record holder in the driver's seat.

Dave Warby in the cockpit of his hydroplane Spirit of Australia II (Image: Ruskin Museum) The Ruskin Museum has revealed that Australian Dave Warby, son of Water Speed World Record holder Ken Warby MBE, and a current world water speed challenger in Spirit of Australia II, is to pilot the Bluebird.

Warby’s reserve will be RAF pilot Flight Lt David-John Gibbs from Grantham, Lincolnshire. The Lieutenant is also the designated pilot for the Longbow speed record challenge being led by elite performance coach Dave Aldred.

Museum director Tracy Hodgson said: “This is a major announcement as we take yet another step in putting Bluebird K7 back on Coniston Water for the first time since the crash which killed Donald Campbell, CBE, as he made another attempt at raising the World Water Speed Record on January 4, 1967.

“When the boat came back to the museum earlier this year we made a promise that K7 would run again on Coniston Water, and we are in the process of making that happen. We recently announced that two Orpheus engines are being examined and prepared for use and the announcement today is another step towards our goal.”

Flt Lt David-John Gibbs. (Image: AS1 Georgia Calloway, RAF Wittering) Dave Warby said: “It's a tremendous honour to be asked to pilot Bluebird K7 by the Ruskin Museum. Donald Campbell and Bluebird K7 was the inspiration for my father, Ken Warby MBE to successfully challenge the Unlimited World Water Speed Record. My father was in communication with the late Leo Villa throughout his project, sharing thoughts on his progress, eventually meeting Leo during a visit to London in 1979.

“Bluebird K7 is the most iconic Water Speed Record boat in the world, we look forward to working with the Ruskin Museum & partners, along with the Campbell family, and the Coniston community.”

He added: “Seeing my father design and build Spirit of Australia in the family backyard, then setting two World Water speed records was a huge inspiration for me. Now having built and driving my own boat, Spirit of Australia II, towards a water speed record, which is now over 275mph, this experience will be invaluable in driving Bluebird K7 on Coniston Water in a safe, successful manner.”

Dave’s father, Ken Warby MBE, achieved the World Water Speed record in 1978, reaching 317 mph. The World Water Speed Trophy remained with him until his death last year. His family allowed the trophy’s return to its custodian, the Royal Motor Yacht Club, and in October this year it was reunited with K7 for the first time since Donald Campbell’s tragic death.

Flt Lt David-John Gibbs said: “I feel exceptionally privileged to have been selected as a pilot for Bluebird K7. I’m looking forward to not only the challenge of driving the boat, but also working closely with the Ruskin Museum and the team as we bring Bluebird K7 back to running order.”

David is Officer Commanding Tutor Standards Flight in the RAF, where he and his team ensure that all Tutor flying instructors are operating to the required level of proficiency.

He is an active pilot outside work and instructs on several historic ex-military aeroplanes, including the Jet Provost, L29 Delfin, Chipmunk and Tiger Moth, and operates a collection of vintage gliders. To date he has logged over 6000 flying hours on 50 different types of aircraft.