A replica of a seaplane that first took flight from the waters of Windermere over 100 years ago has returned to the skies thanks to the support of a local hotel group.
The historic seaplane, Waterbird, was the focal point for the ‘Wings over Windermere’ aviation display in front of an enthusiastic crowd on the lawns of Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa at the lake waterfront. Visitors and guests at the hotel were treated to a series of flypasts from the historic aircraft, as well as an additional display from an Aviat Husky seaplane. Low Wood Bay also played host to the Waterbird flight crew after the display so that aviation enthusiasts could meet the team and find out more about the project.
In November 1911, Waterbird became the first aeroplane outside of France and the USA to take off from and alight on water. That flight was unique in that it was a world first in the successful use of the ‘stepped‘ float patented by Captain Edward Wakefield from Kendal.
English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues managing director Ben Berry says: “The Waterbird flight display was a wonderful sight against the backdrop of the Langdale Fells and the team at Low Wood Bay welcomed a good number of spectators and additional visitors for it. It’s been fantastic for us to play a part in the project and to celebrate Windermere’s aviation history and heritage.”
The Lakes Flying Company Limited is an established registered charity which celebrates the innovative contributions of Captain Wakefield and by Waterbird to the development of naval and civil marine aircraft. The original aeroplane’s floats were constructed by Borwick & Sons boat builders of Bowness-on-Windermere.
Chairman of the Lakes Flying Company Ltd Ian Gee added: “Captain Wakefield owned land at the lake where he built a hangar and experimented for two years with floats of various shapes and sizes. Waterbird first flew from Windermere with Herbert Adams as its pilot.
