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RNAS Calshot
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
RNAS Calshot was originally set up in 1913. Its choice as a location for operating flying boats is clear: the landing area is sheltered by land on the three sides of Southampton Water and by the Isle of Wight, several miles away, on the fourth side. By the end of World War I flying boat patrols from Calshot had sunk three U-boats.
Between the wars Calshot was transferred to the Royal Air Force. The spit was the venue of the Schneider Trophy races of 1929 and 1931. Aircraftsman Shaw, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, worked there around that time.
During World War II, Calshot operated as a Short Sunderland repair base. The flying boat base closed in 1961. Two unfinished Saunders-Roe Princess flying boats were left at the Spit during the 1950s and 1960s.
The site is now used as a base for the RNLI, yachts and HM Coastguard. The hangars house indoor climbing walls, artificial ski slopes and a cycle track.