Calshot and the Schneider Trophy

This blog post isn't actually about Spitfires, but it's closely linked to its 'birth', so bear with me!

RJ Mitchell was the brains behind the Spitfire, but before that he designed other planes at Supermarine. And some of those planes were racing seaplanes, used in the Schneider Trophy in the early 20th century. These races attracted vast numbers of spectators!

In the last two years in which these Schneider Trophy races were held, 1929 and 1931, the race was held at Calshot. Great Britain won the trophy for eternity in 1931, having won it three times in a row. 

And the planes that secured the Schneider Trophy were the Supermarine S6 (in 1929) and S6B (in 1931).

Time for us to pay a visit to Calshot as it is now!

Upon entering Calshot Spit, there is a mural of a Supermarine S6B.

Look closer: the mural consists mostly of sea shells ...

A bit further along the Spit, a nod to RJ Mitchell!

In Calshot Castle itself there are some exhibits of the Supermarine planes and the Schneider Trophy, including this model and a nice painting:

Having seen where the Supermarine S6B once flew, time to go back to Solent Sky Museum, as they have a genuine Supermarine S6!

Also a replica of the Schneider Trophy (the real Trophy is in London)

Can't say it's a thing of beauty, but that's my personal opinion ...

Obviously, I couldn't not take another picture of the resident Spitfire while at Solent Sky ...

... and of a replica of the prototype!

Can't imagine this will be our final visit to Solent Sky. After all, have to get a picture of me with my "I don't snore ..." shirt in front of the Spitfire!

And if you want to read more on the history of the Schneider Trophy, this is a good book to get: