Plans for a new racing seaplane and base for a new Hampshire charity will be revealed this weekend.

Formed last year, during the Pandemic, the charity has already commissioned the building of the wings of the replica S5 racing seaplane. It hopes to have the work to build a racer completed by 2024.

Chairman Will Hosie explained that “the Supermarine S5 started the winning streak of the Supermarine Seaplane Racers, designed by the legendary R J Mitchell. The first race was won at Venice in 1927, followed by two wins in Calshot in 1929 and 1931. These allowed Britain to keep the amazing trophy, which can now be seen on display at the Science Museum.

“We are very excited about flying the replica at Calshot and are now in discussions with Hampshire County Council and the Calshot Activities Centre about how this can be achieved.

“The Supermarine family of racing seaplanes were built across Southampton Water and test flown from Woolston.”

As heritage is an important part of the charity’s non-flying work, it has its own education programme. Trustee Paul Beaver explained “we are already working with the T E Lawrence Society as Lawrence of Arabia spent several years at Calshot supporting racing seaplane and high-speed launch development.”

Heritage and history, especially to younger people considering a STEM career will be supported by the charity in due course.

TV historian and broadcaster Dan Snow said: “The Schneider Trophy and Supermarine seaplanes are synonymous with Calshot, Southampton Water and the Solent. I am delighted that this charity will help bring these important aeronautical developments to a new generation.”

“Right now,” concluded Will Hosie, “the need is for funding, so we are appealing for donations, small or large to help bring the Supermarine S5 racing seaplane is life again at Calshot.”