THE YARD
Based in Hampshire, the Northam ward on which James’ Wharf sits has had a proud shipping heritage. It has now been revitalised due to the dogged determination of the sponsor and meaningful capital investment.
The wharf itself now covers over two and a half acres, with 6139m2 of substantial covered spaces allowing for land-based restoration as well. The dry dock and 110m wet dock have access directly into a deep berth for easy launching and additional capacity can be provided by a floating dock. The dry dock, the last remaining working dry dock in the city of Southampton and one of the oldest still in use within Great Britain is an impressive 60m long and air draft of nearly 19m. The team have installed brand new electric, air and gas infrastructure to deliver enhanced capacity to the dry and wet dock allowing for efficient, all weather enabled workspace.
The yard itself has been restored to reflect its industrial past by the very craftsmen that now operate within it. Uncovering the past to create the future is the fundamental approach to all that Calshot Group does.
Like the vessel it is named after, Calshot Group is truly unique – talented people in an ideal location unified under one purpose. Whilst there are places all over the world where yachts are designed and built to every kind of size and specification, there is an obvious gap in the global market for an organisation dedicated solely to quality restoration. It is a gap that the United Kingdom, with its long and proud maritime legacy, should be able to fill. It is fitting that it is here in Southampton that just such a facility is emerging, a world class facility.