Introduction to the Solent
Thought to take its name from the Solan Goose which used to congregate around its coast,
the Solent is the stretch of about 30 miles of water between the South coast of England and the Isle of Wight. It is claimed that the Romans could wade across at low tide, but nowadays you need a boat of some kind, and here you really are spoilt for choice.
It is internationally renowned as one of the worlds top watersports locations, and provides ideal conditions for all types and levels of sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, scuba-diving, power boating and fishing.
It is also a major shipping route for ferries, cruise liners, freight, and the Royal Navy, so the variety of vessels and sailing companions is truly astounding and ever-changing. If you’ve got a passion for the sea, then this is sailing heaven. If you haven’t, then you soon will have after spending a few days here!
What makes sailing in the Solent really special though is the breathtaking backdrop, comprising of a rich diversity of coastal landscapes, the wildlife and the fascinating maritime history and heritage.
Regions of the coast are particularly spectacular, and are designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Heritage Coasts or National Parks.
It is one of the most important bird migration routes from the Arctic to Africa, has the largest oyster fishery in the UK, and dolphins can make wonderful surprise appearances.
Portsmouth harbour is home to the Royal Navy, the Spinnaker Tower and the Historic Dockyard containing Nelsons HMS Victory and King Henry VIII’s Mary Rose, amongst many others.
A series of forts and castles dot the horizon, and some are even in the middle of the Solent itself !
But man does not live by sailing and scenery alone. He needs entertainment, nourishment and shopping, and there are abundant choices for all of these in Southampton, Portsmouth, and all the other towns, villages and harbours that border the Solent.
The list of features and attractions goes on and on, (we’ll be covering them in much more detail in other articles), and we haven’t even mentioned that you are only about 12 hours sailing from France.
Sailing is such an exilarating experience, and particularly so when you are surrounded by such views and can see history and nature close-up.
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