The Solent, despite being a narrow and short water channel, has been an integral part of Britain’s past. It has been visited for centuries by Romans and royalty as well as sailors and tourists.

It is located between Hampshire, in southern England and the Isle of Wight. It stretches on the mainland from Barton-on-Sea, past the New Forest, formerly a royal hunting grounds, to Southampton, Gosport, and Portsmouth, the principal naval and port centres. However, there is no agreement as to where exactly it begins and ends. To learn more about a Day Skipper Course, visit www.solentboattraining.co.uk/rya-sailing-courses/rya-day-skipper-practical-sailing

Origins

The exact origins of the Solent’s name are also lost to time, though the first reference as Soluente appears on a document in goatskin written by a Monk in 731 AD. Around the Solent’s shores, evidence has been discovered of prehistoric human activity. This includes a submerged wood structure dating back to around 6000 BC. Later, the invading Romans left their marks on the region.

Double tide jeopardy

The Solent was once a small river valley that gradually expanded and widened over the course of thousands of years, giving it the tidal stretch we see today. The unusual “double tide” due to the flow of tidal water throughout the English Channel has drawn (and sometimes confused!) many maritime activities. The high number of vessels that pass through its waters has led to one of the most densely populated lifeboat stations anywhere in the world.

Low tides, shifting stones and low water levels have created temporary islands in the Solent. This has recently led to the annual Brambles Bank summer cricket match taking place in the middle of the eastern Solent!

The Solent is a region rich in maritime and royal history. It also has a lot of recreation and archaeology. This makes sailing in the Solent a rewarding experience.