Where's the Solent?

[bobgarrett]

My wife just asked this question, and we had to think about it. I think its the wet bit between the Isle of Wight and mainland. But does it also include the area south of Hayling Island? What about west of the Needles? And according to one suggestion it means the area where the Solent River once flowed (a long time ago) which could mean even south of the IOW.
So where is the Solent? And who decides?

 

[Channel Ribs]

So where is the Solent? And who decides?

The categorised waters are probably the best nautical definition.

Then again there is the area covered by Solent Coastguard.

 

[Poignard]

The categorised waters are probably the best nautical definition.

Then again there is the area covered by Solent Coastguard.

I find it slightly confusing when Solent c/g broadcasts weather forecasts to vessels "East of the Solent etc". As well as being often unsure where I am , I'm not sure where they mean.

 

[Boathook]

I find it slightly confusing when Soelent c/g broadcasts weather forecasts to vessels "East of the Solent etc". As well as being often unsure where I am , I'm not sure where they mean.

Portland CG also cover Lyme and Poole Bays along with a few others !

Going back to the OP the Solent is to my mind the water between the IOW and the mainland. The bits either end may or may not be included depending on point of view or sailing area ......

 

[Woodlouse]

I'd go with between the Needles at one end and the forts at the other end. Nice and clearly defined.

 

[geoffatstanpit]

Though we in Christchurch would consider the bits west of Hurst to be part of Christchurch Bay (my playpen!). Definitely not to be confused with the Solent!

 

[oldharry]

Strictly speaking the eastern end of the Solent - i.e the bit that comes under QHM Portsmouth is Spithead, and the forts are properly the Spithead Forts. Not sure where the western end of Spithead is, but I always understood it to be Gillkicker point.

Solent Coastguard are in based in the Solent (I.e west of Gillikicker), though their area extends considerbaly further, same as Portland CG's area.

Likewise, the forts at Hurst and the one on the Island oppopsite it (whose name I cant rmember and the charts are on the boat) mark the western end of the Solent. After that it is Needles Channel, North Channel and Christchurch Bay.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Likewise, the forts at Hurst and the one on the Island oppopsite it (whose name I cant rmember ..

Albert.

 

[curve]

There are two Solents

1) The body of water laughed and ranted at by forum members.

2) The real Solent as marked on the charts

 

[saxondale]

Wiki says the OP definition is about right. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solent

I like to think forts in the east and hurst to the west.

Another definition could be "anywhere near the IOW that channel 16 suddenly sparks into life on a saturday afternoon as you approach from the quietness of elsewhere"

 

[Twister_Ken]

Outer Solent - Nab to Needles

Inner Solent - Hurst to St Helens

Central Solent - Hamble to Cowes

 

[alan_d]

Then again there is the area covered by Solent Coastguard.

It would seem unwise to judge the extent of a geographical feature from the name of the Coastguard station which covers it. Doing so would lead you to conclude that the Forth includes the Tay and that the Clyde extends from the Mull of Galloway to Ardnamurchan.

 

[bedouin]

Also "The Greater Solent" - e.g. Poole to Chichester Harbours

 

[glashen]

Also "The Greater Solent" - e.g. Poole to Chichester Harbours

I'm not sure about the term "Greater Solent" smacks of nationalistic ambitions, Christchurch Bay is IMHO not part of the Solent. Or is that just me not wanting to be associated with the Solent mob.