SOLENT CRUISING
Solent Cruising Contributed by Steve Sleight SPONSORED BY PURE LATITUDE The Solent is renowned as one of the most popular recreational boating areas in the world but it’s much more than that. Formed around 7,000 years ago, when the Solent river estuary gradually flooded at the end of the last ice age, the Isle of Wight became separated from the mainland as the chalk ridge between The Needles and Old Harry Rocks on the mainland eroded. Photo: Eddie Mays
Today, the Solent has more small estuaries in close proximity than anywhere else in Great Britain and is located in one of the most sheltered channels in Europe. It is unique in Europe for its complex tides and the long periods of stand at High and Low Waters. The wide range of marine habitats make the Solent of international significance for wildlife, and one of the most important sites on the bird migration routes from the Arctic to Africa. With its huge diversity of wildlife and habitats, along with its heritage and archaeological importance, much of the coastline has protected status and is recognised as being of national and international importance. The Solent’s unique characteristics have made Southampton the leading cruise port and one of the main commercial ports in the country and enabled Portsmouth’s maritime heritage and naval importance. Consequently, the Solent has a high level of shipping movements with vessels of all types being seen. The huge diversity of the area together with the close proximity of many ports, harbours, and anchorages makes the Solent a wonderful cruising ground for sailors and powerboaters. The choice in number, size, and atmosphere of the many destinations in the Solent make it perfect for weekending or holiday cruising, especially when family cruising as there is much to satisfy all tastes. While mid-sized and large yachts and powerboats tend to congregate in the larger yachting centres such as Lymington, Cowes, Hamble, and Portsmouth there are many other destinations and anchorages available to smaller craft and those who don’t wish to follow the well-plowed wakes of the majority.
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SOLENT CRUISING