Solent

The Solent is a busy waterway between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and is an extension of the English Channel. The Solent is popular for recreational sailing, but is also navigated by many commercial vessels, heading for the port of Southampton. The Solent, having two entrances on to the English Channel, has twice the number of high tides a day compared to neighbouring parts of the channel coast. This has undoubtedly contributed to the growth of the city of Southampton as an important centre for shipping.