THE, the western part of the strait which separates the Isle of Wight from England. Its western extremity, where it opens into the English Channel, is between Hurst Point and the Needles; its eastern, where it joins with Southampton Water to the north, and Spithead to the east, between Fort Monckton and West Cowes. Its length is 18 miles, and its average breadth 3. Though its navigation is somewhat intricate, the Solent affords a good anchorage and sheltered roadstead for vessels.