Spithead

Spithead, a roadstead at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, extending, with a length of 2 miles and a breadth of 1-1/2 mile, along the Spit Sand, and protected by several forts. The name is often applied to the whole reach of water between Hants and The Isle of Wight. Owing to the good anchorage it serves as a rendezvous for the Channel Fleet.