Spithead Anchorage - Ships and Vessels of Captain Aubrey's Navy Artist: ©Geoff Hunt A peaceful afternoon finds several of the ships and vessels associated with Patrick O'Brian's naval hero Captain Aubrey gathered together at Spithead, just off Portsmouth. From a high viewpoint, perhaps the topsail yard of a nearby ship, we look down-Solent. The Isle of Wight lies in the distance. From left to right the vessels are: Ariel, 18 gun sloop (The Surgeon's Mate); Polychrest, exp