The black tie event brought together Rockley Watersports staff spanning the company's 30-year history with people travelling from as far afield as America to join in the celebrations.

Adding to the event, over £2,000 was raised for the Dorset charity Julia's House that provides respite care for life-limited and life-threatened children.

Rockley Watersports supported the charity earlier in the year when two of its staff undertook a sponsored sail in a dinghy from Cherbourg to Poole harbour.

"It was a fabulous event which gave us the chance to celebrate Rockley Watersports' success with our staff past and present and people that have supported us since we began in 1976, " said Rockley's MD, Peter Gordon.

"It was a fantastic night and far surpassed our expectations and there seems to be a general feeling that it should be a regular event."