Some of the country’s top sailors where among the many guests who attended a Champagne Mumm-sponsored gala dinner last night aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol’s Great Western Dockyard.

The event, to mark 180 years of celebrating Extraordinary Achievement, was an opportunity for Champagne Mumm to gather some of their sailing ambassadors within the unique and historical setting aboard the world’s first great ocean liner. In keeping with the magnificent surroundings guests enjoyed a five-course gourmet dinner coupled with copious amounts of G.H.Mumm’s finest.

Open 60 sailors Alex Thomson, Andrew Cape, Brian Thompson, plus some of the country’s up and coming young Olympic sailors including Tom Malindine and Harriette Trumble were among Champagne Mumm’s guests, and Nick Moloney – the guest speaker – delivered a frank account of some of his most memorable ocean racing experiences.

Moloney, who among his other achievements, has held 10 world speed records including the Jules Verne, spoke for 40 minutes and had the audience transfixed as he recounted his ill-fated 1999 Mini Transat attempt and 2004/5 Vendee Globe near-death experience.