A 100th birthday party with a difference came to the shores of Southampton Water when a 16-piece band helped to celebrate the birthday of a boat.

The party was arranged by Marchwood Yacht Club stalwart Brian Sexton and family, friends and club members turned out in force to celebrate the sailing century of his 38-foot cutter Nepenthe.

Built by Kidby at Brightlingsea in Essex, she was originally a gaff cutter, but has been re-rigged as a Bermuda cutter.

How she got her name, Brian, 71, isn't exactly sure, but there are four theories. Brian explained: "Originally, Nepenthe was a sun goddess in Greek mythology, but it's also a sleep-inducing drug, a fly-eating plant and a black American woman blues singer - and I've decided to settle for the blues singer."

She came into Brian's ownership in a straight swap for a smaller boat he had built. He said: "Some wit asked if I'd had her built 100 years ago, but it was at Easter in 1959 that I took her over."

Recalling the complete refit which included a more modern engine, mast, rigging and other equipment, he added: "My little boat was brand new and Nepenthe was in a terrible state. It was a labour of love for two years to get her back into good condition."

Yesterday's party included music from a big band and a hog roast all washed down with several bottles of Nepenthe wine from Australia, which one of Brian's friends managed to acquire.

At the gathering were his wife of 54 years and fellow sailor for most of that time Flo, son Todd, daughter Linda and her husband John Elliott and Todd's son Ethan and step-daughter Naomi.

Todd and Linda don't sail, but they've done a lot to make sure Brian and Flo can spend plenty of time afloat by running the replacement window business he set up. "They just took over and I'm loving every minute of my retirement," he said.