Sunseeker International: When a founder’s ambition revolutionizes the luxury yacht industry
Sunseeker International is a brand of high-performance luxury motor yachts. The shipyard was founded in 1969 by brothers Robert and John Braithwaite under the name Poole Power Boats. The goal is to create a one-of-a-kind boat. By offering designs tailored to a limited clientele, the yard was able to push the boundaries of their early boat designs, contributing to the revolution in the powerboat industry.
In 1985, the company changed its name to Sunseeker International and has since become a global icon.
How Sunseeker met the needs of its customers by revolutionizing the sport and leisure boat industry in the UK
In the 1970s, the British sport and leisure boat industry had no major manufacturers.
The first boats launched were the Sovereign 17 in 1971, closely followed by the Sovereign 20. In 1972, at the Southampton Boat Show, Sunseeker introduced its boats to attract new customers. It was at this time that the famous Formula One driver Henry Taylor fell in love with the boats. However, he wanted an additional feature. In particular – a full width sunbed. In order to fully satisfy his customers, Sunseeker designed this exceptional boat.
How is Sunseeker solidifying its place in the luxury boat market?
Robert’s younger brother John plays a key role in the creation of many award-winning designs as Director of Product Development. In addition, he will serve in that capacity for more than 50 years until his retirement in 2019. Sunseeker is able to meet the growing demand for sporty cruisers by introducing the Sports 23 and Daycab 23.
By collaborating with renowned boat designer Don Shead, the Braithwaite brothers create a new type of cruiser to meet the needs of the Mediterranean market. This unique collaboration resulted in the Offshore 28. This unit is the first of its kind in Europe. The exceptional performance of the hull has set new standards for performance boats. As a result, Sunseeker International is consolidating its place in the luxury boat market.
Sunseeker’s revolutionary models in the 1980s
By the 1980s, Sunseeker was already known for designing exceptionally unique boats. For example, the Portofino 31 changed the focus from overnight accommodations to spacious cockpits to accommodate large groups. So is the revolutionary design of the Tomahawk 37. This timeless icon is another example of Sunseeker’s ability to provide practical boats that deliver exactly what they promise.
Sunseeker’s Innovative Boats of the 1990s
During the 1990s, the style of boating underwent a revolution. In particular, Sunseeker was a pioneer in the adoption of sleek, automotive-inspired shapes and curves. As a result, the shipyard launched the Renegade 60, the first production boat equipped with two waterjet transmissions. Sunseeker succeeds in combining performance, style and exceptional handling. In doing so, the brand reinforces its position as a leader in innovative boat design.
How Sunseeker is ushering in a new era of luxury yachting
In the 2000s, Sunseeker brought a revolution to the yacht industry. Most notably – the launch of its largest motor vessel ever: the 105 Yacht. The boat was honored with two of the world’s most prestigious awards in the superyacht category. Through the use of advanced composite materials and modern construction techniques, Sunseeker is ushering in a new era of luxury boating.
As a result, the shipyard is launching even larger superyachts, such as the 37M Yacht. Notably, these superyachts inspire a new generation of yacht building.
In 2015, Sunseeker celebrates the delivery of its 100th superyacht, a symbol of decades of innovation and unparalleled shipbuilding expertise.
Sunseeker celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2010. Sunseeker Predator 130 wins the Showboats Design Award for best naval architecture. In addition, the boat becomes a finalist in the World Superyacht Awards.
In 2013, the Chinese Dalian Wanda Group acquired a 91.8% stake in Sunseeker.
Sunseeker today
The shipyard continues to improve. Today Sunseeker offers 8 ranges of boats. They are :
- Performance from 38 to 55 feet
- Predator from 55 to 75 feet
- Sport Yacht from 65 to 75 feet
- Manhattan from 55 to 68 feet
- Yacht from 76 to 100 feet
- Ocean from 80 to 164 feet
- Superyacht from 116 to 131 feet
- Style, meet volume
The Performance line includes the :
- Hawk 38
- Supershawk 55
The Predator range includes the models :
- Predator 55 Evo
- Predator 60 Evo
- Predator 65
- Predator 74 XPS
- Predator 75
The Sport Yacht range includes the models :
- 65 Sport Yacht
- 74 Sport Yacht XPS
- 75 Sport Yacht
The Manhattan range includes the models :
- Manhattan 55
- Manhattan 68
The Yacht range includes the following models: :
- 76 Yacht
- 88 Yacht
- 95 Yacht
- 100 Yacht
The Ocean range includes the models :
- Ocean 156
- 90 Ocean
- Ocean 182
- Ocean 460
- 50M Ocean
The SuperYacht range includes the models :
- 116 Yacht
- 131 Yacht
The Style, meet volume range features the fabulous Ocean 460.
The most sought-after used Sunseeker boats
Some of Sunseeker’s most popular models on the pre-owned market are :
- Predator 82
- Manhattan 64
- Predator 64
- Manhattan 52
- Predator 72
- Portofino 48
- Camargue 44
- Superhawk 48
- Predator 56
- Predator 62
These boats have a good reputation for performance and maneuverability. In addition, they are constructed of fiberglass and have a solid and durable construction.
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