It was 1969 in Poole, Dorset, when one man's dream of building a new type of boat led to the international company that we know today. Now employing 2,000 designers, master craftsmen and engineers and with a global network of more than 80 retail and service locations operating in 45 countries, Robert Braithwaite founded Sunseeker Yachts. A pioneer of his era, he used revolutionary technology and materials to craft special designs for a handful of customers.


Unique opportunity

When Owens Cruisers announced they were closing their UK operations down, Robert grasped this unique opportunity. He raised the capital and drove to Owens Cruisers' Arundel offices, where he negotiated a deal to acquire their moulds.

This was new territory for what was then Poole Powerboats but undeterred, Robert went on to launch his first craft, Sovereign 17, in 1971 - Sovereign 20 followed this. Just one year later, the company exhibited at Southampton Boat Show, where they met many new customers. F1 driver, Henry Taylor, was among the visitors and he discussed his dream to own a yacht with a full-width sunbed. The team successfully designed this innovative and unique boat.

European markets

Robert’s younger brother John then joined the business and he is Product Development Director to this day. The company began to fulfil the needs of a growing cruiser market, launching the Daycab 23 and Sports 23 designs. Sunseeker had arrived and the voyage to success began in earnest, as the company expanded into European markets.

Enlisting leading boat designer, Don Shead, Sunseeker broke into the growing Mediterranean market with a unique craft. Combining his knowledge of superyachts and racing skills in a production cruiser, the Offshore 28 was the first boat of its kind manufactured in Europe. It offered excellent performance and sales in Spain, France and Germany launched the company as Sunseeker International.

Iconic design

Portofino 31 was launched in the 80’s. With a cockpit that could hold a large group of people and two spacious cabins, the emphasis was on high performance and fun with the iconic Tomahawk 37 - still loved today.

Recognising a need for larger boats, Sunseeker designed the Renegade 60 in the 90’s. This was their first production boat featuring twin jet drives; offering manoeuvrability, performance and style. It was released at Southampton Boat Show 1990 to great critical acclaim.

With its luxurious interior and innovative triple Arneson surface drives, the Predator 80 offered incredible performance, luxury accommodation and superb range and handling that had never been experienced before.

The turn of the millennium saw the launch of Sunseeker's largest ever motor yacht, the 105 Yacht. Constructed using technologically advanced composite materials and techniques and with a top speed of 32 knots, its inspirational design won two awards in the prestigious International Superyacht Design awards - it also inspired the new 131 Yacht.

Flagship design

A milestone in the 100ft-plus superyacht category, Sunseeker celebrated the delivery of their 100th luxury performance Super Yacht, the flagship 155 Yacht, in 2015. The launch celebrations marked almost five decades of Sunseeker craftsmanship and innovation.

Sunseeker now exports around 160 luxury yachts around the world every year. It is a true success story. Phoenix Hydraulics is proud to have our mechanical and hydraulic systems on every yacht produced by one of the most revolutionary boat designers in the world.