Visionary and dreamer: died the founder of Sunseeker

March 11, 20192min read

Another legend in the world of yachting has left us at the age of 75 years died Robert Braithwaite
(Robert Braithwaite), who founded the British shipyard Sunseeker. It happened early Thursday morning, March 7.

“Robert is recognized as a pioneer in boating industry, a true visionary and a man who forever changed the yachting itself. He was not only the founder of the company, but the father “families Sunseeker” here in Dorset, as well as for our dealers and customers. It will always remain the driving force behind our success. Deepest condolences to his close relatives”, — the official statements made on behalf of Sunseeker International Director-General Christian Marty (Christian Marti).

The path of Empire under the name of Braithwaite, Sunseeker began in the late 1960-ies, while at the helm of Poole Power Boats dealer small boats that butirobetaina the South coast of the UK in the town of Poole, Dorset. His first boat he literally single-handedly built in 1968.

Few people know, but actually the success story of Braithwaite originates from work on Friar’s Cliff Marine, where the young Robert was sold to the American boats of the shipyard Cruisers Owens.

When Owens Cruisers announced their withdrawal from the European market, Braithwaite decided that it was time to act, and made a deal. He purchased samples of Owens ships and renamed Friar’s Cliff Marine in Poole Power Boats. The success of Robert Braithwaite obliged his younger brother John, all these years working in the position of product Director.

In the 70-ies, at the dawn of existence of the shipyard, Sunseeker was designed by two iconic boats — Sports Daycab 23 and 23. Then the brothers Braithwaite joined forces with the legendary designer Don Shid (Don Shead), resulted in a 28 Offshore.

Sunseeker is one of the world’s leading yacht brands with a staff of more than 2,600 employees.

The group’s revenue, which last reported in 2017, increased by 17% to £294,7 million This was possible on the background of healthy demand and rising production capacity.

In October of 2002 Braithwaite was named Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the year” and in 2007 received the order of the British Empire. And this is only a small part of those distinctions he was awarded during his lifetime.

Note that last fall Sunseeker has announced that, together with Icon Yachts begins construction of aluminum superyacht Sunseeker 161, which will open a new shipyard horizons, mainly in the field of technology.