In the early seventies, there were simply no significant builders of boats for the sports and leisure markets in the UK. The first craft to launch was the Sovereign 17 in 1971, closely followed by the Sovereign 20. By 1972, Sunseeker was exhibiting its boats at the Southampton Boat Show and keen to meet new customers. None other than Formula One driver Henry Taylor fell in love with the boats, but wanted to accommodate a full width sunbed. In an early example of Sunseeker giving customers exactly what they want, the team set about designing this unprecedented and ultimately successful new boat.

Robert’s younger brother John joined the business, and became influential in numerous award-winning designs as its Product Development Director, a role he retained for over 50 years until his retirement in 2019. Gaining momentum in the industry, Sunseeker were fulfilling the growing demand for sports cruisers, launching the Sports 23 and the Daycab 23.

The Braithwaite brothers partnered with leading boat designer, Don Shead, to design a totally new kind of cruiser for the Mediterranean market. The Offshore 28 was the brainchild of this unique collaboration, the first of its kind made in Europe. Her innovative hull performance set the standard for performance crafts. Sunseeker International had arrived.

Continuing to take cues from how their owners wanted to use their boats, Sunseeker was building exceptionally unique crafts. In the Portofino 31, the focus shifted from overnight accommodation to cockpits that could host large groups, yielding a wide and comfortable two-cabin boat that exuded style. Sunseeker had put the emphasis on enjoyment, fun and high performance, an era of confidence that manifested itself in the remarkable Tomahawk 37. Still loved to this day, this icon was yet another example of a practical boat delivering on absolutely everything Sunseeker promised.

The 90s introduced an era of style in boating. Sunseeker began to adopt soft shapes and curved silhouettes emerging in automotive design. Cue the Renegade 60, the first production boat with twin jet drives, combining performance, style and exceptional manoeuvrability. Sunseeker set the benchmark not just for imaginative boat design but increasingly, as one of the world’s leading boat builders.

The turn of the century saw Sunseeker set the pace with the launch of its then-largest ever motor yacht, the 105 Yacht, winner of two of the world’s most prestigious accolades at the International Superyacht Design awards. Advanced composite materials and the latest construction techniques created a new era of luxury boating. Ever larger superyachts followed such as the 37M Yacht, inspiring a new generation of yacht building. In 2015, Sunseeker celebrated the delivery of its 100th superyacht, marking several decades of Sunseeker innovation and craftsmanship.

Sunseeker appears in the fourth James Bond film, ‘Quantum of Solace’, with the 37 Metre Yacht, Superhawk 43, Sovereign 17 and a cameo appearance from Robert Braithwaite.

Sunseeker celebrates its 50th anniversary. Sunseeker Predator 130 wins Showboats Design award for best Naval Architecture and becomes a finalist in the World Superyacht Awards. Combining raw power with sophisticated style, this two and a half deck Sport Yacht was designed for those who take pleasure from good taste.

Sunseeker support the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Formula One Team for the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix, and enter into an official FIFA partnership for World Cup. In 2020, Sunseeker signs frame agreement with Rolls Royce for MTU engines.

Sunseeker have continued to develop and perfect their yachts. Technical and design excellence has always been fundamental to the very fabric of being a leading yacht manufacturer. Extensive new product development plan will double the Sunseeker range to 22 boats by 2023. Most recently, Sunseeker launched not one but five new models at the same time, reflecting the extraordinary pace of product development and a feat never before seen in the company’s history.

Sunseeker continue to expand our first-class dealer network around the world. In 2021, Sunseeker appointed NextWave Yachting as new distributor serving Hong Kong, and OneWater Marine as the principal US distributor. This strategic change provides the ultimate support for clients as Sunseeker continues to grow.