On a clear morning on the Dorset coast, the light reflects off the immaculate hulls lining Poole Harbour. The sleek silhouettes of yachts Sunseeker stand out against the horizon like moving sculptures, ready to cleave the sea. Here, for more than fifty years, the dream has been crafted piece by piece, by hand, in a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and technological innovation.
From humble origins to global icon
In 1969, Robert and John Braithwaite melt Poole Power Boats with a clear ambition: to build fast, elegant boats that are different from anything else on the market. In 1985, the brand became Sunseeker International, a name that sounds like a promise: that of seeking the sun, wherever it is.
Today, the house employs around 2 people and produces nearly 200 yachts per year, from 130 to 38 feet, including 98% are exportedFrom the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean to the secret anchorages of the Caribbean, Sunseeker has become a symbol of floating prestige.
Sunseeker DNA: the art of mastering everything
What sets Sunseeker apart from other shipyards is its Design & Technology Centre unique, where each step is integrated: design, manufacture of furniture, assembly of complex electrical systems, custom upholstery, etc.
Every hull curve is designed to optimize performance, every material chosen to last, every finish designed to seduce the eye and flatter the senses. It is this absolute mastery that gives Sunseekers their timeless aura.
On board, the air smells of new teak and the sea. Beneath your feet, oiled parquet flooring creaks slightly, a testament to the craftsmanship. Before you, the sea opens out, endless.
But modern luxury can no longer be conceived without environmental awareness. Sunseeker has understood this and has been displaying the certification for over ten years ISO 14001, a guarantee of a structured environmental commitment.
Biomass boilers fueled by wood scraps now heat two production sites, reducing 1 tonnes of CO₂ per year emissions. R&D teams are working on new propulsion systems, lighter materials, and systems that reduce noise and vibration on board. The result: sailing a Sunseeker means enjoying top-of-the-range comfort. with a reduced footprint.
Sunseeker Fleet Icons
Sunseeker counts 24 models divided into seven ranges, each designed for a different sailing style. Here are four of its most iconic creations:
Predator 75, pure power
Long, low on the water, profiled like a feline ready to pounce, the Predator 75 is the embodiment of speed and agility at sea. Its sleek silhouette and sporty lines set the tone even before leaving the dock.
At full throttle, its two MAN V12 engines, each with 1 hp, propel this racing car to more than 40 knots, while maintaining exemplary stability thanks to a hull optimized for performance. With its 23,06 m long and 5,38 m wide and a draft of 1,87 m, it combines power and maneuverability.
Inside, the ambiance is reminiscent of a supercar cockpit: perfectly stretched matte leather, carbon fiber inserts, and panoramic windows offering a direct view of the horizon. Three luxurious cabins, all with private bathrooms, accommodate up to 8 guests, while the modular aft cockpit and tender garage reinforce its “XXL dayboat” spirit.
Manhattan 68, the English dolce vita
The Manhattan 68 was designed for epicureans who love to sail in comfort and style. With 21,2 m long and 5,26 m wide, it boasts impressive volumes and a habitability worthy of a floating penthouse.
Its panoramic flybridge is a true open-air lounge: large U-shaped bench seat, shaded dining area, forward cockpit offering perfect visibility for long coastal crossings.
Powered by MAN or Volvo Penta engines totaling up to 2 400 hp, he reaches 32 knots and offers a comfortable range of 250 nautical miles.
Inside, four cabins accommodate up to eight passengers, in a decor combining satin woodwork, natural light, and impeccable finishes. This is a yacht designed to savor life at the pace of port of call, from Corsica to the Balearic Islands.
Ocean 50M, the nomadic palace
A true flagship of the Superyacht range, the Ocean 50M embodies elegant excess. With its 48,35 m long and almost 9,6 m wide, it offers a living space equivalent to that of a contemporary villa.
Its semi-displacement aluminum hull, powered by two 2 hp MTU engines, allows it to cruise at 17-20 knots with an impressive autonomy of 3 nautical miles thanks to a 45 litre tank.
The front deck houses an infinity pool, the rear a beach club with hydraulic platform, ideal for diving into crystal clear waters or accommodating water toys.
Inside, five to six luxurious suites can accommodate up to 12 guests, served by a crew of nine. Each space has been designed to maintain a permanent visual contact with the sea, from the main salon to the private decks of the cabins.
Superhawk 55, adrenaline in first class
The Superhawk 55 is the culmination of Sunseeker's expertise in pure performance. Its 17,32 m long and 4,95 m wide house a sharp hull and two Volvo Penta IPS 950 engines of 725 hp each, capable of pushing the yacht to 38 knots.
Sailing is a pure pleasure: exemplary handling, crisp acceleration, and a range of nearly 200 nautical miles at 20 knots.
Its central cockpit, protected but open to the exterior, includes a large wet bar, a dining area and front and rear sunbathing areas.
Inside, the design is sleek and bright, with two refined cabins and a convertible saloon, ideal for an express cruise in the Mediterranean or a quick getaway to the next secret bay.
Training the hands of tomorrow
Sunseeker is also a talent schoolFor over 50 years, its apprenticeship and training programs have attracted young enthusiasts and career changers. Sunseeker Skills Academy, in partnership with Bournemouth and Poole College, intensively trains specialists over 15 months. A way to perpetuate excellence and prepare for the future of an industry in full transformation.
One brand, one lifestyle
Owning a Sunseeker isn't just about acquiring a yacht. It's about choosing a lifestyle where the horizon becomes your only frontier, and being able, at the whim of a sudden impulse, to set sail for Saint-Tropez for lunch on the harbor, then head to Porto Cervo for dinner under the stars. It's also the pleasure of dropping anchor in a forgotten cove at dawn, when the sea is still smooth as glass and the silence is yours alone, and feeling, at your fingertips, the perfectly controlled power of the machine, while enjoying a drink overlooking a panorama that changes with each stopover.
Sunseeker doesn't just sell yachts. It offers a slice of freedom, a sense of escape, and the certainty that every moment spent at sea will become a precious memory. The entire team awaits you at Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 to present the latest news to you!
Patrick Koune
