Robert Braithwaite, who founded prolific British yacht builder Sunseeker, sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning (7 March) at the age of 75 following a battle with Alzheimer’s.

Robert began making powerboats in 1969 in response to the growing demand for sports and leisure vessels, launching the first Sunseeker, the Sovereign 20, in 1971. By the late seventies, Sunseekers were selling well across the UK and northern Europe. And today, Sunseeker has been transformed from a small boat dealer on the UK’s south coast into the fourth most prolific manufacturer of 30m-plus superyachts ever, employing 2,600 people.

“Robert was an inspiration to everyone at Sunseeker and to the wider marine industry, recognised as a boating pioneer, a true visionary and someone who changed the face of boating forever,” said the current CEO of Sunseeker, Christian Marti. “Robert was not only the company’s founder but the father of the ‘Sunseeker’ family here in Dorset, and worldwide through our dealers and clients. He will always live on as the driving force behind our success.”

Robert’s tireless passion has not only been the corner stone of Sunseeker’s success over the years, but served to inspire a whole generation of yachting enthusiasts. Sunseeker remains one of the world’s most iconic yachting brands. Our thoughts are with Robert’s family and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. 

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