Sunseeker

WE BUILD DREAMS
Back in 1969, in the English seaside town of Poole, Robert Braithwaite dreamt of building a new kind of boat.

Using revolutionary materials and technology, his early designs were tailored to a handful of customers, keen to embrace new found freedoms.

FATE CREATES OPPORTUNITY
Throughout the sixties, Robert worked at Friar’s Cliff Marine, a company that sold various brands including small boats made by American boat builder Owens Cruisers Inc.

Friar’s Cliff Marine became Poole Powerboats in 1969 when it moved into the town of Poole. But then a dramatic turn of events steered the direction of the firm forever.

Back in the USA, Owens Cruisers decided they would no longer distribute their craft to Europe, announcing their decision to close the UK operation down.

It was at this point that Robert saw a unique opportunity. With the blessing of others, he raised some cash, drove to Owens’ offices in Arundel, and negotiated a deal to acquire their boat moulds.

Now there was just one problem for Poole Powerboats.

The company had never built any kind of seagoing craft before.

Image caption: Poole Powerboats inauguration – (from left to right) John Braithwaite, Jennifer Macklin, John Macklin, Sybil Braithwaite, Idris Braithwaite, John Blackaller, Robert Braithwaite

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, the company was exhibiting at the Southampton Boat Show and keen to meet new customers.

One visitor (none other than Formula One driver, Henry Taylor) loved the boats, but wanted one to accommodate a full width sunbed.