Sadly, in the early hours of this morning, Sunseeker’s founder Robert Braithwaite (76) passed away.

Braithwaite 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.

A frequent visitor to Irish boat shows, the Sunseeker creator developed a close relationship with Gerry Salmon and the team at MGM Boats that in turn led to the staging of several international dealer conferences in Ireland. 

"He lived his life building a brand and was a perfectionist"

"He had a passion for the boat business that was unique. He lived his life building a brand and was a perfectionist with attention to detail and customer service his priorities, Salmon told Afloat.ie

"He loved his company and all the people who worked with him. We had so many good times at boat shows and he hosted legendary dealer conferences over the years. He was quite simply fantastic, Salmon said in tribute at his passing.

Robert was not only the company’s founder but the father of the ‘Sunseeker family’ in Dorset, and worldwide through our dealers and clients. He will always live on as the driving force behind our success.

In further tributes, the Directors of Sunseeker Charters David Ward and Stefan Wertans said "Having fought prostate cancer and bowel cancer successfully, Alzheimer's was the battle he lost, having bravely tackled this dreadful disease the past few years".

Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, added: “This is a sad day for the industry. Robert Braithwaite CBE, DL was not only pivotal in the success of one of Britain’s marine powerhouses but in shaping the wider UK industry and in particular its boat shows.

“Robert was a true industry icon and great personal friend to many. He will be sincerely missed by all those who worked with him here at British Marine during his years as Chairman, exhibitor and member, as well as in the wider industry by those who either knew him personally or who simply recognised his huge contribution and achievements within the sector. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”

*Robert Braithwaite CBE, DL served as Chairman of National Boat Shows in 1991-92, 1997-98 and 2003-04.

The funeral will be private followed by a memorial in a few months time.

After a very successful conference in Donegal in 2009 Sunseeker dealers from all four corners of the world voted unanimously to host the event again at Solis Lough Eske Castle this year. Over 220 people attended last weekend and this time round the conference experienced five days of glorious sunshine in the north west.

MGM Boats, the Irish Distributor for Sunseeker received a 'Bronze Award' for outstanding achievement in Service and Support throughout a very challenging 2010 Season.

'Sales might have slowed down but commitment to After Sales Service remains a core part of our business', commented Martin Salmon of the Dun Laoghaire firm. Pictured below are the four directors of MGM Boats along with Sunseeker founder Robert Braithwaite CBE.

It is the fifth time that Sunseeker have hosted their conference in Ireland in the last ten years. Sunseeker celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the incorporation of the company on the 17th November.

Established 50 years ago, Sunseeker has built a reputation as the manufacturer of the world's finest motoryachts - vessels that enjoy a unique combination of luxury and performance. Despite the Global economic crises Sunseeker have managed to maintain a workforce of 2000 employees in the UK and continue to strive in all markets.

In June of this year Dublin based Investment Firm FL Partners founded by Peter Crowley and Neill Hughes along with a number of Irish Investors bought a significant majority stake in Sunseeker.