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NEWS
Sunseeker relaunches
New backing, new GM, new boats and more new models comingNot one to rest on its laurels, UK boatbuilder Sunseeker is bolstering its range of contemporary pleasure cruisers and relaunching closer to home with renewed backing and a re-energised Sunseeker East Coast Australia dealership.
Of course, Sunseeker is no stranger to our shores, with some 300 boats imported here in more than 15 years by the WA importer Sunseeker Australia and its mover and shaker Alf Barbagallo.
But there has been some big restructuring and refinancing at HQ in Dorset and, closer to home, Sunseeker is now relaunching locally on the East Coast, using existing offices at Rozelle Bay in Sydney and soon a new Gold Coast digs, too.
CORPORATE ACTION
Last August, Sunseeker was acquired by Dalian Wanda Group, China's largest premier commercial property and entertainment conglomerate, and there’s been a subsequent management shuffle at the top with founder Robert Braithwaite returning to the role of CEO.
Last August, Sunseeker was acquired by Dalian Wanda Group, China's largest premier commercial property and entertainment conglomerate, and there’s been a subsequent management shuffle at the top with founder Robert Braithwaite returning to the role of CEO.
Meantime, Sunseeker launched a new custom flagship 165 Sport Yacht in July this year, and F1 driver and Sunseeker patron Eddie Jordon took delivery of his new 155 Yacht.
But while these headlines have attracted plenty of media coverage, the big news on our shores are the arrival of new 50-65 footers and that bolstered East Coast representation.
EAST COAST DEALERSHIP
Long-standing Australian Sunseeker importer, WA-based Alf Barbagallo, continues that key national role. But relaunched Sunseeker East Coast Australia now sees Brad Rodgers join the company as a Director and take over from Mike Garrett, while ex-Sunseeker employee Colin Wilcox remains in charge as Service Manager.
Rodgers, ex-Eagle Yachts and water police, has indicated he plans to bolster after-sales servicing and is no stranger to working with big boats and their owners, having represented Bertram (via Eagle Yachts) for more than a decade and run boats to 100-feet for owners.
Sunseeker East Coast Australia also welcomes new managing director John Drake from the long-established Drake Trailers in the heavy machinery and trucking space.
SAN REMO AND MANHATTAN 55
On the new boat front, we recently tested the new Sunseeker San Remo, a dashing 48-foot sportscruiser and the first from the UK yard designed expressly for IPS drives.
We also drove the latest Manhattan 55, which is based on the 53 but with a reworked and extended flying bridge and more great mods. The boat had 715hp CAT12 with shaftdrives.
You can read our reviews of these two Sunseekers in coming weeks, but what stood out was the lift in interior fit and finish. Without going overboard on the external design lines, these new Sunseekers continue the yard’s reputation for creating wow factor.
PREDATOR 57 WITH INVISIBLE DOOR?
For 2015, Sunseeker East Coast Australia will have a new 57 Predator expected to be delivered in time for Sydney Boat show 2015. The stunning new Sunseeker has been optimised with a metallic silver roof and white hull.
To be released at London Boat Show in January, the new Predator 57 carries the yard’s new hull window design. The boat also has a unique sliding-glass saloon door that drops down into the deck to fully integrate the cockpit and interior.
The Predator 57 is powered by twin Volvo D13 900hp shaft drives.
MANHATTAN 65
A new Manhattan 65, with open galley and four cabins including full-beam stateroom, is heading for a 2015 Sydney boat show launch in May. The new flybridge motoryacht boasts a refreshed hull window design for a sleek and progressive look, but also greatly illuminated interiors.
This is also the largest yacht in the current Sunseeker range to offer the IPS drive option for more manoeuvrable piloting. Shaft drives are also available with twin MAN 1000, CAT 1150 or MTU 1200 engines.
Watch this space for more Sunseeker new and our reviews.
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Written byDavid Lockwood
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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