Originally importers and distributors of boats from Scandinavia and the USA, Poole Power Boats (as Sunseeker was then known) started moulding and fitting out their own boats in the early 1970s. One day, when exhibiting their first 17 and 23 footers at a Boat Show, a man who was a boat dealer in the south of France commented, “if you can make them all in white, and put a full width sunbed across the stern, I’ll buy them”. The fact that they did so, and that the boats sold well exemplified a set of attitudes that has characterised Sunseeker to this day: listen to what customers want and give it to them.

SUNSEEKER MANHATTAN 64 model available from Nicolle Associates

Following this ethos has led to Sunseeker expanding year on year, one of the most popular models produced to date is the Manhattan 64. It is a sophisticated and modern motor yacht designed by Don Shead. The accommodation provides berths for 6 guests and a crew cabin in the stern, which includes a full beam owner’s mid-ship master suite.

The Manhattan 64, with hand-laid glass and balsa core and a foam girder system, weighs in around 30,000kg half-loaded. Coupled with twin Caterpillar 800 HP engines, this boat is capable of 30 knots.