Sunseeker to launch new superyacht division

British boatbuilder Sunseeker International has announced its plans for a new superyacht division focusing on yachts over 100 feet (30.5 metres), during the UK builder’s annual press conference at boot Düsseldorf.

Building on the firm’s legacy of delivering over 150 yachts exceeding 100 feet since 2000, the division will launch a range spanning 100 to 140 feet, including the 120 Yacht, 135 Yacht, and Ocean 460.

During the press conference, CEO Andrea Frabetti highlighted the division’s strong order book and plans to expand production capabilities.

The Poole-based firm also unveiled the next-generation Manhattan 68 (2025) at boot Düsseldorf 2025, showcasing a sleeker superstructure, a redesigned flybridge with ergonomic upgrades, and configurable interior layouts. The Manhattan 68 (2025) achieves speeds of up to 32 knots and a range of 550 nautical miles, powered by twin MAN V8 or V12 engines.

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At the event, Sunseeker also detailed environmentally focused initiatives such as biomass boilers at its UK production facilities, which reduce carbon emissions by up to 1,200 tonnes annually.

The news comes after Italy’s Orienta Capital Partners and US’s Lionheart Capital bought Sunseeker International from China’s Wanda real estate group in November 2024.

In December, MIN reported that Sunseeker had announced a number of temporary layoffs shortly before Christmas due to “restrictions in its supply chain” and cash-flow issues. The firm had revenues of over £260m in its last financial accounts. 

The company has confirmed that 100 temporarily laid-off staff will be back at work by 27 January 2025, and it says that no “permanent employee” lost their job. The firm has not commented on the position of agency staff.